Recent Blog Posts
RECREATIONAL USE IMMUNITY IN WASHINGTON STATE
Good weather usually draws people outdoors. Some people hike or walk, some people swim, some run, and some bike. There are lots of ways to enjoy the outdoors. Many people use public lands or lands open for use to the public to get outside. Inevitably, some people will be injured enjoying the beautiful Pacific… Read More »
ANIMAL BITES IN WASHINGTON STATE
Is a dog owner in Washington legally responsible for injuries caused when their pooch bites someone? Because of Washington’s dog bite statute, the answer is usually an easy yes. However, it’s often not that simple. Over the years I’ve run across some less clear-cut situations involving animal attacks. What if the animal in question is… Read More »
IF YOU WELCOME 2021 WITH FRIENDS AND FAMILY, DO SO SAFELY AND RESPONSIBLY
New Year’s evokes visions of celebrations and fresh starts. Never has this been more true than it is this year. Even though COVID-19 and the ongoing social distancing guidelines should make this a New Year’s Eve one we could forget, it will likely be one we will remember for the rest of our lives…. Read More »
CASE UPDATE: PERILLO V. ISLAND COUNTY, ET. AL.
In a recent blog post, I discussed the ability to bring a claim against the government and a limitation on the type of claim that can be brought. These are the concepts of sovereign immunity and the public duty doctrine. As luck would have it, the Court of Appeals issued an opinion dealing with these concepts… Read More »
SOVEREIGN IMMUNITY AND THE PUBLIC DUTY DOCTRINE
Bringing a claim against the government can be tricky for a number of reasons, from learning who the correct agency might be, to getting proper service of a tort claim notice, to litigating a claim against the government and its vast resources. Another consideration is whether the claim being brought is the right type… Read More »
A WINTER SIDEWALK REMINDER
That biting chill of winter, if not already here, will soon be upon us. In the age of COVID-19, with gyms either still closed or less appealing to those wanting to stay active, the homebound looking to simply get out for some fresh air, and deliveries of goods to homes abounding, there may well… Read More »
SYSTEMIC ISSUES APPARENT IN PORTLAND PEDESTRIAN DEATH DATA
Systemic issues and the disproportionate impact they have on particular communities within our American population and society are at the forefront of our collective mind and important discussions are being had on a national level right now. As attorneys, our local bar associations and courts are cognizant of and working to better understand and… Read More »
DAYLIGHT SAVING: A DANGEROUS TIME
Daylight Saving Time has a measurable impact on our lives. On November 1, 2020, we “fell back”—gaining an hour of sleep. It also, though, started getting darker even earlier in the day. Pushback has led governments worldwide to consider scrapping Daylight Saving Time, due to well-documented negative effects on people’s moods, sleep, and general… Read More »
CLARK COUNTY SUPERIOR COURT JURY TRIALS SUSPENDED TO AT LEAST JANUARY 10, 2021
Clark County Superior Court has recognized that with the increasing surge in COVID-19 infections in our county and across the country, it is again necessary to completely suspend jury trials, both criminal and civil, until at least January 10, 2021. The basis for last week’s new Emergency Order is expressed by the Presiding Judge of the… Read More »
A WINTER DRIVING REMINDER FOR WASHINGTON & OREGON
For anyone asking themselves whether I wrote about this last year, the answer is yes, I did. Nonetheless, a reminder about a recurring, annual safety issue can’t hurt. The Stark Family’s oft-repeated words (yes, I know Game of Thrones ended forever ago) will soon be ringing true – “winter is coming.” When it arrives… Read More »
