Frequently Asked Questions

We know that when an injury occurs to you or a loved one that things can quickly become overwhelming.  Because we know that, we want to attempt to answer some of the questions we commonly receive from prospective clients.

Be advised that the following answers are for general information purposes only.  The answers do not constitute legal advice or create an attorney-client relationship.

How Do I Choose an Attorney?

It is important to select an attorney licensed in the State of Washington, who specializes in the types of issues in your case.  You should never be afraid to ask a lawyer about his or her training, customary areas of practice, and success in those areas.  If you can
find a lawyer who has successfully handled cases similar to yours, that lawyer is more
likely to be qualified to handle your matter.

What Will a Lawyer Charge to Represent Me?

At our firm, the initial evaluation of a case is free of charge.

Personal injury cases are generally taken on what is called a contingency fee.  A contingency fee is based on the outcome of the case. In other words, if there is no recovery, there is no fee charged.  If there is an award to the client, either by verdict or settlement, the fee is a percentage of the amount recovered.  Sometimes, the percentage of the fee will increase if the case must proceed to litigation.

Lawyers are required by the Code of Professional Responsibility (RPC § 1.8(e)), to advise clients that they are ultimately responsible for the payment of expenses incurred in pursuing their claim, regardless of the outcome of their case.

Client are kept updated on costs and expenses, as the case proceeds.  In most cases, our firm will advance the costs on the client’s behalf.  Prior to the conclusion of the case, our clients receive a full written explanation outlining the fees, expenses and proposed distribution of all settlement/verdict proceeds for their review and approval.  In a successful case, when costs are advanced by our law firm, the firm is reimbursed for these costs and our attorney fees, out of our client’s settlement or award.

Do I Have a Case?

Every case is unique, as is each person and each injury.  To answer this question, the attorney must have the opportunity to review all of the facts of your specific situation, the law applicable to that situation, and at time, must have the benefit of an expert’s opinion to make a determination.  Attorneys who tell or guarantee to their clients that they have a case before they have all the necessary information often do a great disservice. No attorney can guarantee that the case will ultimately be successful.  If you would like to tell us about your case, click here.

How Much is My Case Worth?

It is not possible for an attorney to quote a client an exact amount, especially when the injury just occurred.  Ultimately, what a case is worth is contingent on a wide array of factors, including the type of injury, the duration of treatment, any permanency, loss of income, and the nature of the pain and suffering associated with the injury and recovery.

However, an experienced attorney who has handled similar cases can usually determine a reasonable settlement range after the client’s medical condition has stabilized and the amounts of hard money damages such as medical expenses, wage loss and loss of earning capacity, have been determined.

To determine the settlement range, the attorney may consult local and sometimes national jury verdict and settlement reports, which give information on recent and past verdicts and settlements broken down by type of case, type of injury and jurisdiction.

What Do I Have to Do?

Be truthful and complete.  The last person that you want to withhold information from is your attorney.  It is our job to zealously represent you.  We best do that by having all of the facts and using them in the way that will best assist in resolving your claim.

Contact information.  Please let us know if you move or change your phone number or email address.

Keep us informed.  Contact us with any new medical appointments or providers, and any changes in your medical condition.

Open communication.  We will be in touch with you on a regular basis as your claim progresses.  We ask that you return our phone calls so that we can continue to have an open dialogue with you about how you are progress and how your case is progressing.