As a resident or visitor in Bellingham, you have the right to expect that the properties you enter are safe and well-maintained. Whether you’re browsing the shops downtown, dining at a restaurant, or visiting a friend’s home, you shouldn’t have to worry about dangerous conditions that could cause you harm.

Unfortunately, property owners and managers don’t always uphold their duty to keep their premises safe, and innocent people can suffer serious injuries as a result.

If a dangerous property condition in Bellingham has caused injury to you or a loved one, the experienced Bellingham premises liability lawyers at Walton Law can help you hold the negligent parties accountable and fight for the compensation you deserve.

Bellingham Premises Liability Guide

Why Choose Walton Law for Your Premises Liability Case

At Walton Law, we have extensive experience representing clients who have been injured due to dangerous property conditions, including slip and fall accidents, inadequate security, and defective structures.

Our skilled personal injury attorneys in Bellingham have recovered substantial settlements and verdicts for our clients, providing them with the financial resources they need to rebuild their lives after a serious injury. We have the knowledge, resources, and tenacity to take on even the most complex cases and well-funded defendants, including major insurance companies and corporations.

Since 2013, Super Lawyers has recognized our founding attorney, Christopher C. Walton, as an AV Preeminent-rated trial lawyer.

Our Bellingham office is located at 2219 Rimland Drive #301, just minutes from the city’s downtown area, home to numerous entertainment venues, restaurants, retail stores, and other properties where accidents can happen.

Types of Premises Liability Cases We Handle

At Walton Law, we handle a wide range of premises liability cases, including:

  • Slip and fall accidents caused by wet floors, uneven surfaces, or other hazards
  • Trip and fall accidents due to broken stairs, missing handrails, or inadequate lighting
  • Injuries caused by falling merchandise or debris
  • Swimming pool accidents and drownings
  • Amusement park and playground accidents
  • Elevator and escalator accidents
  • Fires and explosions
  • Exposure to toxic substances
  • Inadequate security leading to assaults or other crimes
  • Injuries caused by defective or poorly maintained structures

No matter what type of accident you suffered or how complicated your case may be, our experienced attorneys have the skills and resources to help you seek justice and compensation.

Proving Liability in a Premises Liability Case

To win a premises liability case in Washington, you must generally prove:

  1. The defendant owned, leased, occupied, or controlled the property where the accident occurred.
  2. The defendant was negligent in the use or maintenance of the property.
  3. You were harmed as a result of the defendant’s negligence.
  4. The defendant’s negligence was a substantial factor in causing your harm.

You need a lawyer to prove these elements because they involve complex laws and well-funded defendants.

The key aspect of premises liability cases is showing that the property owner or manager had actual or constructive notice of the dangerous condition that caused your injury. This means that they either knew about the hazard or should have known about it through reasonable inspection and maintenance of the property.

For example, if you slipped and fell on a spilled drink in a restaurant, we would need to show that the restaurant staff knew about the spill or that the spill had been there long enough that they should have discovered and cleaned it up.

Evidence that could support notice might include:

  • Witness statements from other customers or employees
  • Surveillance video footage showing the hazard
  • Maintenance logs or inspection reports
  • Prior complaints or accidents involving the same hazard

At Walton Law, we have the experience and resources to thoroughly investigate your accident, gather evidence, and build a strong case for liability and damages.

Comparative Negligence in Premises Liability Cases

In some cases, the property owner may argue that you were partially at fault for your own injuries, such as by failing to watch where you were going or ignoring warning signs. Under Washington’s comparative negligence law, your damages can decrease by your own percentage of fault, if any.

Our skilled attorneys know how to counter allegations of comparative negligence and fight for the full compensation you deserve.

Damages in Premises Liability Cases

If a dangerous property condition injured you in Bellingham, you may recover damages for:

  • Medical expenses, including emergency care, surgeries, and rehabilitation
  • Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
  • Pain and suffering
  • Emotional distress and mental anguish
  • Loss of enjoyment of life
  • Disability or disfigurement
  • Wrongful death damages if you lost a loved one in the accident

The value of your premises liability claim will depend on factors like the severity of your injuries, the extent of your financial losses, and the strength of the evidence against the property owner.

Our seasoned attorneys will carefully assess your case to determine the full scope of your damages and aggressively pursue the maximum compensation you are owed.

Steps to Take After a Premises Liability Accident

If you sustained injuries on someone else’s property in Bellingham:

  1. Report the accident to the property owner or manager right away.
  2. Take photos of the hazard that caused your accident and your injuries.
  3. Get contact information for any witnesses who saw what happened.
  4. Seek medical attention as soon as possible, even if your injuries seem minor.
  5. Keep copies of all medical bills, incident reports, and other documentation related to the accident.
  6. Avoid giving recorded statements to insurance companies or signing any documents without consulting an attorney first.
  7. Contact an experienced premises liability lawyer as soon as possible for guidance on your legal rights and options.

At Walton Law, we offer free consultations to help premises liability victims understand their rights and make informed decisions about their cases. The sooner you reach out to us, the sooner we can start building your case and fighting for your recovery.

Contact a Bellingham Premises Liability Lawyer

Christopher C. Walton, Premises Liability Lawyer in Bellingham

Christopher C. Walton, Premises Liability Lawyer in Bellingham

If you or a loved one has been injured due to a dangerous property condition in Bellingham, don’t wait to get the legal help you need. The dedicated attorneys at Walton Law are here to guide you through the complex legal process, stand up to the insurance companies, and fight for the full and fair compensation you deserve.

We understand that you may be facing mounting medical bills, lost wages, and other challenges after a serious injury. That’s why we offer free consultations, and we never charge a fee unless we recover money for you. We also offer evening and weekend appointments and can come to you if you’re unable to travel.

Contact us today at (360) 543-1010 for your free consultation with one of our skilled premises liability lawyers. Let us put our experience, resources, and compassion to work for you and your family.

Walton Law, A.P.C. – Bellingham Office Location

2219 Rimland Dr Suite 301,

Bellingham, WA 98226

Phone: (360) 543-1010