Your slip and fall accident has been far more impactful than you could have ever thought possible. Not only are you struggling to cope with chronic pain associated with your injuries, but the accident just keeps replaying in your mind, making it difficult for you to return to any sense of normalcy.
When the financial burden is taking its toll and your life is profoundly affected by the incident, it may be time to consult a highly motivated Spokane slip and fall lawyer from Siegfried & Jensen.
When you are struggling to cope with the trauma of your experience, an experienced Spokane personal injury lawyer may be able to help you access the compensation you need sooner. The sooner you get started, the sooner you can begin rebuilding your life. To learn more about how you can hold the liable party accountable for your slip and fall injuries, contact our law office to request a free consultation today.
Why the Cause of Your Slip and Fall Matters
After taking on your slip and fall case, your Spokane premises liability lawyer with Siegfried & Jensen will immediately begin evaluating the cause of your injuries.
Slip and fall accidents can happen in a number of ways, and the type of accident you were involved in will help your slip and fall accident lawyer in Spokane, WA, identify the liable party.
Some of the most common types and causes of slip and fall accidents in Washington State include:
- Ladder accidents
- Stair accidents
- Wet floor accidents
- Loose floorboards
- Escalator accidents
- Unsecured carpeting
- Improper electrical wiring
- Elevator accidents
- Snow and ice accidents
- Broken pavement accidents
- Debris and walkways
- Falls from elevated heights
- Work-related slips and falls
- Uneven floor surfaces
- Improper footwear
In most slip and fall accident claims, the property owner will be found partially responsible for the injuries you suffered. This is often because they failed to maintain the safety or integrity of the premises, as expected under property owner liability laws.
However, companies responsible for installing flooring, railings, snow or ice removal, or other third parties could also share liability.
For a free legal consultation with a slip and fall accident lawyer serving Spokane, call (801) 266-0999
How a Spokane Slip and Fall Attorney Can Help
Your Spokane catastrophic injury lawyer could be one of the most valuable assets in your slip and fall case. During this time, you may be struggling to get back to your life. Our team can take over every legal detail so you can devote as much time as possible to your recovery.
Once you hire Siegfried & Jensen to fight for the compensation you deserve, you can rest easier. We will begin by conducting a comprehensive investigation into the cause of your slip and fall. We may need to work with accident reconstructionists and other experts to collect evidence and establish the defendant’s liability.
We will also ensure every single loss is taken into account when evaluating your damages. You have the right to be repaid in full for every single loss. This should include compensation for your loss of income or medical expenses and your emotional trauma, reduced quality of life, and other non-economic damages.
Spokane Slip and Fall Accident Lawyer Near Me (801) 266-0999
Washington Tort Laws That May Influence Your Case
Several Washington tort laws could have an impact on the amount of compensation you are awarded in your insurance and civil claims. Some could also impact your ability to have your case heard in court. Understanding these laws and how they affect your case will help you prepare for what is to come.
Punitive Damages
Many slip-and-fall accident survivors wonder whether punitive damages are possible. In Washington, punitive damages are a rare occurrence and can only be issued by the courts, according to the Washington State Supreme Court Committee on Jury Instructions Part IV.
Damages Chapter 35. Exemplary Damages WPI 35.01 Exemplary or Punitive Damages. In instances where the at-fault party’s conduct rises to the level of “malicious or taken in reckless disregard of plaintiffs’ rights.”
Shared Fault
Slip and fall victims are often caught by surprise when the property owner blames them for causing their injuries. Attempting to capitalize on Washington’s pure comparative negligence laws as described under RCW 4.22.070 is fairly common. For this reason, we are always prepared to refute these allegations with powerful supporting evidence.
Since Washington is a pure comparative fault state, you can still receive a settlement, even if you do share responsibility for the slip and fall. However, your settlement will reflect a partial fault deduction. For instance, if you were 5% responsible for your slip and fall, you would receive only 95% of your injury settlement at trial.
Statute of Limitations
You may not be anxious to initiate the claims process while you are still in the throes of your recovery. However, the sooner you get started on your claim, the better your chances of maximizing your financial compensation.
If you wait too long, the state’s personal injury statute of limitations deadline could prevent you from recovering the compensation you deserve.
As described under RCW § 4.16.080, the statute of limitations for personal injury lawsuits in Washington is typically three years from the date of the slip and fall. In limited situations, this deadline could be tolled or temporarily paused. If this deadline expires and your claim has not been filed, you will likely be barred from pursuing your case at trial.
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Speak With a Steadfast Slip and Fall Lawyer in Spokane, WA
After everything you have been through, you still may not be 100% sure that you want to move forward with an insurance claim filing or personal injury lawsuit.
But when you have the support and resources of a reputable slip and fall attorney in Spokane, WA, helping you navigate the claims process, you can rest easier. There is no reason you should have to deal with the legal details when you have a compassionate advocate protecting your rights.
Let us take the weight of the world off your shoulders. Connect with our team at Siegfried & Jensen to put our 30+ years of courtroom experience to work for you.
Get started on your insurance and civil claims as soon as today when you complete our online contact form or call our office to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation.
Call or text (801) 266-0999 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
