Seattle Personal Injury Lawyers

It's best to talk to a lawyer when a case isn't straightforward or when it has high stakes. However, here's an overview of some key concepts that can affect personal injury cases.

If you've been in an accident and are seeking compensation, you'll typically need to show that the other party was negligent. This means proving they didn't act as carefully as they should have in that specific situation. Generally, this is measured by what a reasonable person would have done. For example, a reasonable person would maintain a safe following distance behind another car to avoid a potential collision. In more specialized cases, like medical malpractice, the standard of care can be more precise. Experts may need to provide insights on what the expected level of care would be in a particular scenario.

Sometimes an employee may not act carefully while doing their job, leading to someone getting hurt. In such cases, the injured person can often file a claim against the employer under a rule called vicarious liability. This means the employer can be held responsible for the employee's negligence, even if the employer was otherwise careful. In addition, there are some situations where an employer might be directly liable. This can happen if the employer was negligent in hiring, supervising, or training the employee, and this negligence resulted in harm.

In certain situations, like some cases involving defective products, an injured person may be able to file a strict liability claim. With strict liability, it doesn't matter if the defendant was careful or not. The injured person only needs to prove that they were harmed due to a specific event or situation for which the law holds someone like the defendant strictly liable.

Some personal injury cases involve actions called “intentional torts” that are often viewed as crimes. For example, if someone is injured in an assault or a sexual assault, they can file a lawsuit to seek compensation because the defendant intentionally caused them harm. This civil lawsuit is separate from any criminal charges the defendant might face. Even if the defendant isn't convicted in criminal court, you can still win your personal injury lawsuit. It's generally easier to prove liability in a personal injury case than to prove someone is guilty of a crime.

In Washington State, there is a limited time frame to file a personal injury lawsuit, known as the statute of limitations. If you don't file your case within this deadline, the defendant can likely get it dismissed. This would prevent you from receiving any compensation, even if you have strong evidence proving the defendant's fault. It's crucial to act quickly to ensure your rights are protected.

The Washington statute of limitations for filing most personal injury cases is three years. However, there are some variations. if your case is based on an assault, for example, you have only two years to file. For medical malpractice cases, the timing can be a bit complex. You might be able to file more than three years after the incident if it's within one year of when you discovered the injury or should have reasonably discovered it. Nevertheless, there is a final cutoff: you can't file a medical malpractice claim more than eight years after the alleged malpractice, regardless of when the injury was discovered.

If you think you were partly responsible for your injuries, you might be relieved to know about Washington State's pure comparative negligence rule. Even if you're partially at fault, you can still recover damages, although the amount will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if the defendant and you are each 50% at fault, you could still receive half of your total damages from the defendant. This rule allows you to seek compensation no matter how much you were at fault, unless you were entirely at fault.

Washington State offers another advantage to accident victims: it does not impose damages caps. In many states, these caps limit the amount of money you can recover in a personal injury lawsuit. However, in Washington, there are no such limits on the compensation you can receive, even for non-economic damages like pain and suffering, or in medical malpractice cases, where other states often have caps. On the flipside, Washington typically doesn't allow victims to claim punitive damages in personal injury cases. (In other states, punitive damages are awarded in extreme situations to punish the defendant and deter others from similar behavior.)

If you’re planning to sue the government for your injuries, there's a special step you need to take: filing a notice of claim. This notice includes details like what happened to cause your injuries, when and where the injuries occurred, and the amount of damages you're seeking. Regardless of whether you're suing the state or a local government, you are required to wait 60 days after submitting the notice before you can actually file your lawsuit against the government entity.

A personal injury case can be long and convoluted, and there is no guarantee that even a strong claim will get exactly the result that you want if it goes to trial. As a result, many people opt to negotiate a payout with those responsible or an insurer, ending the case in return for an agreed sum. This approach removes the unpredictability of having a jury make the final call.

Choosing to settle can be beneficial in other ways. It typically wraps up the process more efficiently than a trial, saving time and energy. You can receive compensation for expenses like medical treatment and lost wages sooner, allowing you to focus on healing rather than worrying about your mounting bills. Still, be cautious before accepting an early offer. Insurers often propose a low figure upfront, so it’s important to confirm that it covers not just your immediate costs but also any long-term needs.

Signing off on a settlement too early can mean losing out on future damages. If your injuries are substantial, postponing an agreement might be wise so that you can fully understand any ongoing physical challenges or effects on your job and personal life. Once all the terms are finalized, you generally cannot seek further financial recovery.

Securing legal counsel tends to be a smart move in most cases, but it becomes critical if you run into disputes from insurance carriers or hope for a significant payout after a severe injury. Opposing attorneys generally are skilled at limiting settlements, so having your own representative can safeguard your interests.

Your lawyer’s role includes compiling evidence to show who’s liable and prove the tangible and intangible impact of your injuries. For example, they might work on gathering photos and videos of the accident scene, statements from people who saw what happened, medical documentation from your healthcare providers, and financial records showing treatment costs or lost wages. Specialists may testify about ongoing care or explain how your condition affects work and day-to-day life. Input from those close to you can also reveal how your overall well-being has been affected.

When it’s time to discuss a possible settlement, your attorney’s advice is invaluable in gauging whether the offer is sufficient. They’ll go over the benefits and drawbacks, but you’ll ultimately make the final call on whether to agree to a deal or proceed further.

If the dispute goes to trial, your lawyer’s support remains essential. They’ll be involved in selecting jurors, presenting evidence, questioning witnesses, and crafting legal strategies on your behalf. Having an experienced professional handle these responsibilities not only helps you avoid oversights but also leaves you free to concentrate on your recovery.

Finding a personal injury lawyer in or near Seattle can feel overwhelming with so many possibilities open to you. Online resources like the Justia Lawyer Directory can help you hone in on an attorney who fits your particular needs. It’s crucial to seek someone well-versed in the type of legal claim you have. For example, if a delayed diagnosis is the issue, look for a practitioner experienced in medical malpractice. If you slipped and fell at a restaurant, you’ll want a lawyer with a track record of handling premises liability claims.

Firms may highlight large settlements, and these numbers can be helpful, but they should be only one element in your decision. Client reviews can shed light on how an attorney relates to the people they serve and whether they provide proper attention. Positive ratings from other legal professionals can also hint at strong abilities and respect in the field.

It’s wise to check with the Washington State Bar Association in case there are any past disciplinary actions against a lawyer whom you’re considering. Minor slip-ups may not be a big worry, but serious or repeated issues might give you pause. You don’t want to put your claim at risk by hiring an attorney who lacks competence or integrity.

Most injury attorneys will meet with you for free. This initial consultation lets them figure out whether they want to take your case, while you can weigh both their abilities and your comfort level with them. Strong trust, open communication, and a positive rapport all play a key role in a productive working relationship.

A claim or lawsuit might arise from many different types of situations in which someone gets injured due to careless or intentional actions by someone else. Here are some common examples of personal injury cases:

• Car accidents, as well as accidents involving trucks, motorcycles, bikes, or pedestrians
• Slip and falls or trip and falls when property isn’t adequately maintained
• Medical malpractice when a healthcare provider doesn’t meet the standard of care specific to their field
• Nursing home negligence or abuse, often involving a failure to comply with regulations governing licensed care facilities
• Products liability when someone gets injured by a product with a manufacturing, design, or marketing defect
• Dog bites and animal attacks
• Assault or sexual assault

If you've been injured on the job, you’re likely eligible for workers' compensation benefits. The good news is that you don’t need to prove fault to receive these benefits. However, the benefits may not cover as many types of damages as a personal injury lawsuit would. That said, you might still have options. If someone else, aside from your employer, was at least partly responsible for your injury, you could potentially file a separate claim against them. This could allow you to seek additional compensation, including non-economic damages like pain and suffering, which aren't covered by the workers' comp system. This way, you can potentially get more comprehensive financial recovery for all aspects of your injury.

Here are some notable settlements and verdicts issued in personal injury cases in Washington over the last few years:

• $16 million when a bicyclist crashed to avoid a hazardous speed bump at the University of Washington, causing a brain injury
• $3.6 million when a pedestrian was struck by a vehicle while crossing the street, causing injuries to her leg, ankle, neck, and shoulder
• $3.2 million when a school district failed to respond to complaints of a teacher sexually abusing a child
• $320,000 when a man standing behind a commercial waste truck was run over and fatally crushed
• $305,000 when a rear-end collision caused neck and back injuries, including herniated discs
• $60,000 when a garbage truck driver failed to yield at a stop sign, causing a side-impact collision and various broken bones

However, you should keep in mind that each case is decided based on its unique facts. You shouldn’t expect to get the same amount that someone else got in a case that looks like yours. It’s best to talk with your attorney about what they think might be a reasonable award in your case.

The Washington State Department of Transportation compiles statistics on car crashes in cities throughout the state, including Seattle. In 2024, there were 7,651 total crashes in Seattle, including 38 fatal crashes, 246 crashes that caused suspected serious injuries, and 1,192 crashes that caused suspected minor injuries. There were 493 crashes that involved drunk driving, including 14 fatal crashes, 32 crashes that caused suspected serious injuries, and 100 crashes that caused suspected minor injuries. There were 1,188 crashes that involved distracted driving, including 10 fatal crashes, 42 crashes that caused suspected serious injuries, and 187 crashes that caused suspected minor injuries.

In King County more generally, there were 30,038 total crashes in 2024, including 141 fatal crashes, 747 crashes that caused suspected serious injuries, and 3,612 crashes that caused suspected minor injuries. There were 1,492 crashes that involved drunk driving, including 37 fatal crashes, 99 crashes that caused suspected serious injuries, and 269 crashes that caused suspected minor injuries. There were 4,634 total crashes that involved distracted driving, including 22 fatal crashes, 115 crashes that caused suspected serious injuries, and 579 crashes that caused suspected minor injuries.

INRIX, a transportation analytics company, recently compiled a list of the 10 most dangerous intersections in Seattle. These are based on the crash rate per 100,000 vehicles:

• E John Street and E Madison Street
• S Albro Place and 13th Avenue S
• Beacon Avenue S and 15th Avenue S
• Bell Street and 1st Avenue
• E Denny Way and E Olive Way
• Broadway and E Pine Street
• S Jackson Street and 6th Avenue S
• 23rd Avenue E and E John Street
• 2nd Avenue and James Street
• Carleton Avenue S and E Marginal Way S

In an urban area as busy as Seattle, though, drivers should stay alert at all intersections. They might need to navigate around many different people, vehicles, and hazards. Getting distracted or impatient can lead to a serious accident.

After a car accident, an injured person generally should get a copy of the police report on the accident. This can help with an insurance claim or lawsuit. The Seattle Police Department suggests requesting a copy of a collision report through the website of the Washington State Patrol. They manage the Washington Requests for Electronic Collision Reports system. There’s no fee to search for a report, but there’s a fee of $10.50 to purchase a report.

If you think that you were involved in an incident of medical malpractice, you might consider filing a complaint with the Washington Medical Commission. This agency is responsible for disciplining physicians and physician assistants. Complaints about healthcare facilities, such as hospitals, go to the Washington State Department of Health. Meanwhile, if you suspect negligence or abuse at a nursing home or assisted living facility, you can bring your concerns to the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services.

People who have been injured in a violent crime can get help from the Crime Survivor Services Unit in the Seattle Human Services Department. In addition, they can consult the Victim Services Specialists (Victim Advocates) at the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office. The Washington State Department of Commerce also provides a crime victim resource directory that describes the services funded by the Office of Crime Victim Advocacy. The Washington State Crime Victims Compensation Program, operated by the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries, can assist with certain costs and losses resulting from a violent crime.

The Department of Labor & Industries also oversees the workers’ compensation system. It provides information on key steps such as reporting an injury, filing a claim, and returning to work, as well as the types of benefits that may be available.

1. What does it cost to hire a personal injury lawyer?

   Hiring a personal injury attorney in the Seattle area typically won't cost you anything upfront. Instead, their fee depends on the outcome of your case. You’ll only pay your attorney if they secure compensation for you. The fee is usually a percentage of the settlement or judgment you receive, generally ranging from 25 to 40 percent. If your case goes to trial, the percentage might be higher compared to a case that ends in a settlement.

2. Will I need to go to court for my personal injury case?

   There's a strong likelihood that you won't have to go to court for your personal injury case, since most of these cases are settled out of court. Nevertheless, it's wise to prepare for the possibility of a trial. This can be important if the defendant or their insurer doesn't offer a fair settlement.

3. Can I get compensation even if I have a pre-existing condition?

   Yes, you can get compensation if you have a pre-existing condition, but it will only cover the extent to which the accident or other incident worsened your condition. These cases can be more complex because they involve distinguishing between your medical condition before and after the accident.

4. Who can bring a wrongful death lawsuit in Washington?

   The personal representative of the deceased person’s estate generally needs to bring a wrongful death lawsuit after a fatal accident. However, a parent may bring a lawsuit for the death of a child in certain situations if the child has no spouse or child.

5. Is a dog owner strictly liable for a dog bite?

   Yes, a dog owner is liable if their dog bites you while you’re in a public place or on private property where you’re allowed to be. This includes the dog owner’s property if they have given you permission to be there. It doesn’t matter whether the owner knew that the dog might bite.