Were you injured in a slip and fall accident on another person’s property in Tacoma, Washington? You may have the right to pursue a premises liability claim for compensation. Sears Injury Law is here to handle the legal work on your behalf so that you can focus on healing from your injuries.
Our team of Tacoma personal injury lawyers has more than 100 years of combined legal experience and has already recovered over $300 million for injured clients throughout Washington. That track record of success reflects both our skill and our commitment to standing up for victims when property owners fail to take reasonable care.
Call our law offices today at (253) 544-5553 or get in touch with us online for more information. Our Tacoma slip and fall accident attorneys work on contingency, so we only get paid if you do.
How Our Tacoma Slip and Fall Accident Lawyers Can Help
Slip and fall accidents can happen almost anywhere in Tacoma, WA. While these accidents might sound minor, the consequences can be devastating. Medical bills add up quickly, and insurers are rarely eager to pay what your claim is truly worth. Having a skilled lawyer in your corner when faced with these circumstances may be the best decision you could possibly make.
Sears Injury Law is one of Washington’s most trusted personal injury law firms, and our Tacoma slip and fall accident attorneys know how to take on large insurance companies and property owners. From the moment you call us, we get to work on protecting your interests and maximizing the value of your claim.
Our slip and fall accident lawyers in Tacoma can help by:
- Identifying every liable party and determining the best strategy for your claim
- Calculating both your financial and personal losses in full detail
- Consulting with experts to build persuasive evidence in your favor
- Protecting you against accusations that you caused your own fall
- Handling all settlement negotiations and communications
- Taking your case to court in Pierce County if a fair agreement cannot be reached
If you have any questions about whether you have a valid claim, we can provide guidance during your free initial consultation and explain the steps involved in moving forward. Call today to get started.
What Do I Need To Prove To Win a Slip and Fall Accident Case in Tacoma?
Slip and fall claims are brought under Washington’s premises liability law, which holds property owners and occupiers accountable when they fail to maintain reasonably safe conditions for those who enter their property. To succeed with your claim, you generally will need to show that the property owner either created the dangerous condition or knew (or should have known) about it and failed to correct it or warn you in time.
The law also distinguishes between different types of visitors:
- Invitees are customers or others who are present for the benefit of the property owner. They are owed the highest duty of care, including routine inspections and prompt repairs of hazards.
- Licensees are social guests, such as someone visiting a friend’s home. Property owners must warn them of any known dangers that might not be obvious.
- Trespassers are owed the least protection. However, there are exceptions, such as the “attractive nuisance doctrine” that applies to children who may be drawn to unsafe conditions like an unfenced swimming pool.
Premises liability cases can be difficult to prove, but our top-rated Tacoma slip and fall accident attorneys are more than up to the task. Call today to learn more about your legal rights and options.
How Valuable Is My Tacoma Slip and Fall Case?
Every slip and fall case is different at the end of the day, so the value of your claim will depend on the specific facts involved. While some cases are worth thousands of dollars, others may be worth substantially more.
Some of the key elements that determine value include:
- The cost of your current and anticipated medical treatment
- Whether you need rehabilitation or long-term care
- Your lost income and diminished ability to earn a living
- How your injuries affect your daily life and enjoyment of activities
- The strength of the proof linking the hazard to your accident
- Any fault that may be assigned to you under Washington’s comparative negligence law
Our Tacoma slip and fall lawyers will investigate your accident internally, gather supporting documents, and work with experts such as medical professionals and economists to ensure the full scope of your damages is accounted for.
What Damages Are Available After a Slip and Fall Accident in Washington?
Victims of slip and fall accidents in Washington may recover both economic and non-economic damages.
Economic damages cover your financial losses, such as:
- Current and future medical expenses
- Rehabilitation and physical therapy
- Lost income and reduced earning potential
- Out-of-pocket costs
- Property damage caused by the fall
Non-economic damages address your intangible losses, including:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Disability or impairment
- Loss of enjoyment of life
Unlike some states, Washington does not generally permit punitive damages unless authorized by a specific statute. That means the focus in most slip and fall cases is on fully compensating you for the harm you’ve suffered.
What if I’m Being Blamed for My Slip and Fall in Tacoma?
Property owners and their insurers often try to argue that you were careless and caused your own accident. Washington applies a pure comparative negligence law in these situations, which means you can still recover damages even if you were partly at fault. Your compensation will simply be reduced by your percentage of responsibility.
For example, if you are found 25% responsible, your award will be reduced by that amount. At Sears Injury Law, we know how to counter unfair blame and will work to ensure fault is assigned fairly.
What Is the Time Limit To File a Personal Injury Lawsuit in Washington State?
Most slip and fall accident claims in Washington are subject to a three-year statute of limitations. This means you must file your lawsuit within three years of the date of the accident, or you risk losing your right to recover damages entirely.
Certain exceptions may apply, such as cases involving minors, delayed discovery of injury, or claims against government entities. Speaking with an injury attorney as soon as possible after your accident is the best way to make sure all deadlines are met.
Contact Our Experienced Tacoma Slip and Fall Accident Attorneys for a Free Case Review
If you were involved in a slip and fall accident in Tacoma, WA, you may be entitled to compensation from the responsible property owner. With more than 100 years of combined experience and over $300 million recovered for clients, Sears Injury Law has the resources and dedication to help you throughout the entire legal process.
Contact our Tacoma slip and fall accident lawyers today to schedule a free consultation.
