Washington property owners are legally responsible for keeping their premises safe. If you get hurt because they fail to do so, you could have a case for compensation. Freeman Law Firm, Inc. team can build a strong case on your behalf and fight for the compensation you need to recover. Contact our Olympia office today at (360) 338-6886 for a free consultation to learn more about how we can help.
Slip and fall accidents happen in many different environments and can result from various causes. Here are some of the most common causes of slips and falls:
Wet or slippery floors are a leading cause of slip and fall accidents. Spills, cleaning products, and leaks can leave floors dangerously slick, especially in high-traffic locations like grocery stores and restaurants. Business owners must put up warning signs or quickly clean their floors when spills occur, but many fail to do so. When water or other substances remain on the floor for too long, people can easily lose their footing and fall, sometimes sustaining severe injuries as a result.
Uneven surfaces, such as cracked sidewalks, broken floor tiles, or loose carpeting, pose significant pedestrian hazards. These hazards can cause people to trip and fall, particularly when the uneven surfaces aren’t easily visible. Poorly maintained public walkways or commercial areas with uneven flooring present dangers that businesses and property owners should fix quickly. If they don’t, the uneven surfaces can increase the risk of visitors stumbling and getting hurt.
Inadequate lighting makes it more difficult for people to see obstacles in their paths, which can easily lead to slip and fall accidents. Dim lighting in stairwells, parking lots, or hallways often hides potential hazards like unexpected steps, elevation changes, or debris on the ground. Businesses and property managers must ensure proper lighting in all areas of their premises to prevent accidents. A property owner could be liable if someone trips or falls because they couldn’t see a hazard.
Cluttered walkways, especially in stores or warehouses, create obstacles that can easily cause someone to trip. Boxes, equipment, or other objects left in walking paths force people to step around or over them, which increases the risk of preventable falls. Business owners and workers must keep these areas clear and organized for the safety of their customers. If they fail to maintain walkways properly, slip and fall accidents become much more likely, particularly in busy environments.
Rain, snow, and ice contribute to many slip and fall accidents, especially on outdoor surfaces like sidewalks, parking lots, and entryways. Property owners must address these hazards in areas with frequent rain or winter weather by salting icy paths, clearing snow, and providing proper drainage for water. Failing to maintain safe conditions during bad weather can lead to dangerous falls, particularly when people walk into buildings with wet shoes, creating slippery indoor floors.
Slip and fall accidents are a common issue in Olympia, Washington. Some specific local factors that contribute to the risk of slips and falls are:
Olympia’s sidewalks, particularly those near busy intersections, can become dangerous without proper maintenance. Cracks, uneven surfaces, and general wear pose significant risks to pedestrians. During the winter months, icy conditions make these sidewalks even more hazardous. The City of Olympia has acknowledged these issues and recently approved $500,000 for sidewalk repairs along some main corridors. The repairs, scheduled for 2024, will focus on areas like Harrison Avenue, State Avenue, 4th Avenue, Capitol Way, and Washington Street. The work will involve panel replacements, tree root pruning, and curb ramp upgrades. However, until these repairs are complete, many areas remain hazardous for pedestrians.
Olympia’s weather also contributes to slip and fall accidents. With over 160 rainy days per year, Olympia experiences more precipitation than Seattle, one of America’s most famously soggy cities. This substantial precipitation makes sidewalks and public areas consistently wet. Rain-soaked surfaces can quickly become dangerously slippery, especially in areas with poor drainage or inadequate maintenance. Businesses and property owners in Olympia must take extra precautions during rainy seasons. Visitors can slip, trip, and fall if owners fail to provide proper floor mats, regularly mop indoor areas, or ensure the safety of outdoor walkways.
Historic Downtown Olympia, including Capitol Way, also features unique slip and fall risks. The older infrastructure in this area includes uneven sidewalks, worn stairs, and poor lighting, which create dangers for residents and tourists. Popular sites like Percival Landing, a waterfront boardwalk near Capitol Lake, attract many walkers and visitors, some of whom are unaware of the hazards. If city officials fail to keep local sidewalks and other public spaces in good shape or provide adequate warnings, they can contribute to severe slip and fall accidents.
Dangerous sidewalks, frequent rain, and aging infrastructure all increase the likelihood of a slip and fall accident. Identifying these local factors plays a critical role in proving the property owner's responsibility to maintain a safe environment. Failing to address these hazards can result in liability for injuries, which helps you and your attorney build a strong case for compensation.
Insurance companies often minimize payouts for slip and fall claims. They may attempt to:
An experienced Olympia slip and fall attorney can counter these tactics by:
If the insurance company refuses a fair settlement, your attorney can take the case to court. Hiring a skilled slip and fall lawyer improves your chances of securing the compensation you deserve, allowing you to focus on recovery instead of being burdened with the complex case process.
Olympia Slip and fall lawyers can identify and speak to anyone who saw the accident. Witnesses can confirm details about the property’s condition and how the accident occurred.
An experienced attorney will know how to locate and review the property owner’s maintenance logs. They’ll look for signs that the owner ignored a known hazard or failed to fix it in a reasonable time.
If the property owner argues that you were responsible for the accident, it may raise concerns about recovering compensation. However, Washington’s pure comparative negligence rule allows you to seek damages even if you share some fault for the incident. The court assigns fault percentages, and your compensation is adjusted accordingly. For example, being found 20% at fault means you can still recover 80% of your total losses.
Insurance companies and property owners might try to reduce their liability by claiming you were not paying attention or disregarded warnings. While these tactics can affect the amount of compensation, an attorney can challenge such claims and reduce your assigned fault.
Attorneys collect key evidence such as witness statements, surveillance footage, and expert testimony to show the property owner's responsibility for hazardous conditions. Building a strong case helps reduce your assigned fault and maximize your financial recovery, even when the property owner tries to shift the blame.
The personal injury statute of limitations under Washington state law gives you three years to file a slip and fall lawsuit after an injury accident, such as a slip and fall. If you wait too long to take action, you could lose your right to recover any compensation for your injuries. The filing deadline is strict, so it’s essential to contact a lawyer as soon as possible after a slip and fall to protect your right to sue.
A slip and fall attorney can step in right away to get your claim moving and make sure everything is filed on time. They’ll handle gathering evidence, talking to witnesses, and negotiating with the insurance company, all focused on building the strongest case possible. Reaching out early gives your attorney the time needed to fully protect your rights and secure the best outcome before any deadlines pass.
Don’t face the aftereffects of a slip and fall accident alone. Contact Freeman Law Firm, Inc., today for a free consultation to discuss your case. Our attorneys are here to help you explore your options and fight for the compensation you need to move forward. Call us today at (360) 338-6886 or use our contact form.
