A slip and fall can leave you or a loved one facing medical bills, missed work, and pain that affects your quality of life. When a property owner fails to keep a space reasonably safe, you may have the right to seek compensation.
At NextLaw, our attorneys help injured people in Burien understand their legal options. Our team brings more than 100 years of combined experience to our work.
If you were hurt because of a dangerous property condition, our Burien slip and fall accident lawyers can help you understand what may be possible. Call NextLaw for a free consultation with a Burien personal injury lawyer.
How Long Do You Have to File a Slip and Fall Claim in Washington?
In many personal injury cases, Washington law provides a three-year statute of limitations. That means, under RCW 4.16.080, the state generally requires actions for personal injury or other injuries to a person or their rights to be filed within three years.
Claims involving government property can also have additional requirements. Washington law requires claims against local government entities to be presented before a lawsuit can be filed, and generally requires a 60-calendar-day waiting period after the claim is presented.
That does not mean you should wait three years before speaking with a lawyer. Because different rules may apply depending on the property owner and type of claim, it is best to get legal advice as soon as possible.
For a free legal consultation with a slip and fall accident lawyer serving Burien, call (253) 238-2558
What Compensation Can You Seek After a Burien Slip and Fall?
A serious fall can create costs that extend well beyond the first trip to the doctor. Depending on the facts of your case, you may be able to seek compensation for losses such as:
- Medical expenses: This can include emergency care, doctor visits, medication, surgery, and other treatment related to your injury.
- Future medical care: If you are expected to need additional treatment or rehabilitation, those future costs may also be considered.
- Lost wages: If your injury keeps you from working, you may be able to seek compensation for income you lost.
- Reduced earning ability: A serious injury may affect your ability to earn the same income in the future.
- Pain and suffering: Compensation may be available for the physical pain and emotional effects of your injury.
- Rehabilitation costs: Physical therapy, occupational therapy, and other rehabilitation may be part of your claim.
- Property damage: If your belongings were damaged in the fall, those losses may also be considered.
The amount of compensation available depends on your injuries, losses, and the facts of the accident; there isn’t really an average settlement amount for slip and fall accidents, but talking with a lawyer can provide more clarity.
Burien Slip and Fall Accident Lawyer Near Me
Call: (253) 238-2558Why Work With Our Burien Slip and Fall Accident Lawyers?
After an accident, you may be dealing with medical care, work problems, insurance calls, and uncertainty about what happens next. Having an attorney handle the legal side can take some of that pressure off your shoulders.
The Burien slip and fall accident attorneys from NextLaw can help investigate what happened, gather evidence, deal with insurance companies, and pursue your claim when appropriate. If a fair settlement cannot be reached, our team can also prepare to take the case to court.
We work on a contingency-fee basis for qualifying personal injury cases, which means you do not pay any attorney fees unless we recover compensation for you.
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Common Hazards That Can Cause Slip and Fall Accidents in Burien
Slip and fall accidents can happen almost anywhere. Some hazards are easy to see, while others may be hidden or left in place long enough for someone to get hurt. Common causes include:
- Wet or recently mopped floors: Stores, restaurants, and other businesses may have wet floors that are not marked or blocked off properly.
- Uneven sidewalks and parking lots: Cracks, potholes, raised pavement, and uneven surfaces can cause someone to trip or lose their balance.
- Poor lighting: Dark stairwells, hallways, or parking areas can make it harder to see hazards before it is too late.
- Snow and ice: Winter weather can create slippery sidewalks, entrances, and parking areas when property owners fail to take reasonable steps to address the conditions.
- Loose rugs or mats: A rug that slides or curls up at the edge can create a tripping hazard.
- Cluttered walkways: Boxes, merchandise, cords, or other objects left in walkways can cause people to trip.
- Building safety problems: Older buildings may have maintenance issues that create dangerous conditions.
The cause of a fall is important because it may help show who was responsible for the unsafe condition.
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Injuries From a Fall Can Affect Your Life for Years
A fall may seem minor at first, but some injuries can take months or even years to heal. Older adults may also face a higher risk of serious injury after a fall. Common injuries include:
- Broken hips, wrists, ankles, or other bones.
- Sprains and strains.
- Back and neck injuries.
- Traumatic brain injuries and concussions.
- Spinal cord injuries.
- Soft tissue injuries.
- Injuries that require surgery.
- Injuries that require long-term rehabilitation.
Some people may have trouble working, driving, walking, or taking care of everyday tasks after a serious fall. If your injury has changed your daily life, it is important to take your medical care and legal options seriously.
Who May Be Responsible for a Burien Slip and Fall?
The person or company responsible for a dangerous property condition depends on where the accident happened and who controlled the property. More than one party may sometimes share responsibility. Here is who you may be able to hold accountable:
- Property owners: Owners may have a duty to take reasonable steps to maintain their property and address known hazards.
- Businesses and tenants: A business operating on rented property may have responsibilities for areas it controls.
- Property managers: A property management company may be involved if it was responsible for inspections, maintenance, or repairs.
- Government entities: A city, county, or other government agency may be responsible for certain dangerous conditions on public property, such as sidewalks or parks, but special claim procedures can apply.
- HOAs: A homeowners association may have responsibilities for shared areas such as sidewalks, walkways, or other common spaces.
Figuring out who controlled the area where you fell can be an important part of a claim. Our Burien slip and fall accident lawyers can help identify the parties that may have legal responsibility.
Injured in a Burien Slip and Fall? Call Dan Next
A slip and fall can leave you facing pain, medical bills, missed work, and questions about what happens next. You should not have to handle those problems alone.
NextLaw’s attorneys can help investigate your accident, explain your options, and work to protect your interests. Our team brings more than 100 years of combined experience to our work, with a focus on providing personal service to people who need help.
Evidence can disappear, and legal deadlines can apply, so it is worth taking action sooner rather than later. NextLaw is here to help you move forward and seek fair compensation. Injured in a slip and fall accident? Call Dan Next!
Call or text (253) 238-2558 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form