Accidents are reported daily in Seattle. Many victims suffer serious injuries that result in physical pain and towering financial burdens.
To help ease some of the challenges victims face after accidents, they can file personal injury claims. With the assistance of a personal injury lawyer in Seattle, those harmed can hold negligent parties accountable and recover compensation for their losses.
Top Personal Injury Cases Filed in Seattle
Several types of personal injury cases are filed in Seattle every year. Here are some of the most common.
Intentional Injuries in Seattle
Instances of intentional injuries can arise from actions such as assault, battery, fraud, or defamation. A defendant may deliberately inflict harm upon another individual, resulting in physical, emotional, or property damage. Intentional injury claims may also result in potential civil and criminal repercussions and criminal fines.
For example, a case involving a radio host who propagated false claims regarding a school shooting received national attention. The actions perpetrated by the defendant were found to incite harassment toward the grieving parents of deceased children, which persisted despite evidence proving the shooting’s authenticity.
This case resulted in compensatory damages of $4.1 million and punitive damages of $45 million. Although this case is not specific to our state, we see many similar cases pass through courts in the Seattle area.
Motor Vehicle Accident Cases
Motor vehicle accidents often result from driver negligence, whether due to intoxication, distracted driving, or failure to observe traffic regulations. Defective vehicle designs can also lead to accidents and subsequent injuries, potentially implicating car dealers or manufacturers in liability.
Fall Injuries in Seattle
Most personal injury cases involve slip and fall accidents caused by the defendant’s negligence. Property owners failing to exercise reasonable care, such as quickly addressing hazardous and dangerous conditions, can leave guests vulnerable to being hurt.
For instance, a grocery store’s negligence in addressing a spilled liquid or unattended hazards like raised rugs can result in liability for injuries sustained by customers.
Who Can File Personal Injury Cases?
Those eligible to file personal injury cases in Washington are typically individuals who have been harmed or injured as a result of the negligent or intentional actions of another party. Injured parties, who are often referred to as the plaintiff in a personal injury case, can include anyone who was harmed as a result of a:
- Motor vehicle accidents
- Medical malpractice
- Workplace accidents
- Product liability incidents
- Nursing home abuse
- Construction site accidents
- Premises liability cases
- Slip and fall accidents
- Dog bites
- Swimming pool accidents
- Assault and battery cases
A legal guardian or representative may file the claim if the injured party, such as a minor or someone incapacitated, cannot represent themselves. The plaintiff must establish that the defendant owed a duty of care, breached that duty, and that the breach directly caused their injuries to pursue compensation through a personal injury case in Washington state. A personal injury lawyer in Seattle can help you prove these elements existed during the accident so you can receive the compensation you need.
Damages Recovered in a Personal Injury Case
Although our state does not allow victims to recover punitive damages, they can seek compensatory damages for economic and non-economic damages resulting from their accident.
Our Seattle injury lawyer has extensive experience helping individuals across Washington recover fair compensation for the losses and damages they face following their accidents. Some of the damages we can help you recover include:
- Medical expenses: Including past, present, and future medical bills related to the injury.
- Lost wages: Compensation for income lost due to the injury, including any future loss of earning capacity.
- Pain and suffering: Damages awarded for physical pain and emotional distress caused by the injury.
- Property damage: Reimbursement for any damage to personal property caused by the incident.
- Loss of consortium: Compensation for the negative impact on the injured person’s relationship with their spouse or family.
Contacting our personal injury lawyer in Seattle immediately will ensure you have the evidence to prove your case and maximize your recovery.
Should I Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer for My Case?
Hiring a personal injury lawyer can be crucial if you have suffered injuries in an accident in Seattle. A skilled attorney can provide invaluable guidance and advocacy throughout the complex legal process, helping you navigate insurance claims, negotiate settlements, or litigate your case in court if necessary.
The right attorney will have knowledge of Washington state’s personal injury laws and specific regulations to assess the strength of your case, gather evidence, and work to maximize your compensation.
Call Our Seattle Injury Lawyer Today
The Bernard Law Group has provided legal representation to accident victims in Washington State for over 30 years. Our experienced personal injury lawyers understand the challenges of these cases, and we are dedicated to helping our clients receive the compensation they deserve.
With our no-win, no-fee guarantee, you can trust that we will work tirelessly to win your case. Contact us today for a free consultation, and let our Seattle injury lawyer fight for your rights as an accident victim.
