Recent Blog Posts
WHEN IS IT NECESSARY TO FILE A LAWSUIT?
To see an overview of the typical personal injury claim process, click here. The following are situations in which it can be necessary to file a lawsuit. This list is not exhaustive and this list is not legal advice. To the extent you believe it is necessary for you to file a lawsuit, please contact… Read More »
WHAT IS “BURDEN OF PROOF” AND WHAT DOES IT MEAN FOR MY CASE?
In the law, there is a tendency to use big words. Even if the words themselves are small, legal professionals often use words that are difficult to understand. Such is the case with “burden of proof.” It means, simply, “who has to prove what and by what standard—or with how much evidence must something… Read More »
WHAT ARE THE COSTS TYPICALLY ASSOCIATED WITH PERSONAL INJURY AND WRONGFUL DEATH CASES?
When I sit down with a potential new client, one of the important things we go over is what the case is ultimately going to cost them financially. As with almost all attorneys on personal injury and wrongful death cases, the attorney fee is going to be a percentage of the money we are… Read More »
BILL THAYER PRESENTS “ETHICS IN MEDIATION”
Bill Thayer (left) discussing “Ethics in Mediation” Bill Thayer of Schauermann Thayer Jacobs Staples & Edwards PS spoke as one of the presenters at a Continuing Legal Education course entitled “Ethics in Mediation” on December 6, 2018 at the Red Cross Building at Fort Vancouver. The course was presented by the Clark County Bar… Read More »
ON THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING PROACTIVE IN GETTING BETTER
“Training Day” is one of my all-time favorite movies. Denzel Washington’s performance was totally deserving of his Oscar win. It also gave me a line to help explain to my clients why communication with medical providers is so important, and following through with a medical treatment plan is absolutely crucial. Denzel Washington’s character, Alonzo,… Read More »
WHAT IS A DECLARATIONS PAGE?
When I meet with a potential client who’s been involved in a car crash, I always ask them about their own auto insurance coverage. Specifically, the coverages I’m most curious about are Personal Injury Protection (“PIP”) and Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (“UIM”). You can find helpful explanations of these coverages here, and here. In short, PIP… Read More »
WHAT IF AN INSURANCE ADJUSTER THREATENS ME?
Our clients and potential clients who reach out to our firm consistently tell us that they have been threatened by an adjuster working for the insurance company of the person or company who caused a car crash, slip and fall, or other injury to them. Whether it is the adjuster telling them they will… Read More »
DO I HAVE TO PAY BACK WORKER’S COMPENSATION FROM MY PERSONAL INJURY SETTLEMENT OR VERDICT?
Do I have to pay back Worker’s Compensation benefits that were paid to me out of my personal injury case settlement or verdict? The short answer is yes. The long answer is somewhat more complicated, and unfortunately there is no easy way to break it down into a simple explanation. But if you are… Read More »
WHAT IS MEDIATION?
Ironically, I decided to write this post during a mediation. Mediations have a lot of dead time—time when there isn’t much to do other than to occupy one’s mind—sometimes in a productive and worthwhile manner, other times on ESPN.com or browsing the Columbian and other news outlets. Despite the down time, mediation does serve… Read More »
SHOULD I GIVE A STATEMENT TO THE OTHER DRIVER’S INSURANCE?
If you’ve been involved in an auto collision, the other driver’s insurance company is likely going to contact you by phone within the first several days afterwards. They will likely seem quite pleasant and concerned for your well-being, especially if it’s pretty clear their insured was at fault for causing the collision. The adjuster… Read More »
