Slip and Fall Lawyers in Seattle

A property owner owes a duty of care to individuals who come onto their premises and should maintain it to keep it safe for all visitors. This duty applies to all properties, whether businesses, apartment buildings, or even private homes. Property owners could be liable for damages if they fail in their responsibilities to visitors. Their insurance company may offer you a quick settlement, but that’s often not in your best interests because it might not adequately cover all your losses. A skilled slip and fall attorney in Seattle can help you seek a settlement that fully compensates you for all the damages caused by your accident.

What Should You Do if You’ve Had a Slip and Fall Accident in Seattle?

Caring for your well-being is your first priority if you’ve been injured in a slip-and-fall accident. If you are severely hurt, call 911. Even if you only seem to have bumps and bruises, you should get a medical evaluation as soon as possible. Not every severe injury is immediately evident, and delaying treatment can exacerbate it. A prompt medical evaluation helps you in two ways: it ensures that you get the treatment you need to heal and creates an official record of your injuries that supports your personal injury claim.

You should also take pictures of the scene to show the condition of the area at the time of the accident. If you cannot photograph it due to your injuries, contact a friend or relative to document it as soon as possible because the property owner may try to hastily fix or clean the area. Contacting a trusted personal injury lawyer for a free consultation can provide you with more guidance on any further steps you should take.

What Damage Can Be Caused by a Slip and Fall Accident?

Over a million people are seen in emergency rooms in the U.S. yearly due to slip and fall injuries, making it one of the most common types of accidents. The bodily damage from the subsequent injuries can range from minor to severe. Sadly, some injuries may even lead to death, especially for older victims. The medical problems a slip and fall accident victim may face include:

Bruising
Lacerations
Broken or fractured bones
Dislocations
Head trauma
Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
Spinal cord injuries, possibly leading to paralysis
Death

Victims, especially if they are older, may face further complications from their initial injuries, such as blood clots, loss of mobility, chronic pain, loss of independence, and depression. These secondary problems can negatively impact an accident victim’s quality of life and may lead to permanent disability or even death.

How Can Washington’s Comparative Fault Laws Impact Your Case?

Because Washington is a pure comparative fault state, victims can seek compensation for damages caused by any accident, as long as they are not 100% responsible for it. While that provides accident victims with more opportunity to recover compensation in some situations, it also gives insurance companies a large amount of leeway to shift blame onto the victim. Frequently the insurance will say the accident would not have happened if the victim had been more careful. Showing the difference between being 30% or 60% at fault for an accident can be challenging, but it dramatically impacts the compensation you can recover. Having an experienced attorney on your side who can fight back against the insurance company’s accusations is critical.

What is the Role of a Slip and Fall Attorney?

A slip and fall attorney from Elsner Law Firm is there to support you through every phase of your personal injury claim. They understand what evidence is required to prove negligence on the property owner’s part, and they have the time and resources to gather it. An experienced lawyer has the knowledge to calculate a fair settlement amount that takes into account not only your current expenses but also any ongoing bills and non-economic damages such as pain and suffering you may be facing.

A lawyer who is a strong negotiator can frequently get you the settlement you deserve without stepping foot in the courtroom. However, our lawyers are always prepared to take the case to trial when necessary. Slip and fall cases are usually taken on a contingency basis, so you will not pay anything unless you receive a settlement. Call Elsner Law Firm PLLC today for a free slip and fall case evaluation: 206-447-1425.