Yakima Personal Injury Law Firm for Slip & Fall Victims

People fall all the time. We’ve all seen the funny videos online — most of the time, they just get up, dust themselves off, and laugh at their own embarrassment. But sometimes when people fall, they hit the ground very hard, often with no time to react. What starts as an ordinary, silly moment can turn into a painful injury in a fraction of a second. After the initial shock and embarrassment wear off, you may begin to feel pain, dizziness, or other symptoms, and only then realize you’ve been seriously hurt.

The road to recovery can be long. You might face hospital stays, physical therapy, surgeries, and the stress of mounting bills, all while trying to heal. Our Yakima slip and fall attorneys step in quickly to investigate what happened, preserve critical evidence, and protect you from insurance company tactics that aim to reduce your payout.

We handle the legal process so you can focus on getting better. From your first call to the final resolution, we are committed to securing the best outcome possible for you.

Why Lehmbecker Law Is the Right Choice for Your Slip & Fall Claim

We focus on making the claims process straightforward and our priority, giving your case the personal attention it deserves.

When you work with us, you get the resources, advanced knowledge and skills, and dedication needed to maximize the amount of money you receive.

Case Example: $90K Settlement for Restaurant Fall Injury

Our client slipped on a moss-covered paving stone outside a restaurant entrance, resulting in a broken ankle. The property owner had failed to maintain a safe walkway. We recovered $90,000, which covered the client’s medical bills, lost wages, and pain during recovery.

Actions to Take Right After a Slip and Fall in Yakima

Your actions right after a fall can make a huge difference in your case. Following these steps can help protect your claim and improve your chances of full compensation.

1. Report the Accident Immediately

Notify the property owner or manager, store manager, or landlord. Ask for a copy of any written incident report.

2. Get Medical Attention Quickly

Even if your injuries seem minor, a medical evaluation can detect hidden issues and create a record for your claim.

3. Gather Evidence at the Scene

Take photos or videos of the hazard and the surrounding area. It’s very important to understand what you slipped or tripped on. Keep the shoes and clothing you wore that day.

4. Keep Track of All Expenses

Save receipts for all accident-related expenses and proof of lost income.

5. Keep a Recovery Journal

Write down your daily pain levels, physical challenges, and emotional distress.

6. Stay Off Social Media

Avoid posting about your accident or activities. Insurers may use posts to argue your injuries aren’t serious.

7. Speak to a Slip and Fall Lawyer

An attorney can gather time-sensitive evidence, handle insurer communications, and protect your rights from the start.

Types of Compensation Available After a Fall

Washington law allows victims to seek compensation for both financial and personal losses.

Economic damages cover direct, measurable losses such as:

• ER visits, surgeries, medications, and rehabilitation
• Ongoing or in-home care if you can’t perform daily activities
• Lost wages and reduced earning potential

Non-economic damages address the human impact of your injuries, including:

• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress, such as anxiety or depression
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Permanent scarring or disfigurement
• Loss of Consortium money damages for your spouse for the loss of companionship and services while you recover

A strong claim should account for both the bills you face today and the long-term consequences of your injury that you’ll face in the future.

Tactics and Tricks Insurers Use to Reduce Slip & Fall Settlements

Insurance adjusters may seem friendly, but their main goal is to pay you as little as possible. Or even nothing at all. They might:

• Say their client is not at-fault for your fall and there was no negligence.
• Ask for recorded statements designed to make you admit partial fault.
• Argue that your injuries existed before the fall.
• Delay processing your claim to pressure you into accepting a low settlement.
• Use casual remarks like “I’m fine” to downplay your injuries.
• Monitor your social media for activity that they can use against you.

Having an attorney handle all insurer communications helps protect your claim’s value.

Determining Who’s Responsible for a Yakima Slip and Fall

Responsibility often depends on the type of property and who controls it.

Property Owners and Managers

Must keep their premises reasonably safe for lawful visitors.

Government Entities

Can be responsible for unsafe public sidewalks, parks, or buildings, but special notice requirements and shorter timelines apply.

Maintenance Crews or Contractors

If their work created or left a hazard unaddressed, they can be held liable.

Commercial Tenants

Businesses leasing a property may be responsible for the conditions inside their space.

How to Establish Liability in Slip & Fall Cases

To win your case, our exceptional lawyers will do the following:

1. Show the Property Owner’s Duty of Care

You were legally on the property, and the owner had a responsibility to keep it safe.

2. Prove the Breach of That Duty

The owner failed to fix or warn about a dangerous condition, such as a spill, broken stairs, or icy walkway.

3. Link the Hazard to Your Injuries

The hazard directly caused your injury, supported by medical records and other evidence.

4. Demonstrate the Owner’s Knowledge of the Hazard

The owner knew or should have known about the hazard.

5. Document Your Losses in Detail

You can prove your damages with medical bills, proof of lost wages, and records of how the injury affected your life.

If you’re partly at fault, Washington law can reduce your compensation. Strong evidence can limit this impact.

Washington’s Time Limits for Filing a Slip & Fall Claim in Yakima

In most cases, you have three years from the accident date to file a lawsuit. Missing the deadline usually means losing your right to compensation. The sooner you start, the easier it is for us to collect substantial evidence.

Common Places Where Slip and Falls Occur

Slips and falls can happen anywhere, but common locations include:

• Grocery stores and retail shops
• Restaurants and cafés
• Workplaces and warehouses
• Public sidewalks and parks
• Apartment complexes
• Parking lots and garages
• Hospitals and care facilities

Frequent Hazards That Contribute to Falls

Common hazards include:

• Loose rugs or mats
• Uneven flooring or pavement
• Unmarked changes in floor level
• Spills or freshly mopped floors without warning signs
• Cords or clutter in walkways
• Snow, ice, or standing water
• Poor lighting that hides hazards

Injuries Often Caused by Slip and Fall Accidents

These accidents can cause:

• Broken bones (hip, wrist, ankle)
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Spinal cord damage
• Severe cuts and scarring
• Torn ligaments and sprains
• Shoulder and knee injuries

Our personal injury lawyers consider the full scope of your injuries when calculating fair compensation.