Seattle Premises Liability Attorneys

What Is Premises Liability in Washington?

Premises liability is a legal concept that holds property owners responsible when someone is injured due to unsafe or negligent conditions on their property. Under Washington law, owners and occupiers of land have a duty of care to maintain their property in a reasonably safe condition for lawful visitors, guests, and sometimes even trespassers.

Common causes of premises liability claims include:

• Slippery or wet floors
• Broken stairs or missing railings
• Poor lighting in walkways or parking lots
• Falling merchandise or debris
• Inadequate security in high-crime areas
• Exposed wiring or other hazards

Washington uses the comparative negligence rule, meaning your compensation may be reduced if you were partially at fault. But it does not prevent recovery entirely unless you were 100% to blame.

A Seattle premises liability lawyer can evaluate your situation, explain how the law applies, and help you pursue a claim. These cases are often fact-sensitive and rely heavily on timely evidence—so it’s important not to delay taking action.

Property Owners Have Legal Responsibilities

When someone is invited onto a property—like a customer at a store or a tenant in an apartment building—the owner has a legal duty to ensure their safety. This includes conducting regular inspections, repairing hazards promptly, and warning visitors of known dangers.

Some examples of failure to meet this duty include:

• A landlord who ignores reports of loose floorboards
• A business owner who fails to mop up a spill
• An apartment complex with poor lighting and no cameras in high-crime areas
• A construction site left open to the public without proper barriers

If a property owner knew—or reasonably should have known—about a dangerous condition and failed to act, they may be held liable for resulting injuries.

Proving this requires investigation, documentation, and often witness testimony or surveillance footage. That’s why many injury victims seek help from a Seattle premises liability lawyer who can gather the facts and build a strong case.

Common Types of Premises Liability Claims

Not all premises liability cases involve a “slip and fall.” In fact, many incidents involve more serious safety violations or complex negligence.

Some common examples of claims Boohoff Law may handle include:

• Slip and fall accidents: Wet floors, icy sidewalks, loose rugs
• Trip and falls: Uneven pavement, cords, or debris in walkways
• Negligent security: Assaults in parking lots, hotels, or apartment buildings
• Dog bites: When property owners fail to restrain dangerous pets
• Swimming pool accidents: Unfenced or poorly maintained pools
• Retail injuries: Falling items from shelves or displays

Each type of accident involves different legal considerations. For example, a retail case might focus on store policies and cleaning schedules, while a dog bite claim may rely on prior complaints or violations of Seattle’s leash laws.

These cases often hinge on proving that the hazard existed long enough that the property owner should have fixed it. That’s where documentation—photos, incident reports, witness names—becomes critical.

Why Premises Liability Claims Are Often Contested

Property owners and their insurers frequently deny responsibility in premises liability cases. They may claim the victim was careless, that the danger was “open and obvious,” or that they had no prior knowledge of the hazard.

Common defenses include:

• “You weren’t paying attention.”
• “You weren’t supposed to be in that area.”
• “We had just cleaned it.”
• “We posted a warning sign.”

Insurers often use these arguments to reduce or deny valid claims. Without legal support, many injured people are left paying out of pocket for medical expenses, lost wages, and rehabilitation.

A Seattle premises liability lawyer can challenge these defenses with evidence, expert testimony, and a full investigation into property maintenance practices. Whether your case involves a commercial property or a private residence, having legal representation levels the playing field and gives you a voice in the process.

How a Lawyer Can Help With Your Case

Many people assume that a premises liability case is straightforward. But proving liability requires more than just showing you were hurt—it requires showing how the property owner failed in their duty, and connecting that failure to your injuries.

An experienced premises liability lawyer can help by:

• Conducting a site inspection
• Preserving evidence before it’s lost or cleaned up
• Interviewing witnesses or employees
• Requesting surveillance footage
• Gathering medical records to prove the extent of your injury
• Negotiating with the insurance company

If the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement, your lawyer can take your case to court and present your story before a jury.

At Boohoff Law, we understand that injured people want accountability—and help covering the costs they didn’t ask for. Whether your injuries are minor or severe, we can assess your case at no cost and help you decide what steps to take next.

Call Boohoff Law for a Free Consultation

If you were injured on someone else’s property in Seattle—whether in a store, apartment, parking garage, or private residence—you don’t have to navigate the aftermath alone. Premises liability claims are often complex, and insurance companies may not offer you a fair settlement without legal pressure.

At Boohoff Law, P.A., our team has experience representing injury victims throughout Seattle and the surrounding areas. We can investigate your case, gather evidence, and pursue the compensation you deserve for medical bills, missed work, pain and suffering, and more.

You don’t have to wonder what your case is worth or whether you have a valid claim. Reach out for a free, no-obligation consultation and let us give you the information you need to make the right decision.

Call (877) 999-9999 to speak with our Seattle team today.

Client Testimonial

“Everyone here is so helpful. They jumped through every hoop necessary to get me the settlement I rightfully deserved. Tracey and Maria are super sweet. They made me feel right at home. I absolutely recommend Boohooff Law and will use them again in the future if I am ever in a similar situation. Thank you all at Boohooff who helped me with my case. 10/10 stars hands down!” – Brandy K.

Boohoff Law P.A.
Seattle Location
920 5th Ave, Suite 1530
Seattle, WA 98104
(877) 999-9999