Premises Liability

Seattle, Land of Vacation Rentals (and Accidents)

By Hardwick & Pendergast, P.S. on August 10, 2018

There is nothing more depressing and unlucky than getting physically hurt while on vacation. A time that should have been spent having fun and relaxing in the sun turns into a scary situation where medical treatment might be necessary. Summer is here, and with the boom of Airbnb, almost anyone can enjoy a vacation stay in a different city, state, or even country, without shelling out exorbitant money on hotel prices.

Although most Airbnb stays are very safe, you can never be sure that the pictures you see online show you everything, including the potential dangers that await you in your host location. Read the rest »

While You Cheer Your Team, Watch Out for These Stadium Dangers

By Hardwick & Pendergast, P.S. on June 2, 2018

From CenturyLink Field to Safeco Field to Key Arena to Memorial Stadium, there are many stadiums and sporting events around Seattle that attract thousands of fans almost every day. Read the rest »

Safety at the Ballgame

By Hardwick & Pendergast, P.S. on November 5, 2017

Earlier this year, an overeager fan nearly plummeted to his death at Fenway Park while trying to reach for a foul ball. Thankfully, he did not ultimately fall over the railing, but the incident does make one question the safety of these types of events. Read the rest »

If Someone Is Illegally on Your Property and Gets Hurt, Can He Sue You?

By Hardwick & Pendergast, P.S. on July 28, 2017

Premises liability law in Seattle states that property owners are responsible for ensuring that any visitor will be kept safe while on their property. But there is a caveat: when someone is trespassing or otherwise on the property illegally, the property owner is not responsible for his or her safety.

The law seems very clear on this point. So why then, in some cases, are property owners still held liable when someone is on their property illegally and that person is hurt?

It depends on the situation. Read the rest »

Winter Weather & Premises Liability – Fixing Safety Hazards

By Hardwick & Pendergast, P.S. on February 2, 2017

Premises liability cases result from incidents of personal injury or wrongful death caused by a dangerous condition on someone’s property. Premises liability accident victims may bring civil action against a property owner to obtain compensation for damages such as medical bills, rehabilitation, lost wages from missed work, pain and suffering, and more. During the holidays and winter months, there are some potential hazards that are unique to this time of year to keep in mind.
Read the rest »

Are Stores Responsible if Customers Get Hurt on Black Friday?

By Hardwick & Pendergast, P.S. on November 23, 2016

You’ve heard the stories. A customer gets punched by another customer while fighting over the last Xbox a store carries. Or a woman gets trampled when a store’s doors open for their big Black Friday sales. While Black Friday shopping accidents aren’t always this extreme, they happen more than people think and often, injuries resulting from Black Friday shopping occur. When they do, the question most often asked is: are stores responsible if customers get hurt on Black Friday?

Read the rest »

Why Do Seattle Amusement Park Accidents Happen?

By Hardwick & Pendergast, P.S. on September 23, 2016

A recent report from the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries indicated that area amusement parks reported two accidents involving rides and 19 unauthorized ride operators. The amusement park accident report brings into focus the potential dangers posed by amusement park rides to local residents. Read the rest »

Who Is Responsible for a Slip, Trip, or Fall on a Seattle Sidewalk?

By Hardwick & Pendergast, P.S. on July 5, 2016

Slip and fall accidents are occurrences that can happen anywhere. Often these are serious injuries. In fact, each year 8 million people visit hospital emergency rooms because of slip, fall, and trip injuries. If you have been injured in a slip, trip, and fall accident, you may be able to recover damages for your injuries. Read the rest »

Seattle Premises Liability Law

By Hardwick & Pendergast, P.S. on June 17, 2016

Hazards on personal, private, or public property can cause long-lasting injuries that can be costly in terms of both your health and your finances. Understanding the law about premises liability can help you recover damages.

Types of Premises Liability

In Seattle, as in the rest of Washington State, property owners have legal obligations to keep premises properly maintained. Some of the more common premises liability cases involve structural defects such as dangerous elevators or escalators, stairs with loose railings or steps, and ceiling or balcony collapses. Poor maintenance such as wet and slippery floors is a premises liability. Premises hazards are not always indoors. Property owners are liable for outdoor maintenance to prevent hazardous situations. Snow or ice on the property, poorly maintained parking lots or sidewalks, and defective swimming pools are liabilities. Read the rest »