Seattle Slip & Fall Injury Lawyers

We Will Fight for Your Right to a Fair & Full Recovery

People get hurt in slip-and-fall accidents all the time. Sometimes, these accidents are just that—accidents that are no one’s fault. Other times, however, someone else’s negligence makes falls more likely to happen. When that occurs, victims can hold the at-fault party accountable for their damages.

At Carpenter & Zuckerman, our Seattle slip-and-fall injury attorneys know that liability is not always easy to establish in fall accident claims. We also know that, when liability is clear, negligent property owners and other parties rarely want to pay. That is why we are here to help you fight for your entitled compensation.

Call (425) 585-4009 or contact us online today to request a free consultation to learn how our firm can help you.

Causes of Slip &Fall Accidents

A slip-and-fall accident, also known as a trip-and-fall accident, is an incident where a person loses their balance and falls due to various hazards or dangerous conditions present on a walking surface. These accidents commonly occur in both indoor and outdoor environments and can lead to injuries ranging from minor bruises to severe fractures or head trauma.

Common causes of slip-and-fall accidents include:

• Wet or slippery floors: Spills, recently mopped or waxed surfaces, or wet weather conditions can create slippery surfaces, increasing the risk of slipping and falling.
• Uneven surfaces: Cracked sidewalks, potholes, loose tiles, or uneven flooring can catch someone's foot, causing them to trip and fall.
• Loose rugs or mats: Loose rugs, mats, or carpets without proper traction or secure placement can easily slide or bunch up, posing a tripping hazard.
• Poor lighting: Inadequate lighting in walkways or stairwells can obscure hazards, making it difficult for individuals to see where they are walking and increasing the risk of falls.
• Cluttered walkways: Objects or debris left in pathways can obstruct walking surfaces and increase the likelihood of tripping and falling.
• Weather conditions: Ice, snow, rain, or leaf accumulation can make outdoor surfaces slippery, contributing to slip-and-fall accidents.
• Failure to provide warning signs: Failure to warn individuals about potential hazards such as wet floors or recently cleaned surfaces can lead to slip-and-fall accidents.
• Loose or missing handrails: The absence of handrails or poorly maintained handrails on stairs or ramps can make it challenging for individuals to maintain balance, resulting in falls.
• Construction or maintenance defects: Defects in construction or maintenance, such as loose floorboards, broken steps, or cracked pavement, can create hazardous conditions that contribute to slip-and-fall accidents.

Who Is Liable for a Slip & Fall Accident?

Liability for a slip-and-fall accident will depend on the specific circumstances involved. In some cases, the property owner will be responsible for paying for the victim’s damages. In others, someone else will be liable. In still others, there may be more than one party responsible.

Some of the most common parties that can be held liable for slip-and-fall accidents include:

• Property Owners: When you slip and fall on someone else’s property, the property owner may be liable for your damages. Property owners have a duty to keep their premises reasonably safe and free from hazards, and they must take steps to fix known hazards in a reasonable amount of time. If a property owner fails to fulfill this duty, and this failure causes you to slip and fall, you can likely hold them accountable for your damages.
• Property Managers: If a property manager is responsible for maintaining a premises, they may be held liable for any slip and fall accidents that occur due to their negligence.
• Employers: Employers must keep their employees reasonably safe from harm while on the job. If you slip and fall at work due to a hazardous condition, you may be able to file a workers’ compensation claim to recover benefits for your medical expenses and a portion of your lost wages.
• Contractors: If a contractor is hired to work on a property, they may be held liable for any slip and fall accidents that occur due to their negligence.
• Government Entities: If you slip and fall on government-owned property, you may be able to file a personal injury claim against the government entity responsible for maintaining the premises. However, suing the government is a complex process, and there are strict deadlines that must be met. If you were injured in a slip-and-fall accident on government property, you should reach out to an attorney as soon as possible to learn more about your rights and options.

In some cases, more than one party may be liable for a slip-and-fall accident. For example, if a contractor is hired to fix a broken step in a staircase and fails to do so, both the contractor and the property owner may be responsible for any slip and fall accidents that occur as a result.

Why Choose Carpenter & Zuckerman?

Carpenter & Zuckerman is committed to helping the injured and the wronged. We believe that all individuals deserve access to the civil justice system, regardless of their background or financial situation. That is why we offer our legal services on a contingency fee basis. This means that you owe no upfront or out-of-pocket fees, and you will not owe any attorneys’ fees unless/until we recover compensation for you.

When you trust your case to our team, you can expect:

• Compassionate, personalized legal guidance
• Clear, consistent communication
• Aggressive advocacy from start to finish
• Customized legal strategies focused on your unique needs and goals
• The resources and experience needed to win

If you or someone you love was injured in a slip-and-fall accident, you should not wait to speak to an attorney. The sooner you act, the better your chances of recovering the compensation you are owed. At Carpenter & Zuckerman, we are passionate about helping those who have been wronged, and we are prepared to protect your rights, health, and best interests inside and outside the courtroom.

Contact us today at (425) 585-4009 to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with our Seattle slip and fall injury attorneys today.