Find a Washington personal injury attorney that will fight to get you paid.

Hiring a personal injury attorney in Washington

Getting injured in an accident, regardless of what type of accident it is, can be traumatic and cause significant pain and suffering. Whether you’ve been injured by drug side effects, in an auto crash, or in a slip and fall, you may be eligible to seek compensation.

You can choose to seek compensation for a variety of reasons, including to cover medical bills and lost wages. You may also choose to pursue compensation for intangible losses such as pain and suffering or loss of consortium.

If you’ve been injured due to someone else’s negligence, you deserve to be compensated. Working with an expert personal injury attorney in Washington is the best way to ensure you receive the settlement you need and deserve.

Why Hire a Washington Personal Injury Lawyer?

Hiring a personal injury law firm or attorney is the best way to ensure you get the maximum settlement for your case. Without one, you may lose out on compensation for medical expenses and other damages that you rightfully deserve.

 

Personal Injury Statistics in Washington

The following are statistics related to different types of personal injuries in Washington:

 

Types of Cases Washington Personal Injury Lawyers Accept

Not every accident will result in a viable personal injury case. It’s important to know what types of cases most personal injury law offices accept.

Common cases attorneys in the state of Washington work with include:

• Truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, and automobile accidents – this can include incidents involving both private vehicles and leased or work-owned vehicles as well as ride-share services
• On-the-job accidents – such as the use of faulty equipment or an unsafe work environment
• Dog bites – some attorneys may also take on cases involving other types of animal attacks
• Airport injuries – such as those incurred in the parking lot or inside the airport facility
• Slip and fall accidents – these can happen on any type of public property
• Wrongful death claims – such as those made as a result of medical malpractice or after a car accident

 

Common Injuries in Washington Personal Injury Cases

While there is no specific injury an accident victim must incur to be eligible to seek compensation, there are some that are more common than others.

Some of the most common types of injuries seen in personal injury cases include:

• Traumatic brain injuries
• Cuts and lacerations
• Neck and back injuries
• Broken bones
• Fractures
• Strains and sprains
• Coma
• Death
• Concussions

The type of accident will largely influence the type of injury. For example, victims often suffer different injuries in car crashes versus dog bite incidents.

 

Eligibility for Personal Injury Lawsuits in Washington

The most important component of eligibility for personal injury lawsuits in Washington state is your ability to prove your case. With the help of an experienced attorney and sufficient proof, this is often possible.

Common eligibility requirements that help prove your case when seeking financial compensation for personal injury include:

• Proof that you were in an accident and it was not your fault
• Evidence that negligence was involved, such as with product liability or premises liability cases
• Documentation of all damages incurred, including medical bills, lost wages, and/or property damage

Legal Options for Victims of Personal Injury in Washington

There are two primary legal options for injured victims in Seattle, Tacoma, and all other Washington cities.

Personal Injury Lawsuits

A personal injury lawsuit is the most common type and is what you’ll file for any injury outside of wrongful death.

Common damages you may seek compensation for in a personal injury lawsuit include:

• Medical costs
• Lost wages
• Loss of consortium
• Pain and suffering
• Punitive damages

Wrongful Death Lawsuits

If a family member or loved one died as a result of someone else’s negligence, you’ll want to file a wrongful death lawsuit.

This type of lawsuit allows you to seek compensation for losses such as:

• Funeral expenses
• Loss of future income
• Loss of companionship
• Medical expenses

You can file a wrongful death lawsuit even if the injured person passes away after the incident given there is proof that the death was caused by the accident.

 

Factors in Washington Personal Injury Cases

Several factors play a role in the eligibility of your personal injury case as well as how much compensation you may receive.

Fault & Negligence

Being able to prove that you were not the at-fault party in the accident is a major component of a successful case. The Washington tort system dictates that injured parties file a claim with the at-fault party’s insurance company for compensation purposes.

Negligence is also important in these cases. You must show that the accident was the result of not only someone else’s fault but also their negligence. For example, a medical malpractice victim must show that the medical professional who injured them acted outside of the professional’s duty of care.

Accident Severity

Accident severity also plays a role in the outcome of a personal injury case. More severe accidents, such as major motor vehicle accidents resulting in serious injuries or death, often result in higher compensation.

Some courts may throw out minor accidents that caused insignificant injuries or damage.

Injury Severity

As with accident severity, injury severity also influences case outcome. For example, a pedestrian accident that resulted in loss of life will likely have a much higher settlement amount than one that caused an ankle sprain.

Amount of Damages

Non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering or emotional distress, are often seen in personal injury cases. However, these can be hard to prove and therefore may affect how much compensation you receive.

Economic damages that have monetary value, such as nursing home costs or medical bills, are straightforward and easier to show in court.

 

How to Get Legal Help if You Are Injured in Washington

If you have a personal injury case you want to file a claim for or take to court, finding legal representation with ample experience in this field is key.

1. Get a Free Consultation with a Washington Personal Injury Attorney

Many personal injury lawyers offer free consultations to help answer any questions you may have about your case and to discuss how they can help you.

During this consultation, in addition to legal advice, be sure to inquire about their legal team’s experience and their practice areas. You can also ask to see testimonials from previous clients.

2. Gather Documentation of Your Injury

Whether you file a claim or a lawsuit, you’ll need ample documentation of your injury and the damages incurred.

Trial lawyers often want to have handy the following types of documentation:

• Police reports
• Witness statements
• Medical records
• Receipts
• Images and videos of the injury and accident

3. File Your Personal Injury Claim

You or your personal injury or accident attorney can file your claim. Because Washington is an at-fault state, you’ll submit the claim with the liable party’s insurance provider.

The statute of limitations for personal injury claims in Washington is three years. This means you must submit your claim within three years of the injury or you won’t be eligible to seek compensation.

If you are filing a workers’ compensation claim, you may need to do so through your medical provider or online with the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries. You must file this claim within one year of the on-the-job injury.

 

Can a Washington Personal Injury Lawyer Get You a Higher Settlement?

In many situations, yes, a personal injury attorney can help you obtain a higher settlement for your case.

Personal injury lawyers can provide the services that ensure your claim is sound and advocate on your behalf with insurance companies and in court. They are also intimately familiar with specific Washington state laws related to personal injury, which can help you get maximum compensation.

 

Qualities to Look for in Washington Personal Injury Lawyers

Finding the best attorney for your case is crucial for its success.

Some important qualities to consider when hiring a personal injury lawyer include:

• Years of experience in your specific case type
• Well-known or award-winning attorney or law firm
• Several testimonials from happy clients
• Excellent communication skills
• Empathy
• Works on a contingency fee basis

 

Find a Top Washington Personal Injury Lawyer Today

If you need help finding a legal team that best suits your case’s unique needs, reach out to LegalFinders. We can provide you with a free case evaluation to better understand your situation and use this information to connect you with a top-rated attorney in your area.