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Premises Liability: How Property Owners Can Be Held Accountable for Dangerous Conditions

Gierth-Eddy Law Offices PLLC Oct. 1, 2025

Getting injured because someone failed to maintain their property is both painful and frustrating. One moment, you're walking through a grocery store or visiting someone’s home, and the next, you're facing hospital bills, missed work, and a long recovery.

These accidents often happen when someone is simply going about their day. No one expects to slip on a wet floor, trip over broken steps, or be hit by falling merchandise—and when they do, the results can be life-altering.

If you've been hurt on someone else's property, and wondering if there's anything you can do about it, you're in the right place. At Gierth-Eddy Law Offices PLLC, we help people hold negligent property owners responsible for unsafe conditions by filing premises liability claims. With offices in Kennewick and Yakima, our firm serves clients all over the state of Washington, including Richland and Pasco. Reach out to us today to discuss your premises liability case and how we can help protect your rights.

What Premises Liability Means

Premises liability refers to the legal responsibility that property owners—and sometimes occupiers—have to keep their property reasonably safe for visitors. When they fail to do that, and someone gets hurt, they can be held financially responsible for the resulting damages.

The law generally requires owners to take reasonable care in maintaining their premises. If a dangerous condition exists, they’re expected to either fix it or clearly warn others about it. When they don’t, and someone is injured as a result, that’s where premises liability comes into play.

Who Can Be Held Liable

Not every property-related injury leads to a successful premises liability claim. A key question is: who had control over the property and the dangerous condition that caused the injury?

Liable parties may include:

  • Commercial property owners (e.g., store owners, mall operators)

  • Residential property owners (e.g., landlords, homeowners)

  • Property managers or management companies

  • Tenants or lessees responsible for maintenance

  • Government agencies (in certain public property cases)

In Washington, liability often hinges on whether the owner or occupier knew—or should have known—about the dangerous condition and failed to take action.

Types of Dangerous Conditions

Injuries can happen anywhere—on sidewalks, staircases, elevators, in retail stores, or even in playgrounds. The condition that caused the injury doesn’t have to be dramatic; sometimes it’s a small hazard that should have been addressed but wasn’t.

Examples of dangerous property conditions include:

  • Wet or slippery floors: Often found in grocery stores or restaurants without warning signs.

  • Uneven sidewalks or flooring: Can cause serious trips and falls.

  • Poor lighting: Especially dangerous in stairwells or parking garages.

  • Loose handrails or broken stairs: Common in older buildings.

  • Falling objects: Items stacked too high or improperly secured.

  • Snow and ice accumulation: Especially around building entrances or on walkways.

  • Negligent security: Lack of lighting, broken locks, or failure to prevent foreseeable crimes.

Each of these conditions can lead to serious injuries like fractures, spinal cord injuries, head trauma, or permanent disability. That’s why holding property owners accountable is so important—for your recovery and for preventing future harm.

Visitor Classification Matters

The duty owed by a property owner often depends on the legal classification of the injured person at the time of the accident. Not every visitor is treated the same under the law.

There are three main classifications under premises liability law:

  • Invitees: People invited for a commercial purpose, such as customers in a store. They’re owed the highest duty of care.

  • Licensees: Social guests or people allowed on the property for non-business reasons. Property owners must warn them of known dangers.

  • Trespassers: People on the property without permission. They’re generally owed the least protection, although owners can’t intentionally harm them.

The property owner’s responsibilities vary with each classification. If you’re uncertain about which category applies to you, we can assist in identifying your rights and evaluating whether you have a strong claim.

Proving Liability in a Premises Injury Case

To pursue a premises liability case, the injured person must show that the property owner was negligent. That usually means proving they failed to act with reasonable care in maintaining the property or addressing a known hazard.

The following elements are needed to prove a premises liability case:

  • A dangerous condition existed on the property.

  • The owner or occupier knew, or should have known, about the condition.

  • They failed to correct it or warn about it.

  • You were lawfully on the property.

  • You suffered actual harm as a result.

Each case is different, and proving liability often requires gathering evidence like photos, surveillance footage, witness statements, maintenance records, and medical reports.

We’ve helped clients build strong cases by collecting the documentation needed to prove negligence and fight for compensation.

Common Injuries in Premises Liability Claims

Injuries resulting from unsafe property conditions can vary widely, from minor to severe. While some individuals recover within weeks, others face long-term or even permanent effects.

Injuries commonly seen in premises liability cases:

  • Broken bones or fractures

  • Concussions or traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)

  • Neck and back injuries

  • Spinal cord injuries and paralysis

  • Lacerations and deep cuts

  • Burns from faulty wiring or exposed chemicals

  • Sprains and torn ligaments

  • Infections from animal bites or unsanitary conditions

These injuries often lead to mounting medical bills, lost wages, physical therapy, and emotional trauma. You shouldn’t be left to handle the aftermath on your own if someone else’s carelessness caused your suffering.

What Compensation May Be Available

If you were injured due to unsafe property conditions, you may be entitled to compensation. This is meant to help restore what you’ve lost and provide support while you recover.

Types of compensation in premises liability cases may include:

  • Medical expenses: Emergency room visits, surgery, physical therapy, medications, and future treatment.

  • Lost income: Wages missed while recovering and lost earning capacity.

  • Pain and suffering: Physical discomfort and emotional distress caused by the injury.

  • Property damage: If personal belongings were damaged in the incident.

  • Out-of-pocket costs: Transportation to medical appointments or help with daily tasks.

  • Loss of enjoyment of life: If the injury prevents you from participating in activities you once enjoyed.

We work closely with medical providers, financial experts, and others to calculate the full scope of your damages and help you pursue the maximum recovery available under Washington law.

How Property Owners Try to Avoid Responsibility

Property owners and their insurance companies often try to minimize or deny claims. They might argue that the injured person was at fault, that the hazard wasn’t that serious, or that they didn’t have enough time to fix it.

Common defense strategies used by property owners include:

  • Blaming the victim: Claiming the person wasn’t paying attention or ignored warning signs.

  • Arguing the condition was obvious: Asserting that a reasonable person would have avoided the hazard.

  • Saying there wasn’t enough time: Insisting they didn’t have time to discover or repair the issue.

  • Disputing the injury: Questioning the severity of the injury or whether it occurred on their property.

These tactics can make recovering compensation difficult without legal support. That’s why it’s important to act quickly and talk to an attorney who understands the law and how to respond to these strategies.

Why Acting Quickly Matters

Washington has a three-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims, including premises liability. This means you generally have three years from the date of your injury to file a lawsuit. Waiting too long could prevent you from recovering any compensation at all.

But timing matters for more than just legal deadlines. The longer you wait, the harder it can be to gather evidence. Witnesses move away, security footage gets deleted, and the property may be repaired before anyone documents the hazard.

If you've been hurt, we recommend reaching out as soon as possible. We can investigate the scene, preserve key evidence, and guide you through your next steps.

Contact an Experienced Premises Liability Attorney

Premises liability cases can take a toll—physically, emotionally, and financially. If you've been injured because a property owner didn’t keep their space safe, you have the right to pursue compensation for what you’ve suffered.

At Gierth-Eddy Law Offices PLLC, we \handle premises liability cases in Kennewick, Yakima, Richland, Pasco, and across the state of Washington State. Our attorneys are committed to helping you take the next step with confidence and clarity. Call today to schedule a consultation.