Filing a Premises Liability Claim After a Slip-and-Fall at a Grocery Store
Slip-and-fall accidents in grocery stores happen more often than you think. A spilled drink, wet floor, or broken tile can turn a simple shopping trip into a serious injury. When this happens, you may have grounds to file a premises liability claim in Washington.
Common Causes of Slip-and-Fall Accidents in Grocery Stores
Grocery stores have a legal duty to keep their premises reasonably safe. But hazards still show up. Here are some of the most common:
- Spilled liquids in aisles
- Freshly mopped floors with no warning signs
- Loose floor mats or torn carpeting
- Leaking freezer units
- Cracked or uneven pavement near store entrances
If staff fail to clean up or warn you about these dangers in time, the store could be held responsible for your injuries.
Proving the Store Was at Fault
To win a premises liability case, you need to show:
- The store had a duty to keep the premises safe.
- They knew (or should have known) about the dangerous condition.
- They failed to act in a timely or reasonable way.
- You were injured as a result.
This usually comes down to proving the store had “constructive notice” — meaning the hazard was present long enough that staff should have spotted and fixed it.
What Evidence Helps Your Case?
Gathering solid evidence after the fall can make or break your claim. Here’s what helps:
- Photos or video of the hazard
- Incident report from the store
- Witness statements
- Medical records linking the fall to your injury
- Security footage (request it immediately — stores often delete it within days)
What If You Were Partially at Fault?
Washington follows comparative negligence laws. That means if you were partly responsible (like ignoring a warning sign), your compensation may be reduced. But you can still recover damages as long as the store was more at fault than you.
Time Limits for Filing
In Washington, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims — including slip-and-falls — is three years from the date of the injury. Waiting too long could cost you the chance to recover anything.
Injuries That May Qualify for a Claim
Some injuries from a grocery store fall may seem minor at first but get worse over time. Common ones include:
- Broken wrists or hips
- Head trauma or concussion
- Back or neck injuries
- Knee damage
- Internal bruising
Always seek medical attention, even if you feel okay. A doctor’s evaluation creates a record that supports your claim.
