Slip And Fall Lawyer Tacoma, WA

What To Do After a Slip and Fall Accident in Tacoma

Your safety is the first priority. Seek medical attention right away for any injuries, even if you feel okay. Report the accident to the property owner, manager or supervisor and ask them to complete an incident report. Take photos of the hazard—wet floors, broken handrails, icy steps—and of the surrounding area, and gather contact information from witnesses.

– Get prompt medical care and follow your doctor’s recommendations.
– Document the scene with photos and video before the hazard is cleaned or repaired.
– Keep your shoes and clothing as evidence.
– Do not give a recorded statement to an insurance adjuster until you talk to a lawyer.

Our Tacoma slip and fall attorneys can start investigating immediately. We work with safety engineers, building code experts and medical specialists to build a strong claim.

Common Causes of Slip and Fall Accidents in Tacoma

Tacoma’s rainy climate and bustling commercial districts create many slip-and-fall hazards. Wet grocery store aisles, slick restaurant floors and spilled drinks can make surfaces dangerously slippery. Uneven pavement and cracked sidewalks near the Tacoma Mall, Stadium District or waterfront can trip unsuspecting pedestrians. Ice and snow on parking lots, ramps and steps make winter walking treacherous. Loose carpets, torn mats and cluttered Property owners must address these conditions promptly—mop up spills, de-ice walkways and fix broken or unev
Property owners must address these conditions promptly—mop up spills, de-ice walkways and fix broken or uneven surfaces—to keep visitors safe.

Slip and fall accidents can cause a range of injuries, from minor bruises to life‑changing trauma. Broken wrists, arms, ankles and hips are frequent because victims instinctively extend their arms to break a fall. Head injuries such as concussions and traumatic brain injury (TBI) are also common and can lead to cognitive impairments, memory loss and mood changes. Spinal cord injuries may result in chronic pain, limited mobility or paralysis. Soft‑tissue damage like sprains, strains and torn ligaments can limit your ability to work or enjoy daily activities for months. Even seemingly minor injuries can require costly physical therapy and medical treatment.

Recovering Damages for a Slip and Fall Accident

If a property owner’s negligence caused your fall, you may recover compensation for both economic and non‑economic damages. Economic damages include medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, lost wages and reduced earning capacity. Non‑economic damages compensate you for pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life and disability or disfigurement. Our attorneys document every aspect of your injury and work with medical experts to calculate the full extent of your losses.

Washington Slip and Fall Laws & Deadlines

Under Washington’s premises liability law, property owners and occupiers must maintain reasonably safe conditions and warn about known hazards. Washington is also a comparative negligence state, so your compensation may be reduced if you were partially at fault—for example, by wearing unsafe footwear or ignoring warning signs. Most slip and fall lawsuits must be filed within three years of the accident (RCW 4.16.080), and claims against governmental entities require an even shorter notice period. Acting quickly ensures evidence can be preserved and helps you meet statutory deadlines.

Why Choose Strong Law for Your Slip and Fall Case

Strong Law Accident & Injury Attorneys has a proven track record of recovering millions for injured clients in Tacoma and throughout Washington. Our slip and fall team combines local knowledge of Pierce County courts with the resources of a regional injury firm. We work on a contingency fee, meaning you pay nothing unless we win. We conduct thorough investigations, hire respected safety engineers and negotiate aggressively with insurers. When settlement offers don’t reflect your losses, we aren’t afraid to take your case to court. Our goal is to secure the maximum Our goal is to secure the maximum compensation possible so you can focus on healing.

Common Causes of Slip and Fall Accidents in Tacoma

Slip and fall accidents happen in many ways. In grocery stores and retail outlets, spilled drinks and produce can leave slick puddles that employees fail to clean up promptly. In restaurants and coffee shops, greasy or wet floors at entryways and restrooms create hidden hazards. Outdoors, the Pacific Northwest’s rain and ice lead to slippery sidewalks, parking lots, and building entrances around downtown Tacoma, Tacoma Mall, the Stadium District, and residential neighborhoods. Businesses may also ignore cracked pavement, uneven walkways, missing handrails, loose rugs, and cluttered aisles that trip up customers. Poor lighting in stairwells or parking garages can make it hard to see hazards. Property owners and managers have a legal duty to inspect their premises regularly and fix or warn of dangerous conditions.

Common Injuries After a Slip and Fall

Slip and fall victims often suffer more than just embarrassment. Broken bones in the wrists, ankles, hips, and shoulders are common when people instinctively try to catch themselves. Torn ligaments and severe sprains may require surgery and months of physical therapy. Hitting your head on a hard surface can cause concussions or traumatic brain injuries that lead to headaches, memory problems, and chronic dizziness. Falls on staircases or uneven pavement can lead to spinal cord injuries, herniated discs, and nerve damage that may affect mobility. Even soft-tissue injuries like bruises, contusions, and muscle tears can cause weeks of pain and stiffness. Our Tacoma attorneys work with doctors, orthopedic specialists, and neurologists to document every injury and show the full impact on your life.

Recovering Compensation for a Slip and Fall Accident

If a property owner’s negligence caused your fall, you may be entitled to compensation. Economic damages cover past and future medical bills, hospital stays, physical therapy, medications, assistive devices, and lost wages for time off work. If your injuries affect your ability to return to your job or force you into a different line of work, you can also claim diminished earning capacity. Non-economic damages compensate for pain, suffering, emotional distress, scarring, and loss of enjoyment of life. In severe cases, you may need to remodel your home to accommodate a wheelchair or hire in-home care. Our lawyers gather medical records, employment documents, and expert reports to calculate the full value of your claim and negotiate aggressively with insurers.

Comparative Negligence and Filing Deadlines

Washington follows a comparative negligence rule, which means you can still recover compensation even if you were partly responsible for your fall. The court will assign a percentage of fault to each party, and your award will be reduced by your share of fault. For example, if the court finds you 20% at fault because you were texting while walking, your recovery will be reduced by 20%. Slip and fall claims in Washington typically must be filed within three years of the accident. If the property is owned by a government entity, you may have to file a claim within months. Evidence can disappear quickly — spills get cleaned up, weather changes, and security footage gets deleted — so it’s essential to contact a lawyer right away to preserve evidence and meet statutory deadlines.

We also represent victims of car accidents, truck accidents, motorcycle accidents and wrongful death in Tacoma. Contact our team for compassionate legal help no matter how you were hurt.

For detailed statutory information, see RCW 4.16.080 on actions limited to three years.