Seattle Personal Injury Attorney Chris Thayer
Seattle Personal Injury Attorney Chris Thayer
Handling Personal Injury Claims in the Seattle Area and Throughout Washington Since 1995

My name is Chris Thayer and I am a personal injury attorney practicing in downtown Seattle. I handle personal injury, medical malpractice and wrongful death claims throughout the greater Seattle area, including Issaquah, Mercer Island and Kirkland.

I am here to help you.

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What Arguments Might be Used Against You in a Slip-and-Fall Lawsuit?

Posted Friday, September 21, 2018 by Chris Thayer

Alternative TextIf you have ever walked into a restaurant or retail store and seen a bright yellow “Caution” sign alerting you that the floor is wet, then you probably understand the liabilities that business owners face when customers slip and fall. Unfortunately, not all property owners or managers do enough to protect visitors from unknown substances that can cause them to slip and fall. But even if you have a viable personal injury claim, the defendant will do everything possible to avoid responsibility.

*Common Defenses Used Against Slip-and-Fall Plaintiffs*Here are a few common defenses used to defeat a slip-and-fall claim:

These are not the only defenses that may be used against you. An experienced attorney can craft an effective litigation strategy on your behalf and prepare for any defenses that might come up.

*Filing a Personal Injury Lawsuit in Washington*The deadline for filing a slip-and-fall injury claim in Washington is three years from the date of the accident. You may lose your right to compensation if you do not file the claim during this three-year period.

Washington is also a comparative fault state. Any damages awarded to you will be reduced by your own percentage of fault. So, if you were not watching where you were going before you slipped and fell, then you might receive less in damages. (However, Washington does not place a cap on the amount of damages you can receive.)

Common Slip-and-Fall Hazards

Business owners are responsible for maintaining their premises in a safe condition for customers. Even if they are liable when customers slip and fall because of an unsafe condition, it is always better to avoid injuries when possible. Watch out for these hidden (and unhidden) dangers:

A crowded store can magnify these and other hazards worse, potentially making it harder for consumers to avoid or see a slippery or uneven surface.

Contact Us Today

Contact one of our experienced personal injury attorneys for a free consultation if you were injured in a slip-and-fall accident. We will examine the facts of your case and help recover the compensation that you deserve, including medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

(image courtesy of Oliwier Gesla)