Everyone who owns or manages a property has specific responsibilities to uphold.
The Law Firm You Can Trust: Park Chenaur Personal Injury Lawyers
One of their chief obligations is to ensure that anyone visiting their premises is not at risk of harm. Property owners must maintain conditions that promote the safety of everyone present. If they fail to protect visitors, employees, or others on the property, they may be legally responsible for any injuries taking place on the property.
Injuries on Commercial or Private Property in Federal Way
When you visit someone else’s property, you have a right to expect that you will be safe. If you have suffered injuries on another person’s premises, the physical pain, psychological trauma, and financial expenses can feel overwhelming. Washington law permits you to seek compensation for any accident-related losses incurred due to the property owner or manager’s negligence.
Personalized Legal Counsel in Premises Liability Claims in Federal Way
The Federal Way premises liability lawyers at Park Chenaur Injury Lawyers will fight to pursue the full compensation deserved in cases of injuries on another’s property. Our legal team has successfully represented thousands of injured clients, and we are ready to put our experience to work for you. Call or contact us online for a free consultation to learn more about how we can help you.
What Is a Premises Liability Case?
Premises liability cases are personal injury claims in which someone suffers an injury on another person’s property due to the owner’s negligence. As long as the injured individual has a right to be on the premises, the owner owes them a duty of care. The party responsible for the property is also responsible for the safety of those who visit it.
In practice, the property owner’s duty of care requires them to take the precautions that any reasonable person would take under similar circumstances. Therefore, the law does not require the owner to uphold a standard of perfection. However, they may be legally liable for harm to visitors if they fail to provide a reasonably safe environment.
Types of Premises Liability Claims and Lawsuits in Federal Way, WA
Several types of accidents and injuries can happen when a property owner is negligent in their duty of care. The attorneys at Park Chenaur Injury Lawyers can tackle a range of premises liability cases, including the following:
Slip and Fall Accidents
Falls happen so frequently that they are the most common form of premises liability claims. These dangerous and sometimes fatal accidents can occur due to the following:
- Loose cables and wires
- Slick surfaces due to water, oil, or other substance
- Broken tiles or cracks in the floor
- Items on walking surfaces—equipment, goods, etc.
- Uneven walking surfaces
- Spills
Property owners and managers must address walking hazards quickly to prevent visitors or employees from tripping or slipping. Failure to do so can lead to such injuries as broken bones, fractured skulls, and traumatic brain injuries.
Elevator and Escalator Accidents
Elevators and escalators require regular inspection to make them safe for use. Unsafe elevators and escalators can cause:
- Broken bones
- Severed limbs
- Concussions and traumatic brain injuries
- Internal bleeding and organ damage
- Death
If an accident on an elevator led to severe injuries or took a loved one’s life, the attorneys at Park Chenaur Injury Lawyers will access all relevant evidence, including maintenance history, to determine all liable parties and file a claim or lawsuit. a
Negligent Security
Owners have the responsibility to ensure that their properties are secure. Failing to provide adequate security can leave guests vulnerable to violent attacks. For example, if the vicinity has seen several recent attacks, a responsible business owner should hire additional security guards to protect visitors. If you have suffered injuries because a property owner did not take measures to maintain the safety of their premises, you have the right to seek compensation for your losses.
Defective Stairwells
Property owners and managers must ensure their stairwells are well-lit and free from debris and other hazards. Broken steps, defective handrails, and poorly lit stairwells can lead to catastrophic or fatal stairway falls.
Swimming Pool Accidents
Anyone who owns a swimming pool must maintain the area to prevent guests from slipping, falling, or suffering harm. Children are particularly vulnerable to swimming pool accidents, and owners must take measures to prevent kids from being seriously injured or drowning on the property.
Dog Bites
If a dog or another pet attacks you on another person’s property, the owner may be liable for any injuries or losses that result from the attack. Please speak to one of our seasoned injury attorneys to learn whether you might be eligible to seek compensation after sustaining severe injuries in a dog attack.
Fires and Explosions
Many fires and explosions occur due to failure by utility companies or equipment manufacturers—with severe consequences. Have you suffered injuries in a fire or explosion on someone else’s property? Our premises liability attorneys will investigate whether the owner or other party is liable for your losses.
Hotel Accidents
Injuries can take place at hotels and motels. In many cases, the owner or manager will be deemed responsible for the losses in these accidents. These can include security failures, faulty gates, railings, pool drownings, and other injuries related to negligence by a property owner or manager.
Who Can You Sue in a Premises Liability Case?
Because premises liability law encompasses many scenarios, the range of potential defendants is broad. Several parties may be named in a claim or lawsuit based on the facts in the case. Determining whether an injury qualifies for a premises liability claim can present challenges to those unfamiliar with personal injury law. The premises liability attorneys at Park Chenaur Injury Lawyers have the knowledge and skills to advise you whether you have a case, identify who is responsible for your losses, and seek the compensation you deserve.
Who is Liable?
The liable party may be the owner or manager of any of the following types of properties or others, whether commercial, governmental, or private:
- Shopping centers
- Universities and other educational institutions
- Restaurant and bar owners
- Governmental agencies
- Hotel owners
- Retail outlets
- Amusement parks
- Sports venues
- Homeowners
If you seek compensation from a large business, corporation, or government entity, you will probably face intense opposition from the responsible party’s legal team. The premises liability attorneys at Park Chenaur Personal Injury Lawyers have over 25 years of experience and success in premises liability law and take on cases with confidence and top-tier legal skill, prepared to protect your best interests in court or when negotiating a fair settlement.
The Elements in a Successful Premises Liability Case
Winning a premises liability case entails proving that a property owner did not take reasonable steps to ensure a visitor or other person on the property was safe. Property owners are not required to guarantee your safety. The law recognizes that some accidents are not a property owner’s fault. However, if the owner or manager could have prevented the harm, they could be held responsible for the consequences.
A successful case will reflect your attorney’s ability to gather evidence of what occurred and show that the owner should have taken reasonable steps to keep you safe. For example, if you broke your hip in a slip-and-fall accident, your lawyer must prove that the owner failed to clean up a spill promptly or warn of a slippery floor within a reasonable time. If the property owner argues that they did not or could not have known the hazard was present, they may not be held legally responsible for your losses. Our team will use evidence to demonstrate that a reasonable owner would have taken action to resolve the dangerous situation before it caused harm.
Premises Liability Law and Your Case
Many premises liability cases present distinct challenges. Our legal team has a breadth of understanding of premises liability law and a track record of success in complex and heavily challenged cases. We can use our skills and experience to protect your rights and interests.
What to Do After Suffering a Premises Liability Injury?
See a Doctor Immediately.
The first thing you should do after suffering injuries in a premises liability accident is to seek immediate medical attention. In most cases, early medical intervention increases the ability to recover swiftly. A qualified medical professional will examine you to determine whether you have sustained injuries, some of which are not apparent immediately after the incident—some of which can be fatal. If you wait too long to get medical care, even if your delay is because you did not know about your injuries, the insurance company could dispute any connection between the accident and your injuries.
For example, if you slip and hit your head at a grocery store but fail to see a doctor, the insurance adjuster could use the gap between the incident and your medical care to argue that your concussion occurred at a different time and place. Seeking immediate medical attention can prevent insurers from employing this tactic, thus protecting your claim.
Talk to an Attorney at Our Firm.
Your other priority after suffering an injury should be to contact an experienced premises liability attorney to handle your case. Many believe they can file a claim themselves, but insurance companies often exploit the lack of knowledge of the injured person, who then accepts a lowball settlement.
If you work directly with the insurance company, you could be convinced that an injury claim is not worth as much as you thought or that you were at fault for your injuries. Insurance companies are for-profit businesses whose goal is to make money for shareholders. They have many strategies to minimize or deny claims. Don’t risk dealing with the insurance company on your own.
The Legal Skills You Need on Your Side.
The experienced attorneys at Park Chenaur Injury Lawyers have spent years dealing with insurance companies, and our legal team includes attorneys who once worked to defend insurance companies—and are very familiar with how they operate. The legal team at the firm stays one step ahead. We know how much our clients deserve, and we will pursue the maximum settlement to cover all losses.
What Compensation Can I Expect for a Premises Liability Claim?
If you have suffered injuries on another party’s premises, your life may be turned upside-down instantly. In addition to the intense physical pain you are suffering, you may also face ongoing psychological trauma and seemingly insurmountable financial challenges. The attorneys at Park Chenaur Injury Lawyers can pursue compensation for all losses so you can move on with dignity.
While every premises liability case is unique, you may be eligible to recover compensation for losses, including the following:
- Current and future medical expenses
- Lost wages due to missed time at work while you heal
- Property damage
- Reduced earning capacity if you suffered a disability or disfigurement in the accident
- Rehabilitation, including physical and occupational therapy
- Mental health treatment costs
- Physical and psychological pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
If you have lost a loved one in a premises liability accident, our attorneys can file a wrongful death claim on your behalf.
Wrongful Death due to Dangerous Premises
Specific family members have the right to pursue compensation when a loved one dies as a result of injuries sustained on another’s property. The compensation sought can include the following:
- Medical costs for treatment of your loved one’s fatal injury
- Funeral and burial costs
- Lost income or benefits for surviving dependents
- Your loved one’s pain and suffering
- Your loss of companionship
Some of these expenses are calculated on dollar value. Other devastating consequences are less tangible. The insurance company will know how much you stand to gain in compensation, and the non-economic losses may be the most significant portion of a wrongful death jury award or settlement. Our attorneys will calculate the amount you deserve to recover and work to obtain a fair settlement.
How Our Attorneys Can Help
In addition to calculating the value of your losses, our attorneys can:
- Listen compassionately to your story so we can know how best to represent you
- Investigate the accident to determine what happened and who is liable
- Negotiate with the insurance company for a fair settlement
- Take the at-fault party to court if the insurer refuses to offer you the compensation you deserve
Taking on big business and their high-powered defense lawyers and insurance companies requires tireless work. Our legal team understands that the most critical issue is your health. Let us handle the legal details and help you fight for fair compensation. For more information, reach out to a Federal Way personal injury lawyer.
Contact Park Chenaur Injury Lawyers Today
The legal challenges in a premises liability claim can be significant. Our Federal Way premises liability attorneys offer rare support, compassion, and exceptional legal skills. We can seek the compensation you deserve. We relentlessly pursue justice and fair compensation for the people we serve. Talk to us about your case. We are honored to be considered the most trustworthy law firm in the Federal Way area.