Carpenter & Zuckerman Carpenter & Zuckerman
Personal Injury Attorneys

Winning Cases
Since 1920

Yakima Premises Liability Attorney

Fighting for Victims of Unsafe Premises in Yakima, WA

Property owners, whether they oversee private homes, businesses, or public spaces, have a legal obligation to ensure their properties are safe for visitors. When they fail to meet this responsibility, serious accidents can occur, leaving victims not only injured but often struggling with mounting medical expenses and emotional distress. If you or a loved one has been injured due to hazardous conditions on someone else's property, you may be entitled to compensation under Washington’s premises liability laws.

At Carpenter & Zuckerman, we handle premises liability cases in Yakima and throughout Washington. Our experienced attorneys are committed to securing justice and fair compensation for victims injured as a result of someone else’s negligence. Whether you were hurt in a slip-and-fall, a swimming pool accident, or another type of property-related incident, we are here to provide trusted legal guidance every step of the way.

Contact us today at (509) 978-6287 for a free consultation to discuss your case.

What Is Premises Liability?

Premises liability claims arise when a person is injured due to hazardous conditions or negligence on someone else’s property. These cases stem from the property owner’s failure to fulfill their duty of care, which means taking reasonable steps to identify and address potential dangers to keep visitors safe.

Common Causes of Premises Liability Claims

There are many ways a premises liability incident can take place. Common causes include the following:

  • Slip and Falls: Unmarked wet floors, uneven pavement, poorly maintained stairways, or icy walkways.
  • Swimming Pool Accidents: Lack of fencing, poorly maintained pool areas, or unsafe surfaces near pools.
  • Toxic Chemical Exposure: Dangerous exposure to asbestos, mold, or carbon monoxide due to inadequate property maintenance.
  • Insufficient Security: Assault or theft due to lack of security measures like proper lighting, guards, or functional locks.
  • Building Code Violations: Accidents caused by non-compliance with safety codes, such as unstable handrails or missing fire exits.

If you’ve been injured in any of these situations, our Yakima premises liability attorneys can help determine whether negligence played a role and what legal steps to take next.

Common Injuries in Premises Liability Cases

The injuries sustained in premises liability incidents can range from minor to life-altering and may include the following:

  • Broken bones and fractures
  • Spinal cord injuries
  • Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
  • Burns from electrical hazards or toxic exposures
  • Cuts, lacerations, and soft tissue injuries
  • Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) following assaults or traumatic incidents

No matter how serious your injury is, you deserve fair compensation to help cover current and long-term damages. Carpenter & Zuckerman fights for maximum recovery on behalf of our clients.

 

 

$131 Million Dram Shop Liability
Our client was injured in a car accident caused by a driver who was over-served at a restaurant/bar.
  • $2.5 Million Slip & Fall
  • $1.6 Million Slip & Fall
  • $1.5 Million Motorcycle Accident

Proving Fault in a Premises Liability Case

To successfully recover compensation in a premises liability lawsuit, you must prove that the property owner or manager acted negligently in failing to maintain safe conditions. This requires establishing four key elements of negligence:

  1. Duty of Care: Demonstrating that the property owner owed you a reasonable duty of care.
  2. Breach of Duty: Proving they did not take reasonable steps to ensure safety, such as repairing hazards or providing proper warnings.
  3. Causation: Showing that the breach of duty directly caused your injuries.
  4. Damages: Evidence that highlights the negative impact on your life, including medical costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Our Yakima attorneys at Carpenter & Zuckerman have the experience and resources to thoroughly investigate your case. We collect critical evidence such as photos, surveillance footage, maintenance records, and witness statements to build a strong argument in your favor.

Compensation in Premises Liability Cases

When you’ve been injured due to unsafe property conditions, the financial burden of recovery can quickly add up. A premises liability claim can help you recover compensation for the following damages:

  • Medical Expenses: Covering emergency treatment, surgeries, rehabilitation, and long-term care.
  • Lost Wages: Reimbursement for time missed at work while recovering.
  • Loss of Earning Potential: Compensation if your injuries prevent you from resuming your previous job or career path.
  • Pain and Suffering: Financial acknowledgment of the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the injury.
  • Property Damage: Repairs or replacement for personal items damaged during the accident.

Our attorneys work tirelessly to calculate the true cost of your injuries and ensure you receive fair compensation that covers both immediate expenses and future hardships.

  • Maximum Compensation
    Maximum Compensation
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Why Choose Carpenter & Zuckerman?

At Carpenter & Zuckerman, we understand how stressful it can be to deal with a serious injury while navigating the legal system. That’s why our Yakima premises liability attorneys prioritize compassionate, client-focused representation to make the process as seamless as possible for you and your family.

What Sets Us Apart?

  • Proven Results: We have recovered millions of dollars in verdicts and settlements for injury victims, giving you peace of mind in our ability to deliver results.
  • Personalized Approach: Each client is treated as an individual, and we tailor our legal strategies to your specific circumstances and needs.
  • Dedication to Justice: We fight aggressively to hold negligent property owners accountable and ensure they take responsibility for the harm caused.
  • Contingency Fee Structure: We only get paid if we win your case, so there’s no financial risk to seeking justice.

Take the First Step Toward Recovery

We’re here to guide and support you every step of the way, fighting to secure the compensation you need to move forward with confidence and peace of mind. Don’t wait to get the justice you deserve.

If you’ve been injured due to a property owner’s negligence, don’t wait to get the help you need. Washington State has a three-year statute of limitations for premises liability claims, and acting quickly ensures valuable evidence is preserved and your case is handled properly from the start.

Call Carpenter & Zuckerman at (509) 978-6287 or complete our online contact form for a free consultation.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

  • How Long Do I Have to File a Car Accident Lawsuit in Seattle?
    In Seattle, as per Washington state law, the statute of limitations for filing a car accident lawsuit is generally three years from the date of the accident for personal injury claims. Property damage claims also share this three-year limit. It's crucial to adhere to these time frames to preserve your right to seek legal remedy. Consulting with our attorneys soon after an accident helps ensure your documentation is timely and that all legal deadlines are met, preserving your case's integrity.
  • Will Uber or Lyft use an insurance policy to cover my losses?

    Both Uber and Lyft have insurance policies in place that can cover losses after a rideshare accident. In some situations, up to $1,000,000 in coverage could be available to pay for the damages of a rideshare accident. However, you aren’t guaranteed anything from these policies, and rideshare companies often try to minimize what coverage is provided after a crash.

  • Are there any caps on the compensation I can receive in a birth injury case?
    There are not.
  • How long do HIE cases take to resolve fully?
    The answer to this depends on a variety of factors. Typically, these cases can take anywhere from a couple of months to several years.
  • How can I ensure I get the best care following a catastrophic injury?

    We can arrange for you to see a highly qualified specialist.

  • How long do I file to file my lawsuit?
    The statute of limitations on personal injury cases is either three years or one year after discovering that malpractice led to your injury, whichever is later.
  • Can I sue for property damage?
    Yes.
  • What damages can I recover in my case?

    Depending on the circumstances of your case, you may be eligible to recover compensation. There are two main types of damages that can be recovered: economic and non-economic.

    Economic damages are tangible, quantifiable losses that result from the accident. They are intended to compensate you for actual financial expenses and losses. Common economic damages in a truck accident case may include medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and other out-of-pocket expenses.

    Non-economic damages are less tangible and are meant to compensate you for the pain, suffering, mental anguish, or loss of consortium resulting from the truck accident.

  • Is there a limit to the economic and non-economic damages I can collect?
    In the past, there have been caps on non-economic damages; however, caps on damages have since been ruled unconstitutional by the Washington Supreme Court. The stipulation regarding caps on non-economic damages still exists in the Revised Code of Washington; however, it is no longer relevant.
  • What Should I Do Immediately After a Car Accident?
    Immediately after a car accident, your first priority should be ensuring the safety of everyone involved. If there are no severe injuries, move vehicles out of traffic if possible. Call 911 to report the accident and request medical assistance. While waiting for emergency services, document the accident scene by taking photos and notes and gathering contact details from witnesses. Avoid admitting fault or making statements to the other driver. Contact your insurance company to report the accident but refrain from giving recorded statements without legal guidance from your attorney.
  • How can liability be split in a rideshare accident claim?
    Liability in a rideshare accident can be split in several ways, depending on the circumstances of the incident. The rideshare driver, the rideshare company, another motorist, or an automaker—or any combination of these parties—can be liable for the accident and the resulting damages.
  • Can I file a claim if I was a nonpaying passenger in a rideshare accident?
    If you were a nonpaying passenger in a rideshare vehicle at the time of the accident, you still have the right to file a claim for damages. You don’t have to be the rideshare customer who paid for the service to have the right to seek compensation after a rideshare accident.
  • What If the Other Driver Is Uninsured?
    If the other driver involved in your accident is uninsured, you may still have recourse through your own insurance policy, assuming you hold uninsured motorist coverage. This coverage can help compensate for medical expenses, loss of income, and other damages that would typically fall under the at-fault party's responsibility. Navigating this process can be complex, but our legal team will be with you to interpret policy details and fight for the coverage you deserve.
  • How Are Settlements Calculated by a Car Accident Lawyer in Seattle?
    Car accident settlements are calculated based on several factors including the severity of injuries, medical expenses, loss of income, and emotional distress suffered by the victim. Washington's comparative fault law can adjust settlements depending on each party’s degree of fault. Non-economic damages also contribute to settlements but are more subjective. Engaging a knowledgeable auto accident attorney in Seattle to guide you through this calculation process ensures no element of your claim is overlooked, maximizing your compensation potential.
  • Why Is an Attorney Necessary for a Car Accident Claim?
    While it is possible to handle a car accident claim independently, a seasoned accident attorney in Seattle can significantly impact your case. Legal professionals possess a deep understanding of laws, know how to counteract insurance companies' tactics, and have the resources to thoroughly investigate your case. The personalized service provided by Carpenter & Zuckerman ensures informed decision-making and strategically aggressive negotiation aimed at securing fair and full compensation.
  • Should I talk to Uber’s or Lyft’s insurance policy provider about the claim and compensation?
    While it may seem logical to discuss your accident and potential claim with Uber's or Lyft's insurance provider, it's not recommended to do so without legal representation. Insurance companies are businesses aiming to minimize payouts, and their representatives are trained to gather information that could potentially limit or deny your claim. Therefore, you should let an experienced rideshare accident attorney from our firm handle all communications with the insurance company.
  • How much Does a Dog Bite Lawyer Cost?
    Our Seattle dog bite attorneys work on a contingency basis, meaning we will not charge you for our services unless we successfully win your case. We collect a percentage of the compensation awarded to you. The precise figure varies from case to case, and we can give you more specific information during your initial consultation.
  • How long do I have to file a birth injury lawsuit?
    You have either three years from the date that the injury was sustained or one year after you discovered your injury was caused by negligence, whichever is later.
  • How do I file a cerebral palsy birth injury lawsuit?
    During your consultation, we will walk you through the steps you need to take to file a lawsuit.
  • What forms of damages can I recover in my Erb's palsy case?
    You may be entitled to economic and non-economic damages, such as medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, mental anguish, and more. Once we know more about your case, we can provide a more specific answer.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Does a Premises Liability Lawyer Do?

A premises liability lawyer helps clients seek compensation for injuries sustained due to unsafe property conditions. At Carpenter & Zuckerman, we investigate the circumstances of your case, gather evidence, and represent you in negotiations or court proceedings to hold negligent property owners accountable.

Our role extends beyond mere representation; we act as strategic advisors, providing insights and guidance on how best to approach the complexities of your case. This involves a meticulous examination of incident specifics, formulating a legal strategy that is both robust and suited to your long-term needs. We aim to diminish the financial and emotional strain associated with legal proceedings, ensuring our clients feel supported every step of the way.

Are All Accidents on Someone Else's Property Eligible for Compensation?

Not all property accidents qualify for compensation. Eligibility depends on the circumstances, such as the visitor's status (invitee, licensee, or trespasser) and the owner's duty of care. Our Yakima lawyers will assess your situation to determine if you have a viable claim.

Our comprehensive case evaluation process involves assessing the legal merits of your situation, identifying potential obstacles, and clarifying the expected outcomes. We provide an honest assessment of your chances, allowing you to make informed decisions regarding proceeding with legal action. This transparency is at the heart of our client relationships, ensuring trust and mutual understanding.

How Long Do I Have to File a Premises Liability Claim in Yakima?

In Washington, you typically have three years from the date of the injury to file a premises liability claim. It's crucial to act promptly to preserve evidence and enhance your case's chances of success. Our attorneys will ensure all legal timelines are met.

Procrastination in filing a claim can compromise both the availability of evidence and witness memories, potentially weakening your case. Acting promptly not only safeguards your legal rights but also helps create a stronger, more persuasive case. By leveraging our proactive approach, you can rest assured that every necessary legal step is undertaken in a timely and efficient manner.




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