Recent Blog Posts
WHAT OUR WASHINGTON AND OREGON CLIENTS SHOULD KNOW ABOUT FEDERAL COURTS
I’ve had clients tell me they don’t want to make their situation a “federal case.” They of course refer to the fact that alongside our state courts (where most of our law practice occurs), there exist a network of federal trial and appellate courts that handle certain types of legal matters. Most people have… Read More »
WHAT IF I’M IN A WRECK AND DON’T HAVE HEALTH INSURANCE?
I’ve seen this scenario play out too many times with my clients to not address this important question on our firm’s blog. In fact, just today I spoke with a woman who, even though she had liability insurance, she had neither health insurance nor personal injury protection (PIP) insurance. She was injured in a collision… Read More »
HOW WILL I KNOW WHEN IT MAKES SENSE TO SETTLE OR FILE A LAWSUIT?
Settling a personal injury case at the right time and for the right amount is a probably the most common and the most difficult question we deal with as personal injury attorneys. We try to minimize risk to our clients, and maximize the damages they can collect. The way we conceptualize that is a… Read More »
WASHINGTON STATE ASSOCIATION FOR JUSTICE ANNUAL CONVENTION
View from my hotel window, overlooking Elliot Bay Like years past, I had the opportunity again this year to attend the annual convention of the Washington State Association for Justice which was held in Seattle, Washington from September 18-20, 2019. Though Convention was held at the Seattle Bell Harbor International Conference Center, most of… Read More »
WASHINGTON MANDATORY ARBITRATION LIMITS
In previous posts we’ve at least touched on what an arbitration is, and what role it may play in a personal injury case—like here, here, and here. A lot of folks confuse arbitration with mediation. Mediation is where the parties to a lawsuit, by agreement or by court order, get together with a neutral person (usually a… Read More »
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT CLARK COUNTY COURTS
The Clark County Courthouse, seen from above, in 2008. Aerial photo courtesy of retired Schauermann Thayer partner and pilot Jeffrey Jacobs. Occasionally I am asked, which court in Clark County, Washington, should my personal injury, wrongful death, or property damage case (all of which are “tort claims”) be filed in? It’s a good question, and… Read More »
A SINGULAR FOCUS
Our firm really only does one thing. We practice personal injury and wrongful death law (with rare exceptions). Granted, we do it in two states—Washington and Oregon. Granted, there are many different types or contexts in which injuries or death can occur. So, our practice is diverse and complex in some ways. But, with… Read More »
ON SUING FRIENDS OR FAMILY MEMBERS
This is a question that commonly comes up in the context of a passenger injured in a motor vehicle collision. As personal injury attorneys, it is our job to allow our clients to make informed decisions about the important aspects of their case. This includes forecasting potential problems with our clients’ cases, researching solutions,… Read More »
WHAT IS EXPECTED OF ME IN LITIGATION AS A “PLAINTIFF”?
When it comes time to make a decision about whether or not my clients want to accept the top, pre-filing offer from the liability insurer or file a lawsuit and litigate the case, often times they want to know: “What is expected of me in the litigation process as the Plaintiff (the person bringing… Read More »
BACK TO SCHOOL ON CROSSWALK SAFETY IN WASHINGTON & OREGON
Because kids are now back in school, I am reminded about the importance of pedestrian/crosswalk safety. It’s vitally important that all drivers keep a proper lookout and respect pedestrian right-of-way’s, especially with so many more children on foot. It’s important not only to try and ensure everyone’s safety but it’s also the law. CROSSWALK RULES… Read More »
