Were you injured on someone else’s property in Tacoma, Washington? You may have the right to recover compensation from the property owner. The Tacoma premises liability lawyers at Darrell Cochran Personal Injury Lawyer can help you seek the money you deserve for medical bills, lost wages, and other damages.
We have more than three decades of combined experience holding property owners, landlords, and corporations accountable for unsafe conditions. We’ve recovered over $1 billion for injured clients. Call today at (253) 264-0225 to schedule your free consultation.
Why Choose Darrell Cochran Personal Injury Lawyers to Handle Your Premises Liability Case in Tacoma, WA?
Premises liability cases aren’t always straightforward. Property owners often deny wrongdoing or try to blame the victim. When you’re injured, you need a fierce advocate who has experience taking on powerful defendants and winning.
Here’s what sets our Tacoma personal injury lawyers apart:
- Over 30 years of courtroom experience representing injury victims in Tacoma and across Washington State
- A proven track record in high-stakes premises liability, catastrophic injury, and complex tort claims
- A Martindale Hubbell AV Preeminent rating — the highest possible distinction for legal ability and ethics, as well as other awards and recognitions
- Personalized, compassionate service; we treat clients like people, not case numbers
Whether your injury happened in a big-box store, apartment complex, public building, or private home, we’ll fight to hold the responsible party accountable for their negligence. Contact Darrell Cochran Personal Injury Lawyer today for a free case review.
Common Premises Liability Hazards in Tacoma
Premises liability claims can arise in almost any type of property, including retail stores, office buildings, restaurants, parking garages, rental units, and more.
Certain dangerous conditions appear repeatedly in these types of injury claims:
- Slippery or wet floors without warning signs
- Cracked sidewalks or broken stairways
- Poor lighting in stairwells, alleys, or parking lots
- Loose handrails or missing guardrails
- Unsecured rugs, mats, or electrical cords
- Accumulated snow or black ice in entryways or walkways
- Falling merchandise or unstable shelving
- Negligent security leading to assaults or other violent crimes
- Dog bites or dangerous animals on private property
- Structural issues with decks, balconies, or flooring
When a property owner fails to address or warn of these risks, they can be held legally responsible for the injuries that result to guests.
Washington Premises Liability Law
In Washington State, property owners owe a legal duty of care to individuals who enter their premises.
However, the duty and related level of care depend on the visitor’s classification:
1. Invitees
Invitees are people on the property for the mutual benefit of both parties, such as customers in a store or clients in an office. With invitees, owners must inspect their premises regularly, fix dangerous conditions in a reasonable time, and warn of known hazards.
2. Licensees
Licensees are social guests or others who are allowed on the property for non-commercial purposes. Owners must warn them of known hazards that are not obvious. However, they are not required to inspect the premises.
3. Trespassers
Owners generally owe minimal duties to trespassers, except not to intentionally cause harm. However, when children are involved, the attractive nuisance doctrine may apply. This doctrine holds property owners accountable for a dangerous property feature (like a pool or abandoned structure) that lures a child onto the property and causes harm.
If you were injured on another party’s property, our legal team will evaluate your case, determine the duty owed to you, and investigate whether the property owner violated that duty.
Damages Available in a Tacoma Premises Liability Claim
If you were injured on someone else’s property, you may be eligible to recover economic and non-economic damages, which are designed to cover both your financial losses and your personal suffering.
Your damages award may include money for:
- Emergency medical expenses
- Surgeries, rehabilitation, and physical therapy
- Prescription medications and medical devices
- Lost wages and future income
- Out-of-pocket expenses and property damage
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress, including anxiety and depression
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Disfigurement or permanent impairment
- Loss of consortium or companionship
- Wrongful death damages
Our team will calculate the full value of your case so you can make informed decisions about your injury claim and financial future.
How Long Do I Have to File a Premises Liability Claim in Washington?
Washington has a three-year statute of limitations for personal injury lawsuits, including those based on unsafe premises. That means you have three years from the date of your injury to file a lawsuit in civil court.
If your claim involves a government entity (such as a city-maintained sidewalk or public building), you may have even less time to initiate legal action.
If you miss the relevant deadline, you will lose your right to recover compensation in court. Speak with a Tacoma premises liability attorney as soon as possible after your injury to avoid issues with the statute of limitations.
Contact Our Tacoma Premises Liability Lawyers for a Free Consultation
At Darrell Cochran Personal Injury Lawyer, we understand that a serious injury can disrupt every aspect of your life. You shouldn’t have to shoulder the burden alone, especially when someone else’s caused your pain. We’re here to help.
With over $1 billion recovered for injury victims and a long-standing reputation for legal excellence, we have the experience and resources to hold property owners accountable.
Call today or contact us online to schedule your free consultation with an experienced Tacoma premises liability lawyer.