Seattle Premises Liability Lawyer

Premises liability is a complex area of Washington law that is centered around the concept of property and who is liable if someone is injured on it. When an owner of a property fails to properly ensure the safety of visitors to their property, they may be considered liable for damages sustained by the victims. However, in the eyes of a property owner, the blame should be placed on the victim due to their careless actions.

At Elk & Elk, each Seattle premises liability lawyer on our team will not only determine liability, but explore all available legal avenues to secure the maximum amount of compensation for you after your accident.

Call us today to schedule a free consultation – (844) – ELK-WEST.

Why Choose a Seattle Premises Liability Attorney From Elk & Elk For Your Case?

After an accident on someone else’s property, finding the right legal team can feel overwhelming. At Elk & Elk, we make it easy. Seattle residents trust us to handle their premises liability cases because of our proven track record, client-focused approach, and dedication to securing the compensation you deserve. Here’s why we’re the right choice:

• Proven Results: We’ve helped our clients recover over $1 billion in compensation across personal injury cases, including premises liability claims.
• Client-Focused Approach: Our goal is simple—to get the maximum compensation for you and your family.
• Top-Notch Resources: We collaborate with medical experts and other professionals to build a strong case and accurately assess your damages.
• Experienced Litigation: Our attorneys know every step of the legal process, from filing your claim to fighting for your rights in court.
• Liability Expertise: We’ll determine who is at fault and calculate your total losses, including medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

When insurance companies or opposing parties push back, we push harder. Let Elk & Elk handle the legal complexities so you can focus on recovery.

Common Types of Premises Liability Cases 

Premises liability cases occur when property owners fail to maintain safe conditions, leading to injuries. If you’ve been hurt due to someone else’s negligence, here are some common scenarios we handle:

• Slip and Fall Accidents: Caused by wet floors, uneven surfaces, or debris.
• Parking Lot Accidents: Due to poor lighting, lack of signage, or criminal activity.
• Construction Site Negligence: Injuries from unsafe practices or equipment misuse.
• Hotel Accidents: Faulty utilities, inadequate security, or broken locks.
• Dog Bites: Owners held liable for failing to control aggressive pets.
• Swimming Pool Accidents: Drowning or injuries from poor maintenance.
• Inadequate Security: Assaults or crimes due to lack of safety measures.
• Elevator/Escalator Malfunctions: Faulty equipment in commercial buildings.
• Fires or Carbon Monoxide Poisoning: Caused by faulty wiring or heating systems.
• Retail Store Hazards: Falling merchandise or cluttered aisles.
• Playground Accidents: Broken equipment or unsafe surfaces.

If you’ve been injured in any of these situations, Elk & Elk can help you determine if you have a valid claim. Contact our Seattle premises liability attorney today to discuss your case.

Common Injuries In Premises Liability Cases

Premises liability cases can be as minor as a scratch, or as serious as wrongful death. Below are just some of the different types of injuries you could endure following property owner negligence:

• Spinal cord injuries resulting in paralysis or disablement
• Injuries to the neck
• Cuts or lacerations
• Brain injuries
• Broken or fractured bones
• Electric, thermal, or chemical burns
• Disfigurement

What Compensation Can You Recover for a Premises Liability Injury?

The damages associated with premises liability injuries fall into two main categories: economic and non-economic damages.

Economic Damages

Economic damages can be easily assigned a dollar amount. These could include medical bills, lost wages, or damaged property.

Non-Economic Damages

Other types of damages include emotional distress and pain and suffering. These types of injury consequences are harder to assign a monetary value to. Washington law does put a cap on non-economic damages, only allowing compensation up to 43 percent of the average wage in Washington multiplied by the victim’s life expectancy, which can’t be less than 15 years.

Punitive Damages

Washington state does not allow punitive damages, meaning that the defendant can’t be awarded additional punishment if the act was malicious, like they can in other states.

How Does the Visitor Legal Status Impact Your Case?

The legal status of the person injured on a property plays a key role in determining the property owner’s responsibility. There are three main types of visitors, each owed a different level of care:

1. Invitee

An invitee is someone invited onto the property, either explicitly or implicitly, for the benefit of the property owner. This includes:

• Business Invitees: Customers or clients visiting a store, restaurant, or office.
• Social Guests: Friends or family invited to a home.

Duty of Care: Property owners owe the highest level of care to invitees. They must ensure the property is safe and warn visitors of any known hazards.

2. Licensee

A licensee enters the property with implied permission, but typically for their own benefit. Examples include:

• Salespeople or delivery drivers.
• Neighbors visiting for a social purpose.

Duty of Care: Property owners must warn licensees of hidden dangers that aren’t obvious, but they aren’t required to inspect or fix hazards.

3. Trespasser

A trespasser enters the property without permission.

Duty of Care: Property owners generally owe no duty of care to trespassers, except:

• They cannot intentionally harm trespassers.
• They must protect children from “attractive nuisances” (e.g., swimming pools, trampolines) that might lure them onto the property.

How Long Do You Have to File a Premises Liability Accident Claim in Washington? 

Although personal injuries caused by property owner negligence can be life-altering, every state across the United States has restrictions on how long a victim can wait until they are no longer able to file a lawsuit. This is called a statute of limitations.

Like all other states, Washington has its own specific time frame in which someone can submit a premises liability claim. In Washington state, the claims must be filed within three years from the date of the injury, or else the personal injury victim will no longer be able to take legal action.

Concerned About Paying for an Attorney? We Have You Covered

At Elk & Elk, our personal injury lawyers in Seattle understand how expensive it can seem to hire an attorney. Many law firms attempt to draw any and all money they can out of their clients, despite their financial circumstances. Thankfully, Elk & Elk operates on an entirely contingency fee basis.

As we move through the legal process, you will have to pay no fees until we have won your premises liability case and received compensation. This policy has benefited our clients in Seattle and across the United States.

Contact Our Seattle Premises Liability Lawyer Today

A law firm should be able to stand up for its clients and fight for their rights to fair and just compensation. At Elk & Elk, we will use clear and transparent communication so that you know exactly how we are handling your case every step of the way.

By teaming up with one of our Seattle premises liability attorney, you will greatly increase your chances of winning your premises liability claim case. Reaching out is the first step. By calling 1-844-ELK-WEST (1-844-355-9378) or filling out of our online form, you can receive a free consultation for your case.