More than one million people go to the emergency room every year for slip and fall accidents. When falls occur at great heights or on hard surfaces, it can result in substantial harm. If you or a loved one fell due to a hazard on another person’s property, consider contacting a skilled personal injury attorney in the area.
A qualified Seattle slip and fall lawyer could review your case and determine if you have grounds for legal action. If so, an attorney could help you put together a strong claim for damages against the responsible party.
Grounds for a Trip and Fall Claim
Many situations can result in someone falling, and many may result in serious injuries. However, not all falls are grounds for civil action.
A person may be able to file a claim if their fall occurred due to the following:
- Wet or slippery floors
- Holes in the ground, walkway, or a sidewalk
- Uneven surfaces and staircases
- Defective playground equipment
- Workplace hazards
- Porch, balcony, or deck accidents
Depending on the exact cause of the slip and fall accident, a Seattle attorney would have to collect different evidence to prove defendant fault.
Common Injuries from a Falling Accident
When a person falls, the injuries they sustain can differ greatly depending on how high up they were and the force with which they hit the ground. Falls from great heights, into hazardous substances, or even in an awkward manner can result in severe injuries, such as:
The severity of a person’s injuries determines the amount of damages they could potentially recover. A seasoned Seattle lawyer could help a claimant calculate their potential recovery from a slip and fall claim.
How Can Someone File a Slip and Fall Claim in Seattle?
A slip and fall case is initiated in court by filing a complaint. A complaint is a legal document that sets forth the basic facts of the claim and names the defendants from whom the plaintiff seeks financial recovery. Its filing initiates the action and puts the defendant(s) on notice that a claim has been filed against them. This begins the rest of the legal procedure with which a local attorney could assist.
Revised Code of Washington section 4.16.080 requires that a complaint for personal injury, including most slip and fall claims, be filed within three years after the incident occurred. If a slip and fall claim is not filed within this time frame, it will most likely be dismissed. A trip and fall attorney in Seattle should be contacted as soon as possible to avoid being time-barred.
Reach Out to a Seattle Slip and Fall Attorney Right Away
If you or a loved one fell because of a hazard on another person’s property, you are not without options. State law allows you to file a civil claim to recover financial compensation for your financial and personal losses stemming from the fall. Call today and schedule a consultation with a Seattle slip and fall lawyer.
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