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Premises Liability




Spokane Premises Liability Lawyer

Helping Injured Clients with Spokane Premises Liability Claims

If you have been injured due to unsafe conditions on someone else's property, you may be able to file a premises liability claim. At Maxey Law Office, our Spokane premises liability lawyer can help you understand your legal options and hold responsible parties accountable for their negligence.


To schedule a consultation with our team, call (509) 652-3330 or use our online contact form.


What Is Premises Liability in WA?

Premises liability is a legal term used to describe a situation in which someone is injured due to a dangerous condition or hazard on another person's property.

These cases typically involve slip-and-fall incidents, but they can also involve other types of accidents, including those involving amusement park rides, swimming pools, defective stairs, and more.

In order to prove a premises liability claim, you will need to show that the property owner owed you a duty of care, that they breached that duty by failing to keep the property reasonably safe, and that your injuries were a foreseeable result of that breach.

Common Examples of Premises Liability Claims

  • Slip and Fall: A common premises liability case is when someone slips and falls on a wet floor, uneven surface, or debris in a store, restaurant, or other public place.
  • Negligent Security: If a property owner fails to provide adequate security measures, such as proper lighting or surveillance, and a person is assaulted or injured due to inadequate security, it may give rise to a premises liability case.
  • Dog Bites: If a person is bitten or attacked by a dog on someone else's property, the property owner may be held liable for the injuries if they knew or should have known about the dog's aggressive tendencies.
  • Elevator or Escalator Accidents: Injuries caused by malfunctioning or poorly maintained elevators or escalators can lead to premises liability claims against the property owner or maintenance company.
  • Swimming Pool Accidents: Property owners who fail to install proper fencing, warning signs, or maintain safe conditions around a swimming pool can be held responsible if someone drowns or sustains injuries in or near the pool.
  • Hazardous Conditions: Property owners have a duty to maintain their premises and keep them free from hazardous conditions. This can include situations such as broken stairs, loose handrails, or exposed wiring.
  • Retail Store Accidents: Injuries that occur in retail stores, such as falling merchandise, collapsing shelves, or inadequate safety measures, can lead to premises liability claims.
  • Amusement Park Accidents: If someone is injured on a roller coaster, water slide, or other amusement park attraction due to negligence or mechanical failure, the property owner or operator may be held liable.

What is the Statute of Limitations for Premises Liability Claims in Wa?

In Washington, the statute of limitations for premises liability claims is typically three years from the date of the injury. This means you must file your claim within this time frame to preserve your right to seek compensation. A Spokane premises liability lawyer can ensure that all deadlines are met and that your case is handled efficiently.

How to Establish Liability?

To succeed in a premises liability claim, you must establish that the property owner was negligent and that their negligence directly caused your injuries. This typically involves proving the following elements:

Duty of Care

Property owners have a legal duty to maintain safe conditions for visitors. The level of care owed depends on the visitor’s status:

  • Invitees: Individuals who are invited onto a property for business purposes, such as customers at a store. Property owners owe invitees the highest duty of care.
  • Licensees: Social guests or individuals who enter a property with the owner’s permission. Property owners must warn licensees of known hazards.
  • Trespassers: Individuals who enter a property without permission. Property owners generally owe trespassers a limited duty of care but must avoid causing willful or wanton harm.

Breach of Duty

You must demonstrate that the property owner failed to meet their duty of care. This could involve failing to address known hazards, neglecting routine maintenance, or ignoring safety standards.

Causation

You must establish a direct link between the property owner’s breach of duty and your injuries. This includes demonstrating that the hazardous condition was the proximate cause of your harm.

Damages

Finally, you must show that you suffered damages as a result of the accident. Damages may include medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other losses.

What is Washington’s Comparative Fault Law?

Washington follows a comparative fault system, which means that your compensation may be reduced if you are found partially at fault for the accident. For example, if you were 20% responsible for your injury, your total compensation would be reduced by 20%. A Spokane premises liability lawyer can help you navigate these laws and advocate for the maximum compensation available.

What Compensations Are Available in Premises Liability Cases?

Victims of premises liability accidents may be entitled to various forms of compensation, including:

  • Medical Expenses: Costs for emergency care, hospital stays, surgeries, medications, physical therapy, and future medical needs.
  • Lost Wages: Compensation for income lost due to your inability to work during recovery.
  • Pain and Suffering: Damages for physical pain, emotional distress, and diminished quality of life.
  • Property Damage: Reimbursement for personal property damaged in the accident.

A Spokane premises liability attorney can help you calculate the full extent of your damages and pursue the compensation you deserve.

What to Do After a Premises Liability Accident in WA?

If you have been injured on someone else’s property, taking the following steps can protect your rights and strengthen your claim:

  • Seek Medical Attention: Your health and safety are the top priority. Seek immediate medical care for your injuries and follow your doctor’s recommendations.
  • Document the Scene: Take photographs or videos of the hazard that caused your injury, as well as your injuries and any other relevant details.
  • Report the Incident: Notify the property owner or manager about the accident and request a written report.
  • Gather Information: Collect contact information for witnesses and the property owner.
  • Preserve Evidence: Keep any clothing, footwear, or other items involved in the accident as evidence.
  • Contact a Spokane Premises Liability Attorney: An attorney can guide you through the legal process and advocate for your rights.

 

Our Premises Liability Attorneys in Spokane Can Assist You

At Maxey Law Office, we are ready to help you fight for your rights. We know that you have already been through a lot, and you shouldn't have to worry about how you will make ends meet while you recover. That's why we can fight for you inside and outside the courtroom, so you can focus on what matters most.


Call our team at (509) 652-3330 or use our online contact form to request a consultation today.


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