Slip and fall accidents can happen anywhere—at grocery stores, office buildings, or even on poorly maintained sidewalks. Property owners can be held accountable for injuries under Washington’s premises liability laws when they fail to keep their premises safe.
At the Bernard Law Group, we understand how overwhelming it can be to suffer an injury in a slip-and-fall accident. You may face unexpected medical bills, lost wages, and the frustrating reality of dealing with insurance companies. As your trusted Bellevue accident lawyer, we’re here to stand by your side and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Our team has the knowledge and experience to help you navigate the legal process and recover damages for your losses.
What is a Slip and Fall Accident?
A slip and fall accident occurs when a person slips, trips, or stumbles due to hazardous conditions, causing them to fall and sustain injuries. These accidents can range from minor bruises to severe injuries like broken bones, spinal cord damage, and traumatic brain injuries.
Many victims of these accidents don’t realize they have a right to compensation. That’s where our experience as a slip-and-fall accident attorney in Bellevue makes a difference.
Washington’s premises liability laws hold property owners responsible for maintaining reasonably safe conditions. This duty applies to both public and private spaces. If a hazardous condition—such as a wet floor, uneven pavement, or poor lighting—contributes to your injury, we can help you pursue a claim.
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Common Causes of Slip and Fall Accidents
Slip and fall accidents can happen for many reasons, often due to someone else’s negligence. As your Bellevue premises liability lawyer, we’ve seen cases involving:
- Wet floors without proper warning signs
- Poorly lit stairways or hallways
- Uneven or cracked sidewalks
- Ice or snow left untreated on walkways
- Loose rugs or floorboards
- Debris or clutter in high-traffic areas
Each of these hazards poses a significant risk to public safety. In Washington, property owners must take reasonable steps to identify and remedy these dangers. They are liable for the injuries caused when they fail to do so.
Washington’s Premises Liability Law Explained
In Washington, premises liability laws protect individuals lawfully on another person’s property. This means property owners and businesses have a duty to keep their premises safe or provide clear warnings of potential dangers. If you’ve been hurt because of a property owner’s negligence, our Bellevue accident attorney team can help you prove the elements of a premises liability claim, which include:
- A Dangerous Condition Existed: The owner should have known about a hazard on the property.
- Failure to Address the Hazard: The owner did not fix the issue or warn visitors of the risk.
- Injury Resulting from the Hazard: You suffered injuries directly because of the dangerous condition.
Proving these elements requires strong evidence. We collect photographs, surveillance footage, maintenance records, and witness statements to build the most compelling case possible.
Injuries Caused by Slip and Fall Accidents
Slip and fall injuries can range from mild to catastrophic. Some common injuries include:
- Fractured or broken bones, especially hips, wrists, and ankles
- Head injuries, including concussions and traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Spinal cord injuries and herniated discs
- Soft tissue injuries, such as sprains and strains
- Cuts, bruises, and contusions
Falls are one of the leading causes of emergency room visits in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 800,000 people are hospitalized every year due to fall-related injuries, with older adults being particularly at risk.
Our injury lawyer in Bellevue, Washington understands the serious impact these injuries can have on your life. We make sure you receive compensation not only for your medical bills but also for your pain and suffering, lost wages, and long-term rehabilitation costs.
What to Do After a Slip and Fall Accident
If you or a loved one has been injured in a slip and fall, taking the right steps can protect your rights. Here’s what we recommend:
- Seek Medical Attention: Even if your injuries seem minor, get checked by a healthcare professional. Some injuries may not show symptoms immediately.
- Report the Incident: Notify the property owner or manager and ask for a written report.
- Document the Scene: Take photos of the hazard and your injuries.
- Collect Witness Information: If anyone saw the accident, get their contact details.
- Avoid Speaking with Insurance Adjusters: Insurance companies may try to minimize your claim. Direct all communication to your Bellevue accident attorney.
Our team will guide you through the process and ensure no critical steps are missed. We handle the legal complexities so you can focus on your recovery.
How We Can Help as Your Bellevue Slip and Fall Accident Lawyer
We know that recovering from an accident can be physically, emotionally, and financially draining. As your top-rated slip and fall accident attorney in Bellevue, we take on the heavy lifting for you, handling every aspect of your case, including:
- Investigating the accident and gathering evidence
- Communicating with insurance companies
- Negotiating settlements that reflect the true value of your claim
- Filing lawsuits and representing you in court, if necessary
Our goal is to secure maximum compensation for your injuries. We understand that no two cases are the same, so we tailor our legal strategy to meet your specific needs. Whether it’s negotiating a fair settlement or fighting for justice in court, we’re with you every step of the way.
Compensation You May Be Entitled To
A successful slip and fall claim can cover various damages, including:
- Medical expenses (both current and future)
- Lost wages and loss of earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Rehabilitation and therapy costs
- Property damage
Washington follows a comparative fault rule, meaning that even if you were partially at fault for the accident, you can still recover damages. However, your compensation may be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are found 20% at fault, your award will be reduced by 20%.
Our Bellevue premises liability lawyer team will carefully analyze the facts of your case to minimize any potential fault assigned to you.
Why Choose the Bernard Law Group?
When you need a slip-and-fall lawyer near me, the Bernard Law Group is here to provide the experience and dedication you deserve. With decades of experience handling personal injury cases, we’ve recovered millions of dollars for our clients. Our track record speaks for itself, and we are committed to delivering outstanding results for every client.
We take pride in advocating for injury victims in Bellevue and throughout Washington. We’ll treat you with compassion and respect from the moment you contact us. We understand the challenges you’re facing, and we’re ready to help you through this difficult time.
Need Justice? Reach Out Today for Legal Counsel
Contact Us Today for a Free Consultation
If you’ve been injured in a slip-and-fall accident, don’t wait to seek legal advice. The statute of limitations for personal injury claims in Washington is three years from the accident date, so acting quickly is essential. Contact our team today to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with a slip-and-fall accident attorney in Bellevue.
We’ll evaluate your case, answer your questions, and discuss the best legal options. Let us fight for the compensation you deserve so you can focus on healing and moving forward with your life.