Injured on Someone Else’s Property? You May Have a Right to Compensation

Property owners in Seattle and across Washington State have a legal duty to maintain their premises reasonably safe for visitors. When they fail to do so, accidents happen. A neglected hazard, whether it’s a slippery floor or a lack of proper security, can lead to serious injuries. In those situations, the property owner may be held accountable under Washington’s premises liability laws.

At The Cochran Firm Seattle, we stand up for people who’ve been injured because someone didn’t take the steps necessary to keep their property safe.

What Is Premises Liability?

Premises liability is a type of personal injury law that holds property owners and managers responsible when someone is hurt due to unsafe or hazardous conditions on their premises. If a person is injured because a property wasn’t properly maintained or secured, the owner can be legally liable for the resulting harm. At The Cochran Firm Seattle, we represent people throughout the city and across Washington who’ve suffered serious injuries because of dangerous property conditions. These cases often involve:

  • Slip and fall accidents in grocery stores, malls, restaurants, or parking lots
  • Trip and fall incidents due to broken sidewalks, uneven flooring, or loose rugs
  • Injuries in apartment complexes or rental properties due to poor maintenance or negligent security
  • Accidents on public property, such as parks or government buildings
  • Falling objects in retail stores or construction sites
  • Swimming pool injuries, including drownings or lack of proper safety barriers
  • Negligent security claims involving assaults or attacks on poorly secured premises

Who Can Be Held Liable for Premises Liability in Seattle?

In Washington State premises liability claims, multiple parties may be legally responsible for injuries that happen on unsafe property. Liability in a premises liability case often depends on who owns, controls, or manages the property where the injury occurred. Liable parties may include:

  • Private property owners (such as homeowners or landlords)
  • Commercial businesses (like grocery stores, hotels, restaurants, or retail chains)
  • Landlords or property managers who fail to maintain rental properties
  • Government entities responsible for public sidewalks, parks, or buildings
  • Construction companies or contractors, if the injury occurred at a work site

How Do You Win a Premises Liability Claim in Seattle?

Winning a premises liability case in Washington involves more than showing you were injured. It is necessary to prove that the property owner or other responsible party was negligent in personal injury cases. At The Cochran Firm in Seattle, we build strong cases backed by evidence, expert testimony, and Washington premises liability law. To successfully recover compensation, your legal team must prove the following:

1. A Dangerous Condition Existed

To start a premises liability claim, it must be proven that there is a hazardous or unsafe condition on the property. This can include conditions like a wet floor, broken stairs, exposed wiring, or poor lighting. In this case, these conditions created risks for visitors.

2. The Responsible Party Knew (or Should Have Known) About It

The property owner, tenant, or manager must have either known about the danger or should have reasonably discovered it through regular maintenance or inspection.

3. They Failed to Fix or Warn About the Hazard

Failing to repair the condition or post adequate warnings (e.g., “Wet Floor” signs) can constitute negligence under Washington law.

4. You Were Lawfully on the Property

You must have had a lawful reason to be on the property, such as being a customer, tenant, guest, or licensee. In most cases, Washington law does not provide protection to trespassers.

5. You Were Injured as a Direct Result

It must be clear that the hazardous condition directly caused your injuries and that those injuries resulted in damages such as medical bills, lost wages, or pain and suffering.

What Compensation Can You Recover After a Premises Liability Injury?

If you've been hurt due to a hazardous condition, you may be entitled to significant compensation under Washington law. At The Cochran Firm Seattle, we fight to recover the full and fair value of your damages, not just your immediate medical costs. This takes into account how your injury affects your future, your ability to work, and your quality of life. In Seattle, you may be able to recover damages such as:

  • Medical expenses 
  • Future medical costs 
  • Lost wages
  • Loss of future earning capacity 
  • Pain and suffering
  • Emotional distress 
  • Loss of enjoyment of life 
  • Disfigurement or permanent disability 
  • Home modifications 

What to Do After a Premises Liability Injury in Seattle

If you’ve been hurt on someone else’s property, whether in a slip and fall accident, or a trip on uneven pavement, the steps you take next can make or break your claim. Following an injury caused by a dangerous or unsafe property condition, here’s what you should do to protect your health, your rights, and your ability to recover compensation:

1. Get Medical Attention Immediately

Your health and safety are the top priority. Even if your injuries don’t seem severe, some conditions (like concussions or internal injuries) may not be obvious right away. Seeking prompt medical care also creates a record of your injuries tied to the incident.

2. Report the Incident

After your injury, notify the property owner, manager, or an employee right away. Request an incident report and ask for a copy for your records. 

3. Document the Scene

Take photos or video of the hazardous condition (wet floor, broken stairs, poor lighting, etc.) before it’s repaired or cleaned up. Also, photograph your injuries and any torn clothing, blood, or property damage. If there were witnesses, get their contact information as well.

4. Avoid Speaking to Insurance Adjusters

The other party’s insurance company may contact you quickly. Don’t give a recorded statement or accept a settlement without first talking to a Seattle premises liability attorney.

5. Contact a Seattle Premises Liability Lawyer

Premises liability cases often depend on evidence that can quickly disappear, like surveillance footage or maintenance logs. The Cochran Firm Seattle moves fast to preserve critical proof, identify liable parties, and build your claim for full compensation.

Contact The Cochran Firm In Seattle For Your Premises Liability Case Today

If you’ve been injured due to unsafe property conditions in Seattle or anywhere in Washington, don’t face the legal system alone. The Cochran Firm Seattle is ready to help you understand your options and take action. Under Washington law, you typically have three years from the date of your injury to file a premises liability claim. But don’t wait, evidence can be lost, and property owners may deny responsibility if you delay. Our experienced personal injury attorneys in Seattle are here to protect your rights, hold negligent property owners accountable, and pursue the maximum compensation you deserve.