When a business or residence fails to properly maintain its property, serious injuries can occur. If you have been injured as a result of someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation. Working with a premises liability lawyer in Federal Way can help you to understand your rights and what your case may be worth.
Choosing the right lawyer makes a difference. At Siegfried & Jensen, we are here to fight for you. As your local Federal Way personal injury lawyer, we understand the pain you have had to endure and are dedicated to fighting for the justice you deserve.
Premises Liability Claims Can Arise From Many Types of Accidents
Premises liability covers more than the typical slip and fall accident. The key issue is usually whether a condition on the property created an unreasonable risk of injury and whether the person responsible should have done something about it. Examples can include:
- Slips and falls caused by spilled liquids, recently mopped floors, or other slippery surfaces
- Trips over broken pavement, uneven flooring, torn carpeting, cords, or clutter
- Falls caused by damaged stairs or missing handrails
- Accidents involving poor lighting in stairwells, hallways, or parking areas
- Injuries caused by falling merchandise or improperly secured objects
- Elevator or escalator accidents
- Swimming pool accidents
- Dog bites or animal attacks
- Injuries caused by unsafe balconies, decks, fences, or other structures
- Accidents involving inadequate security in certain circumstances
Working with a knowledgeable Federal Way premises liability lawyer from Siegfried & Jensen can help you understand if you have a case for a slip and fall injury claim or how premises liability laws affect dog bite cases.
For a free legal consultation with a premises liability lawyer serving Federal Way, call (801) 266-0999
Premises Liability Accidents Can Cause Serious Injuries
Oftentimes, you may not feel the full impact of a premises liability accident immediately. It may take several hours or even days before you feel the full extent of the pain from your injury. This is why after an accident, it is essential that you document what happened and any symptoms you feel as a result.
Broken bones, sprains, soft tissue injuries, back injuries, and head injuries are not uncommon after falling or slipping. While some injuries may seem minor, they may have long-term consequences and result in lifelong pain.
Beyond the pain, more serious injuries such as a serious fall, dog bite, or other accident may affect your ability to work, care for yourself, and care for family members. For some, this can last months, years, or even be permanent. If you have been injured due to someone else’s negligence, you may be owed compensation.
Federal Way Premises Liability Lawyer Near Me (801) 266-0999
What You Do After an Accident Can Affect Your Claim
The moments immediately following an accident can be confusing, but the steps you take can have a major impact on your claim. Evidence can disappear quickly once a spill is cleaned, damaged flooring is repaired, or surveillance footage is overwritten. If you are able, help protect the evidence by:
- Reporting the accident to the property owner, manager, or employee
- Asking that an incident report be completed
- Taking photographs and videos of the scene
- Getting names and contact information from witnesses
- Seeking prompt medical attention
- Keeping copies of medical records, bills, receipts, and other documents
- Avoiding giving statements to insurance companies before speaking with legal counsel
Ensuring the physical safety of yourself and those around you takes top priority, so if any of these actions put you at risk, it is generally best to wait until you receive medical attention before anything.
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Evidence Can Show How Long a Dangerous Condition Existed
One of the more challenging aspects of a premises liability case is proving that the responsible party had an opportunity to discover and fix the hazard. Photographs and witness testimony can be immensely helpful when showing that the accident should not have happened.
Businesses may also have surveillance cameras, inspection logs, cleaning schedules, maintenance records, or employee reports. These records can sometimes show whether employees inspected the area or whether similar problems had happened before. Preserving this evidence early can be especially important because some records or videos are not kept indefinitely.
Prior complaints, repair requests, or earlier accidents may also help establish notice of a dangerous condition. For example, repeated complaints about a broken stair could show that a property manager was aware of the problem before someone was hurt. Your Federal Way premises liability attorney can investigate these records rather than relying solely on what the property owner says happened.
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Compensation May Cover the Financial and Personal Effects of an Injury
A premises liability claim is intended to address losses resulting from an injury sustained on someone else’s property due to their negligence. The amount and types of compensation available depend heavily on the severity of the injury and how it affects your day-to-day life. Potential compensation may include:
- Emergency medical treatment
- Hospital bills
- Doctor and specialist appointments
- Physical or occupational therapy
- Future medical treatment
- Lost wages
- Reduced future earning ability
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Other accident-related expenses
Calculating damages requires looking beyond bills that have already arrived. Someone with a long-term injury may have future treatment costs or employment limitations that should be considered before a claim is resolved.
There Is Limited Time to Bring a Premises Liability Claim in Washington
Washington law places deadlines on personal injury lawsuits. Per RCW 4.16.080, you have three years from the date of the injury to file a claim before it becomes time-barred and you can no longer recover compensation.
Additionally, waiting can make it more challenging to prove fault. Evidence can fade quickly as hazards are repaired, witnesses become difficult to locate, and surveillance footage is lost or erased. The sooner you begin collecting evidence and begin your claim, the higher the likelihood of a favorable outcome.
There are scenarios in which the three-year rule may not be applicable. In cases against the government, shorter deadlines tend to apply, whereas in cases where a minor is the injured party, the clock generally doesn’t start until they turn 18.
Speak With a Premises Liability Attorney in Federal Way
At Siegfried & Jensen, we know how injuries caused by the lack of care of others can become life-altering, and we are here to fight for the compensation you are owed. Contact our premises liability lawyer in Federal Way today for your free consultation to get started.
Call or text (801) 266-0999 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form