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How To Prove Negligence in a Slip and Fall Accident in Seattle, WA

gosankolaw • March 15, 2022

Have you or someone you know been hurt in a slip and fall accident ? If this accident was a direct result of someone else’s negligence, then those injured are entitled to be compensated for their injuries.

While most people tend to think of slip and fall accidents as minor incidents that people can just get up and brush themselves off from, the reality is that many of these accidents lead to injuries. From sprained ankles and bruises to more serious issues like broken bones, torn ligaments, or herniated discs, these injuries can not only cause pain and suffering but impose financial burdens or even life-altering changes.

Suffering from an incident that was caused by another’s negligent behavior is unfair. By consulting with a personal injury attorney and filing a slip and fall claim, you can hold those responsible liable for your damages and receive the compensation you need and deserve.

The four elements of proving a slip and fall claim

Of course, just because you say that another party caused your accident, doesn’t mean that you will receive compensation. You have to provide that convincing evidence that proves the following facts:

  1. The liable party owed you a duty of care. Property owners, managers, and the like have a duty to maintain their property in a manner that is safe for certain people. They don’t necessarily owe trespassers, for example, a duty of care.
  2. The liable party neglected their duty of care. There must be proof that the property owner has violated their duty to maintain safe grounds. For example, if a landlord was informed of a hazardous issue, but failed to repair the issue, they would have breached their duty of care.
  3. The liable party ’ s negligence directly caused the accident. According to the American Bar Association , “conduct becomes ‘ negligent ’ when it falls below a legally recognized standard of taking reasonable care under the circumstances to protect others from harm.” For a slip and fall claim to be successful, you must be able to prove that negligent conduct caused the accident.
  4. The accident resulted in damages. The accident must have caused you to sustain losses (damages) that you are trying to recover in the lawsuit.

Note that, under Washington’s pure comparative negligence rules, your compensation may be reduced by the percentage of liability that you share, should you have any percentage of fault in the accident.

An experienced slip and fall accident attorney can help defend you against accusations of fault, while also fighting against the responsible party in order for you to get the compensation you deserve. Contact Gosanko, O’Halloran, Lepore PLLC for a free consultation on your injury claim today at 206-275-0700.

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