Costco stores are busy. A lot of people shop there every day, and the aisles are filled with products. Large carts move through the store while employees restock shelves. When spills or other hazards are missed, it does not take much for someone to get hurt. A quick trip to the store can end in a serious fall.

Slip and fall accidents happen all the time. In Washington, they are one of the most common types of injury claims. Stores like Costco are required to take reasonable steps to keep customers safe while they shop.

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Common Causes of Slip and Fall Accidents at Costco

Most slip and fall accidents are caused by everyday conditions inside the store. These issues often come up during normal business hours. Common examples include:

  • Spilled drinks or food samples
  • Wet floors near store entrances, especially during Redmond’s rainy weather
  • Recently mopped floors without warning signs
  • Loose mats or uneven flooring
  • Pallets, carts, or merchandise left in walkways

Even small hazards can cause serious injuries if they are not handled quickly.

Costco’s Legal Duty Under Washington Law

Under Washington law, Costco customers are considered invitees. This means the store has a duty to keep the property reasonably safe. Costco is expected to look for hazards, fix unsafe conditions, and warn customers when a danger is not obvious.

Washington Civil Jury Instruction WPI 120.07 explains that a property owner may be responsible if it knew, or should have known, about a dangerous condition. Courts in Washington have followed this rule for years. In Huston v. First Church of God, the court confirmed that liability can apply when a known risk is not addressed.

In a large store like Costco, this duty is important. Employees are on the floor throughout the day, and many hazards are easy to predict.

The Impact of Slip and Fall Injuries

Some fall injuries do not seem serious at first. Pain can show up later. What feels minor in the moment can turn into a lasting problem. Head injuries, back injuries, torn muscles, and broken bones are common.

Injured shoppers often deal with medical bills, time off work, and limits on daily activities.

Why Costco Slip and Fall Claims Can Be Hard

Costco is a large company with strong legal teams. They often argue that a hazard had not been there long enough or that it was easy to see. In some cases, they question how the fall happened at all.
Important evidence is usually in Costco’s control. This can include video footage, cleaning records, and inspection logs. Without a lawyer, getting this information can be difficult.

What Injured Shoppers Should Do

If you are injured at Costco, taking action early can help protect your claim.

  • Report the fall before leaving the store
  • Ask that any video footage be saved
  • Get medical care within a day or two
  • Write down symptoms and how the injury affects you
  • Take photos of the area where the fall happened

Most slip and fall claims in Washington must be filed within three years. Evidence, however, can disappear much sooner.

How a Redmond Slip and Fall Lawyer Can Help

A slip and fall lawyer can review what happened and determine whether Costco met its legal duty. This includes gathering evidence and requesting records the store may not provide on its own.

A local lawyer also understands how these cases are handled in Whatcom County and how factors like weather and store layout may matter.

Talk to a Redmond Slip and Fall Lawyer

Slip and fall cases depend on details. If you were injured at Costco in Redmond, it is important to understand your rights.
Contact Attorney Gurj Narwal at Narwal Injury Law to talk about your case. The best part is that there are no upfront fees! We work on a contingency fee basis, which means we only get paid if you recover money.

 

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