Premises Liability Lawyers

Few people expect to be injured on someone else’s property. Unfortunately, accidents can and do happen. Many occur because of hazardous conditions that should have been repaired or at least brought to visitors’ attention. If you were hurt due to a property owner’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation. The experienced premises liability lawyers at Calbom & Schwab Law Group, PLLC have represented injured clients throughout Washington State for more than 65 years. We understand how disruptive a serious injury can be, and we know exactly how to hold negligent property owners accountable.

Our people-first approach means your rights are protected at every stage of the process. To request a free consultation with ur Washington premises liability lawyers, contact our law firm today.

Premises Liability Claims: What Makes a Property Dangerous?

Premises liability cases arise from various unsafe property conditions. The frustrating part is that many of these accidents could have been prevented with routine maintenance or clear warnings. This is why negligent property owners must be held accountable. Some of the most common accidents we see on Washington properties involve the following:

• Slips and Falls: Slippery floors, wet surfaces, uneven walkways, and icy conditions can easily cause a person to lose their balance and fall. These accidents often occur in grocery stores, shopping malls, parking lots, and other public spaces.
• Sidewalk Accidents: Cracked pavement, raised slabs, and poorly maintained walkways can quickly turn an ordinary path into a hazard. These conditions are especially dangerous in high-traffic areas, where a single misstep can lead to serious injury.
• Parking Lot Accidents: Parking lots are often overlooked when it comes to safety, yet they present a wide range of risks, from poor lighting and faded markings to uneven pavement and negligent drivers. Injuries in these areas are more common than many people realize.
• Stairway Accidents: Broken handrails, uneven steps, and poor lighting can make stairways particularly dangerous. Falls on stairs often result in more severe injuries due to the force and height involved.
• Apartment Accidents: Landlords and property managers have a responsibility to maintain safe living conditions. When they fail to address hazards such as broken fixtures, unsafe common areas, or structural issues, tenants and visitors can suffer serious harm.
• Supermarket Accidents: Spills, cluttered aisles, and improperly stacked merchandise can all create dangerous conditions for shoppers. These accidents often happen quickly, but the injuries can be significant and long-lasting.
• Trip and Fall Hazards: Loose carpeting, exposed cords, uneven steps, or cluttered walkways create serious tripping risks. Even minor missteps can result in broken bones, head injuries, or long-term disability.
• Inadequate Security: Poor lighting, malfunctioning locks, or lack of security personnel can make a property unsafe, leaving visitors vulnerable to assaults or criminal activity.
• Dog Bites and Animal Attacks: Property owners may be liable if their dogs or other animals injure visitors, especially if the owner knew the animal was aggressive or failed to properly restrain it. These incidents can result in serious injuries, including lacerations, infections, and lasting emotional trauma.
• Falling Objects: Items stored improperly or construction debris falling from elevated surfaces can cause severe injuries to anyone on the property.
• Defective or Unsafe Equipment: Faulty machinery, escalators, elevators, or playground equipment can pose serious hazards, especially when property owners fail to repair or maintain them.

We Are Focused on Making Washington Safer

These are just some of the common reasons for premises liability claims, and there are many more. At Calbom & Schwab Law Group, PLLC, we are committed to making communities throughout Washington State safer. Part of this commitment involves holding negligent property owners accountable when their actions or inactions cause injuries.

We achieve this by filing a premises liability claim on your behalf and pursuing the maximum compensation available under Washington premises liability laws.

The Cost of Dangerous Properties: Common Injuries in Premises Liability Cases

Injuries in premises liability cases can range from minor to life-changing. Some victims recover quickly, while others face lengthy rehabilitation, and in severe cases, injuries may have permanent effects. Some of the most common injuries our premises liability lawyers encounter include the following.

• Cuts, Lacerations, and Puncture Wounds: Broken glass, exposed nails, and other sharp hazards can cause deep cuts or puncture wounds. Some may require surgery or extensive medical treatment to prevent infection and permanent scarring.
• Soft Tissue Injuries: Sprains, strains, and torn ligaments often occur from slips, trips, or awkward falls. While sometimes less visible, these injuries can cause chronic pain and mobility challenges.
• Fractures and Broken Bones: Falls or collisions with hazardous property features can result in broken bones in the arms, legs, ribs, or other areas. Severe fractures may require surgery and long-term rehabilitation.
• Burns and Chemical Injuries: Faulty wiring, hot surfaces, or hazardous chemicals can result in burns or toxic exposure. These injuries may require ongoing medical care and can cause lasting damage.
• Traumatic Brain Injuries: Impacts to the head can cause concussions or more severe traumatic brain injuries (TBI). These injuries can have lasting effects on cognitive function, memory, and overall quality of life.

The premises liability lawyers at Calbom & Schwab Law Group, PLLC, maintain strong professional relationships with medical providers throughout Washington State. We are committed to protecting your long-term well-being and ensuring your premises liability claim fully reflects the cost of medical treatment and any ongoing care you may require.

Types of Compensation Available in Premises Liability Cases

Compensation in Washington premises liability cases can address a wide range of impacts, from immediate medical expenses to lost wages, pain and suffering, and the emotional strain caused by your injuries. The premises liability lawyers at Calbom & Schwab Law Group, PLLC, work tirelessly to ensure that your claim incorporates:

• Medical Expenses: Costs for treatment, surgery, rehabilitation, and any future care you may need.
• Lost Wages: Income lost during recovery or reduced earning potential due to your injury.
• Pain and Suffering: Compensation for physical discomfort and emotional distress.
• Long-Term Care: Support for permanent disabilities or ongoing medical needs.
• Property Damage: Reimbursement for any personal property damaged during the incident.

Financial compensation cannot undo your injuries or the emotional impact of the accident, but it can help relieve some of the financial burden. Our goal is to secure the maximum premises liability compensation for you and your family, allowing you to focus on your recovery.

Important Premises Liability Laws in Washington State

All property owners have a legal duty to maintain a safe environment for visitors, and this is the key principle that premises liability claims are built on. When this duty is breached, and a visitor is injured as a result, the law allows victims to seek personal injury compensation.

Understanding these core legal principles can help you protect your rights and know what to expect from your claim.

• Duty of Care: Property owners must take reasonable steps to prevent foreseeable injuries. This includes keeping floors, stairways, walkways, and other areas safe and properly maintained, and clearly warning visitors about any hazards that cannot be immediately fixed, such as wet floors or construction zones.
• Negligence and Causation: To succeed in a premises liability claim, you must show the property owner failed to meet their duty of care and that this failure directly caused your injury. This means proving the unsafe condition or lack of proper maintenance led to your accident and resulting injuries.
• Comparative Fault: Washington follows a comparative fault rule, meaning your compensation can be reduced if you are partly responsible for the accident. For example, if you slipped on a wet floor in a store while wearing inappropriate footwear and the court finds you 10% at fault, your premises liability compensation would be reduced by 10%.

Statute of Limitations: Deadline to File a Lawsuit

Most premises liability claims in Washington must be filed within three years of the injury. If you wait longer, you may lose your right to compensation.

Claims involving government-owned property often have shorter deadlines, sometimes as little as six months, so it is important to act quickly. Contacting our experienced premises liability lawyers as soon as possible will get your case off to a strong start.

Our Attorneys Will Be Mindful of State Laws and Deadlines

While understanding these laws can be helpful, you don’t need to worry about them after contacting Calbom & Schwab Law Group, PLLC. We handle all legal aspects of your case, including establishing negligence, assessing your injuries, and ensuring all filings are made on time. We aim to reach a fair premises liability settlement, but will fight for you in court if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions About Premises Liability Cases

If you have been injured on someone else’s property but have yet to take legal action, you probably have questions. These are some of the most common initial questions that our Washington personal injury lawyers are asked.

What immediate steps should I take after being injured on a property?

The first step is to seek medical attention, even if you feel fine. Some injuries, like head trauma or internal bleeding, may not be immediately obvious, and adrenaline can temporarily mask pain.

Getting prompt medical care also strengthens your premises liability claim, as it provides immediate documentation of your injuries and their severity.

• What types of properties are commonly involved in premises liability claims?
• Accidents can occur in a variety of locations, including:
• Commercial properties like stores, restaurants, and shopping malls.
• Residential properties such as rental apartments or private homes.
• Public spaces, including parks, sidewalks, and government buildings.

Regardless of the type of property, all Washington property owners have a legal duty to maintain a safe environment for visitors.

What if I was not supposed to be on the property?

Premises liability laws in Washington generally protect lawful visitors, but there are important exceptions. One key exception involves attractive nuisances. These cases often concern children who, unaware of the danger, enter areas like unfenced swimming pools, construction sites, or other hazardous spaces and suffer injuries.

Even if a child was technically trespassing, a premises liability claim may still be possible on their behalf, depending on the circumstances and the property owner’s responsibility to prevent harm.

Can my premises liability case be settled out of court?

The majority of premises liability cases in Washington are settled out of court, but this depends on the cooperation of property owners and their insurers. If liability is disputed, evidence is withheld, or other contentious issues arise, a trial may be necessary.

At Calbom & Schwab Law Group, PLLC, our primary goal is to secure fair compensation for our clients, and we pursue this by any legal means available, whether through negotiation or in the courtroom.

What if my loved one passed away?

If a loved one dies on someone else’s property due to the property owner’s negligence, you may be able to file a wrongful death claim. Washington law allows surviving family members to seek compensation for medical expenses, funeral costs, lost income, and the emotional suffering caused by the loss.

Our Premises Liability Lawyers Can Answer Any Questions Not Answered Above

At Calbom & Schwab Law Group, PLLC, we pride ourselves on being open and transparent with our clients. We are always available to answer your questions and keep you informed on the progress of your case. Spanish-speaking support is available at all of our offices to ensure you can fully understand and participate in your claim. Never hesitate to reach out if you have additional questions.

Contact Our Washington Premises Liability Lawyers

Whether you are visiting a shopping mall, playing with your children in the park, or simply walking on the sidewalk, you are entitled to a safe environment. If you are injured on someone else’s property, a premises liability claim allows you to hold the owner accountable. To discuss what happened to you with our caring premises liability lawyers in Washington, contact our law firm today.