If you suffer an injury on someone else’s property, you may face unexpected medical bills, time away from work, and lasting pain. A premises liability attorney can help you hold negligent property owners accountable when unsafe conditions cause preventable harm.
At The Law Offices of Briggs & Briggs, our attorneys represent individuals injured on residential, commercial, or public property in Lakewood and surrounding communities. We understand how confusing these cases can feel, and we work to protect your rights from day one. Call us today at (253) 588-6696 for a consultation.
Understanding Premises Liability and Common Claims
Premises liability law holds property owners and occupiers responsible when hazardous conditions cause injuries. Owners are expected to maintain safe environments, make timely repairs, and warn visitors about potential dangers. When they fail to uphold this duty of care, serious accidents can occur, leaving victims with medical bills, lost income, and lasting harm.
Washington law requires property owners to take reasonable steps to prevent these hazards. If they do not, injured parties may have grounds to pursue a premises liability lawsuit.
Some of the most common claims involve:
- Slip and Fall Incidents – Spilled liquids, icy sidewalks, or loose carpeting in places like grocery stores and shopping centers often lead to severe injuries that require medical treatment and time off work.
- Trip Hazards and Defective Structures – Uneven flooring, broken steps, or faulty handrails can cause serious accidents, especially when property owners delay or ignore repairs.
- Inadequate Lighting and Security – Poor lighting or a lack of proper security measures can increase the risk of crimes and assaults, putting tenants and visitors in danger.
- Animal Attacks and Strict Liability – In Washington, dog bites fall under strict liability, meaning owners are responsible for injuries their animals cause, regardless of whether they had prior warning of aggressive behavior.
These types of incidents often result in significant injuries, such as broken bones, spinal cord damage, concussions, lacerations, or emotional trauma. In severe cases, recovery can require long-term medical care. If negligence played a role in your injury, an experienced premises liability attorney can help you protect your rights and pursue financial compensation.
Commercial Property and Retail Store Injuries
Accidents are common in commercial spaces where heavy foot traffic increases risks. Falls in malls or restaurants, head injuries from falling merchandise in big box stores, and injuries caused by overcrowding or poor crowd control are frequent examples. Businesses are responsible for inspecting their property and addressing hazards quickly. When they fail to do so, visitors can suffer serious harm. In these situations, victims may pursue a premises liability claim to recover compensation for their losses.
Who Can File a Premises Liability Lawsuit?
Under Washington law, visitors are generally classified in one of three categories:
- Invitees – Customers in stores or clients in businesses. Property owners owe them the highest duty of care.
- Licensees – Social guests or people entering with permission. Owners must warn them about known hazards.
- Trespassers – Property owners have limited duties toward trespassers, though exceptions apply for children.
If you fall into one of the first two groups and suffer harm due to negligence, you may have grounds to bring a premises liability case. While many claims resolve through negotiations with insurers, some require filing a lawsuit to secure fair compensation.
A lawsuit allows you to hold the property owner accountable in court by proving that negligence – or strict liability in cases such as dog bites – directly caused your injuries. Because courtroom advocacy requires skill, preparation, and deep knowledge of Washington premises liability laws, partnering with The Law Offices of Briggs & Briggs can give you the support needed to pursue justice effectively.
Proving Property Owner Negligence
Winning a premises liability claim requires proving the property owner was negligent. To succeed, you must show that the owner owed a duty of care, breached that duty by allowing unsafe conditions, and that the breach directly caused your injuries and measurable losses. Evidence plays a key role in supporting these elements. Surveillance footage, accident reports, maintenance records, and witness statements can all demonstrate negligence and help establish the connection between unsafe conditions and the harm suffered.
How Premises Liability Insurance Works
Property owners often carry liability insurance to cover accident claims. These policies may cover medical expenses, lost income, and other losses resulting from injuries caused by unsafe conditions. However, insurance companies frequently attempt to limit payouts, focusing on their bottom line rather than the full extent of the victim’s losses. When negligence causes an injury, the property owner’s liability insurance can be held accountable for covering the financial impact, including treatment costs, missed work, and long-term recovery needs.
Compensation for Premises Injuries and the Importance of Legal Representation
A successful premises liability claim can help you recover both financial and personal losses tied to your accident, such as:
- Medical expenses and rehabilitation
- Lost income and reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of quality of life
- Property damage related to the accident
While these categories outline potential compensable losses, the true value of a claim depends on the specific circumstances of your case. Insurance companies often focus on minimizing payouts, not your long-term well-being. Settling without legal help could mean accepting far less than what you need to move forward.
An experienced premises liability lawyer can investigate the accident scene, gather evidence, and interview witnesses to build a strong case. They also handle negotiations with insurers and, if needed, represent you in court. With skilled legal representation, you have an advocate committed to securing the full compensation you deserve and protecting your future.
Contact a Lakewood Premises Liability Attorney
If you or someone you care about has been injured because of unsafe property conditions, now is the time to take action. Property owners who fail in their duty of care should be held accountable for the harm they cause. At The Law Offices of Briggs & Briggs, we are committed to protecting your rights and helping you understand the steps needed to pursue fair compensation.
Don’t put off getting the support you need. Call (253) 588-6696 today to schedule a consultation. Our team will listen, review your situation, and explain your legal options clearly. Take the first step toward justice – reach out now to get started.
