Tacoma Slip and Fall Attorney

What Should You Do Following a Slip & Fall Accident?

If you suffer injuries in a slip and fall accident, take these important steps right away:

• Seek immediate medical treatment. Even if you believe your injuries are minor, have a medical professional evaluate you. Sometimes, injuries become apparent days or weeks after an accident—if you delay medical care, the insurance company may question the source of your injuries. Your medical records will help your attorney as they build your claim.
• If you are physically able, take photographs with your phone of the hazard that caused your accident.
• If others witnessed your slip and fall, collect contact information from all witnesses.
• Fully document everything, even details you think are minor. Record what you were doing before the fall, what caused it, how management or employees responded, the date and time, and what shoes and clothing you wore.
• Do not give a statement to the property owner, management, or employees, and avoid posting details about your slip and fall on social media. Do not speak to the insurance company until you have consulted with a Tacoma slip and fall attorney.
• Contact a Tacoma slip and fall attorney as soon as possible.

What Type of Injuries Are Most Common Following a Tacoma Slip & Fall Accident?

Slip and fall injuries can be severe and may result in long-term or disabling conditions. The CDC estimates that one in five falls leads to a serious injury, such as a brain injury, broken hip, or spinal cord injury. Over 800,000 people are hospitalized each year because of a slip and fall injury, including at least 300,000 older adults admitted for hip fractures after such an accident. These are some of the serious injuries that may result from a slip and fall:

Many of these injuries require extensive, long-term medical treatment and may keep you away from work during recovery.

Falls account for one of the leading causes of traumatic brain injuries in Washington, according to local health department data. Since slip and fall accidents frequently occur in areas with high pedestrian traffic—such as busy Tacoma intersections, school grounds, and public transit stations—the risk of suffering a life-changing injury increases. Even young, healthy adults can face significant downtime or disability after a serious fall. Many older adults in Tacoma communities experience increased vulnerability to fractures and head trauma, highlighting the importance of swift medical care and clear documentation for any claim. Some injuries, such as spinal cord damage, may have lifelong impacts on your ability to work or carry out daily activities. Being proactive and seeking legal guidance after a slip and fall injury ensures you understand the full scope of recoverable damages under Washington law.

What Damages Could You Receive for Your Slip & Fall Accident?

If you sustain injuries in a slip and fall caused by negligence, you may be entitled to several forms of compensation. Your specific compensation will depend on the circumstances, but you may qualify for the following types of damages:

• Medical expenses, both current and future
• Lost wages, current and future
• Pain and suffering
• Mental anxiety
• Physical pain
• Loss of quality of life
• Inability to manage daily activities
• Transportation costs related to medical treatments

Your total damages can change depending on the nature of your injuries and the details of your case. In Tacoma, courts may also allow for compensation when a permanent injury impacts your ability to earn a living or participate in community life. If your injury makes it difficult to navigate city sidewalks, attend local events, or support family members, these losses may factor into your claim. A Tacoma slip and fall attorney can help you identify all available damages and gather the right documentation to support your case. Filing a thorough and accurate claim ensures you seek the full compensation Washington law provides for prolonged or life-changing injuries.