If you’ve suffered an injury after slipping, tripping, or falling on the premises of someone else, you may be eligible to receive compensation. Slip and fall accidents are quite common, especially for those aged 65 or older. Slipping and falling on a slick or uneven surface can result in serious injuries, such as concussions, broken or fractured bones, ankle injuries, and injuries to the back or spinal cord. In Washington state, you have the right to pursue a premises liability claim against the property owner to secure the compensation you need to get your life back on track. The crux of your legal argument, however, is your ability to demonstrate negligence on the part of the proprietor. Let’s take a look at what this entails, and how an experienced personal injury attorney can help you achieve a favorable outcome.
Duty of Care in Washington State
All property owners in Washington state have a duty of care to keep their premises free of hazards. This means that they should take regular and reasonable measures to keep their property in good repair to ensure that lawful visitors are safe. For example, property owners, like a shopkeeper, should frequently inspect their property to make sure there are no obvious hazards, like cluttered floors, cracked pavement, loose tile, or broken handrails. If they notice a hazard, it’s their obligation to repair it right away; if immediate repair is not possible, they should mark the area clearly to alert visitors or consumers about the hazard. Property owners who fail to uphold their duty of care may be held liable for any injuries sustained by lawful visitors.
Building a Successful Premises Liability Claim
In order to prepare a successful premises liability claim, you’ll need to establish that you were a lawful visitor to the property in question—essentially, that you were not trespassing on the premises at the time of the injury. You’ll also need to make a connection to the property owner’s negligence or failure to uphold their duty of care to the injuries you suffered. Showing negligence on behalf of the proprietor can be challenging, so any documentation you can provide (such as photos or witness statements) to illustrate the condition of the property or the presence of the hazard that led to your accident can help your case. Your attorney will work with you to determine the best legal strategy for building a compelling claim.
How a Premises Liability Attorney Can Help
Dealing with the aftermath of an accident can be overwhelming. You’re likely facing physical, emotional, and financial struggles during this challenging time, and the thought of taking legal action may sound like it requires too much effort. Working with a dedicated personal injury lawyer is a great way to make sure you have the best chances of recovering the compensation you need to recover. While you focus on putting your life back together, your attorney will work hard to develop a successful premises liability claim that aims to secure you a favorable outcome.
For more information about how to recover compensation following a slip and fall accident in the Vancouver or Camas area, contact the dedicated and compassionate legal team at Henderson Taylor Law Firm today by calling (360) 737-1478.
