Slip and Fall Liability is Far From Automatic

Many believe that a business is automatically responsible if someone falls in their business and is injured. This is not so. In fact, slip and fall cases are among the most difficult for the injured party to seek compensation.

The Court of Appeals today posted its decision in a slip and fall case. Our firm took no part in the case.

The plaintiff slipped and fell in a puddle of water in the laundry room of an apartment building. The trial court dismissed the case. The Court of Appeals upheld the dismissal.[1]

The Court noted that the “mere occurrence of an accident and an injury do not necessarily lead to an inference of negligence.”

In this case the Court held that “[t]here is no evidence in the record that [the landowner] knew or should have known that the sink was leaking.”

Because they are difficult cases if you are injured in a slip and fall accident you should consult with a personal injury attorney early.



[1] Smith v. Frye Building Limited Partnership, unpublished opinion (Wash. Ct. App. No. 66404-2-I, 2012).

 

Posted in Premises Liability.