Recent Blog Posts
SCHAUERMANN THAYER COVID-19 POLICY UPDATE
Recent releases from the CDC indicate that masks and social distancing may no longer be as critical with a population that is increasingly better protected by antibodies or vaccination, and a loosening of public health guidelines is thus occurring as we speak. Governor Inslee has declared that effective March 12, 2022, Washington State will… Read More »
IF WE LOSE AT MANDATORY ARBITRATION IN WASHINGTON, CAN WE APPEAL?
On this blog, we’ve covered what an arbitration is, what the Washington limits are and when an arbitration happens in a personal injury case. One important question is: “If we lose at mandatory arbitration in Washington, can we appeal?” The short answer is “yes”, but let’s illustrate why that might not be the best and most complete answer, depending… Read More »
FEDERAL COURT UPDATE: WESTERN DISTRICT OF WASHINGTON TO REINSTATE IN-PERSON TRIALS EFFECTIVE MARCH 12, 2022
As we are seeing with a number of other courts, given “… the reduction in the average daily number of individuals testing positive and COVID-19 related hospitalizations…”, the United States District Court, Western District of Washington, has ordered that, effective soon, it will likewise allow somewhat of a return to more “normal” court procedures. … Read More »
2021 WAS THE DEADLIEST ON WASHINGTON ROADS IN 15 YEARS
Sadly, the Washington Traffic Safety Commission has reported the very disheartening news that 2021 was the deadliest in this state since 2006. There were 540 fatal crashes—which killed 600 people and an additional 2,411 “serious crashes” this past year. These serious crashes (a “serious crash” is a crash that likely results in serious injuries)… Read More »
A MORATORIUM ON THE USE BY INSURERS OF CREDIT SCORES TO SET DRIVER AND HOMEOWNER INSURANCE PREMIUMS
In pulling up one of your credit check reports online, of which you are allowed 3 for free each year, have you ever noticed the name of Geico, Safeco, State Farm, Farmers, or Allstate (or whatever other insurance company may insure you), on the list of entities who may have recently looked up your… Read More »
WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU ARE HIT BY AN UNINSURED DRIVER IN WASHINGTON STATE? PROTECT YOURSELF!
In the State of Washington, you are required to carry auto liability insurance and proof of auto insurance. More and more drivers, however, are opting to drive in Washington State without insurance. In fact, the Insurance Information Institute places Washington State as 5th on the list of states having the highest rate of uninsured drivers. Washington… Read More »
UPDATE ON THE STATUS OF CLARK COUNTY JURY TRIALS
Clark County courts are now scheduled to resume doing jury trials, in both district and superior courts, commencing February 28, 2022. They had been paused back in January of this year due to the surge in local coronavirus cases. Masks are currently required in the courthouse until further notice. The Court’s website may be… Read More »
MORE ON THE SUBJECT OF INSURANCE IN TRIALS, AND THE “SHHHH…DON’T ASK DON’T TELL” MINDSET
As a recent previous blog posted by Scott Staples of this firm noted, the word “insurance” has become a bad word in the courtroom. I suppose it always has been. This is because court rules have always been read to exclude the word “insurance” from evidence. By way of example, in Washington state courts, Evidence Rule 411 states:… Read More »
CASE UPDATE: KOSOVAN V. OMNI INSURANCE COMPANY
In Kosovan v. Omni Insurance Company, the Washington Court of Appeals issued a consumer-friendly decision based on sound legal principles and public policy. A major takeaway of the case is that an insurance company cannot escape liability if it delegates its duties to its customers to a third party claims administrator who mishandles a claim,… Read More »
SCHAUERMANN THAYER PARTNERS TAKE THE LEAD
Being a lawyer is more than studying the law, working with clients, and resolving disputes. Service and volunteering are both encouraged in the profession. Schauermann Thayer prides itself on volunteering for leadership opportunities within the law. First, Scott Edwards has taken up the mantle in both Oregon and Washington. He is set to serve… Read More »
