Personal Injury Attorney in Seattle, Washington

While personal injury cases come in many different shapes and sizes, more and more individuals are suffering from injuries related to car accidents. This has become even more true for drivers in Seattle.

According to 2020 data from the Washington Department of Transportation, Seattle drivers were more likely to suffer some type of injury in car collisions than the average Washington driver. While each personal injury case needs to be considered on an individual basis, people who have been injured by another person’s conduct have certain rights and obligations to follow in order to successfully pursue a claim.

For over a decade, I have been committed to offering reliable legal services and compassionate representation to accident victims and their loved ones. As a knowledgeable personal injury attorney in Seattle, Washington, I will thoroughly investigate the details of your case and outline an effective legal strategy that can help you pursue the justice you deserve.

I will fight vigorously to protect your rights and help you exhaust all of your legal options as you pursue fair financial compensation to cover medical costs, any future medical treatments, lost income, and any additional pain and suffering you’ve experienced. My firm, The Law Office of Dan N. Fiorito III, is proud to serve clients throughout the Seattle area, and all of Western Washington, including the Puget Sound Area, Bellevue, Tacoma, and Everett — so call my office today to schedule a free case consultation!

Personal Injury Claims in Washington

One of the most important aspects of a personal injury claim is the amount of time that you have to file a claim — often referred to as the statute of limitations. In Washington, the statute of limitations typically allows you three years from the date of your injury to file a claim. If you've been injured in a car accident or another accident that resulted in your injury, you must make sure to file your case in a timely manner.

It’s important to remember that the clock on the statute of limitations begins the day that you suffered your injuries — so make sure that you file your claim within the three-year statute of limitations period with an experienced attorney. Otherwise, you will run the risk of having your case dismissed.

Taking on Washington Wrongful Death Cases

Working with a small law firm, I've seen how wrongful death can be one of the most devastating areas within personal injury law. It occurs when someone dies due to the negligent or intentional actions of another person or entity. In Washington, wrongful death claims are governed by specific statutes, which allow the surviving family members to seek compensation for their loss. That’s where my team comes in.

Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim?

In Washington, the right to file a wrongful death claim is generally reserved for the deceased person's spouse, registered domestic partner, or children. If the deceased person didn't have a spouse, partner, or children, then the parents or siblings may be eligible to file a claim.

The compensation in wrongful death cases can cover a variety of damages, including:

• Any medical costs incurred before the deceased’s death due to the injury or accident

• Reasonable expenses related to the deceased’s funeral and burial

• Compensation for the financial support the deceased would have provided

• Damages for the emotional pain and loss of companionship suffered by the surviving family members

How a Personal Injury Lawyer Can Help in Wrongful Death Cases

Wrongful death cases are complicated and require a deep understanding of Washington’s personal injury laws. As your personal injury lawyer, I can help you traverse the legal process, gather the necessary evidence, and advocate for your rights in court or settlement negotiations. I'll work to secure the compensation you deserve, helping to alleviate the financial burden and provide some measure of justice for your loss.

Reliable Support After Your Motor Vehicle Accident

Motor vehicle accidents are a common cause of personal injury in Seattle, Bellevue, Tacoma, and Everett. Whether you’re involved in a car, truck, motorcycle, or pedestrian accident, the aftermath can be overwhelming. Washington’s personal injury laws provide a framework for victims to seek compensation for their injuries, but the process can be complicated.

Steps to Take After a Motor Vehicle Accident

If you’re involved in a motor vehicle accident in the Puget Sound Area or nearby, there are several steps you should take to protect your rights:

1. Seek Medical Attention: Your health is the top priority. Even if you don’t think you’re seriously injured, it’s essential to get checked out by a medical professional.

2. Report the Accident: Contact the police and file a report. This document will be crucial if you decide to pursue a personal injury claim.

3. Gather Evidence: If you’re able, take photos of the accident scene, your injuries, and any damage to your vehicle. Get contact information from witnesses and exchange information with the other driver.

4. Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer: Before speaking with insurance companies, consult with a personal injury lawyer like me. I can advise you on the best course of action.

Compensation in Motor Vehicle Accident Cases

Victims of motor vehicle accidents in Seattle and the surrounding areas may be entitled to compensation for:

• Medical Expenses: Costs for emergency care, surgeries, hospital stays, and ongoing treatment.

• Lost Wages: Compensation for time missed from work due to the accident and any future loss of earning capacity.

• Pain and Suffering: Damages for physical pain, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life.

• Property Damage: Costs to repair or replace your vehicle and other damaged property.

As your personal injury lawyer, I'll help you manage the claims process, negotiate with insurance companies, and, if necessary, represent you in court to secure the compensation you deserve.

The Intricacies of Medical Malpractice Law

Medical malpractice is a unique area of personal injury law that deals with the negligence of healthcare providers. If you or a loved one has been harmed by a medical professional’s mistake or failure to provide adequate care, you may have a valid medical malpractice claim.

What Constitutes Medical Malpractice?

Medical malpractice occurs when a healthcare provider, such as a doctor, nurse, or hospital, fails to provide the standard of care expected in their profession, leading to injury or death. Common examples of medical malpractice include:

• Misdiagnosis or Delayed Diagnosis: Failing to correctly diagnose a condition or taking too long to do so, which can lead to improper treatment and harm to the patient.

• Surgical Errors: Mistakes made during surgery, such as operating on the wrong body part, leaving surgical instruments inside the patient, or causing unnecessary damage to organs or tissues.

• Medication Errors: Prescribing or administering the wrong medication or dosage, leading to adverse effects or worsening of the patient’s condition.

• Birth Injuries: Negligence during childbirth, leading to injuries to the mother or baby, such as cerebral palsy or Erb’s palsy.

• Failure to Obtain Informed Consent: Performing a medical procedure without the patient’s informed consent, meaning the patient wasn't fully aware of the risks involved.

Different Forms of Malpractice Compensation

Compensation in medical malpractice cases can include:

• Medical Expenses: Covering the costs of additional treatment needed due to the malpractice, as well as ongoing care.

• Lost Wages: Compensation for lost income and any future earning potential if the injury impacts your ability to work.

• Pain and Suffering: Damages for the physical and emotional pain caused by the malpractice.

• Punitive Damages: In cases of particularly egregious negligence, the court may award punitive damages to punish the healthcare provider and deter similar behavior.

Medical malpractice cases are challenging, but with the right personal injury lawyer in Bellevue, Tacoma, or Everett, you can pursue justice and compensation for the harm you’ve endured. Choose me, Dan N. Fiorito III, Attorney at Law.

Is Washington An At-Fault State?

Yes. Washington is considered an at-fault state, meaning that when there is an accident, the at-fault party (i.e. the driver responsible for the accident) will pay for any injuries, medical costs, and other damages suffered by the victims of the accident. According to Washington State laws, in order to pursue compensation, auto accident victims are required to prove that the other driver's negligence caused the accident.

Washington’s Pure
Comparative Negligence Rule

In certain cases, it is possible that an injured person may be partially at fault for causing his or her own injuries. An example could include someone who shares blame for the underlying accident. If this is the case for you, the fact that you may share some percentage of fault does not entirely end your claim. Rather than take an “all or nothing” approach, Washington state uses something called a "pure comparative negligence" approach. Under this approach, whatever amount you recover will be reduced by the percentage of fault attributed to you.

For example, if you are awarded $100,000 in compensation following an auto accident, but you are determined by the judge or jury to be 20% at fault for the accident, your compensation would be reduced by 20%, or in this case $20,000. That means that, ultimately, you would only be eligible to receive $80,000 from the $100,000 settlement awarded to you.

In any personal injury lawsuit that makes it all the way through trial, the court is required to apply this comparative negligence rule when awarding damages to you. This means that Insurance adjusters are likely to do whatever they can to raise the issue of shared fault in your case. However, under the pure comparative negligence system, you will still be allowed to recover damages even if you were 99% at fault for the accident.

Filing a Personal Injury Claim

The period after suffering an injury can often be confusing and overwhelming. If the injury was serious, such an incident can cause devastating, long-lasting consequences on your financial, emotional, and physical well-being. Regardless of the unique circumstances of your situation, you shouldn't have to go through this process alone.

If you or someone you know has been injured negligently, hiring a knowledgeable Washington State personal injury attorney is a crucial step you can take to ensure your rights are protected from start to finish. Your available options to recover damages include:

• Filing a claim against your own insurance

• Filing a claim against the at-fault person/entity

• Filing a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault person/entity

Possible Damages Available

If you have been involved in an accident, you need to protect your rights, especially if you believe your injury was caused by someone else acting negligently or carelessly. In this case, you may be entitled to compensation for any property damage, medical bills, lost wages, and any additional pain & suffering you’ve been forced to endure.

Regardless of the circumstances that led to your injuries, my firm — The Law Office of Dan N. Fiorito, III, in Seattle, Washington — will be there to fight for the compensation you need. You shouldn’t have to worry about how you're going to pay for your medical bills following an accident that could've been easily prevented. That’s why I’ll do everything I can to help you seek the justice you deserve.

Work with An Attorney You Can Trust

At the end of the day, personal injury law can be complex and insurance companies often try to resolve claims early by offering less than what you deserve. Their sole purpose is no different than any other business — to make money. More often than not, they will value your accident extremely low so they can give you the least amount of money possible. That’s why it’s my job to stay by your side and fight for a fair and reasonable settlement that ensures you get the compensation you need to recover from your injuries and get your life back.

A successful personal injury claim can provide you with monetary compensation for lost wages, medical expenses, and any additional physical and emotional suffering. Don’t face these challenges on your own. Call or reach out to my firm today to schedule a free case consultation. Together we can outline a strategy that can protect your rights and help you pursue justice for your injuries.

Help Is Here When You Need It

Understanding personal injury law on your own can be overwhelming, especially when you’re dealing with the physical, emotional, and financial toll of an accident or medical negligence. I'll provide the expertise and support you need to pursue your claim successfully.

Whether you’re dealing with a wrongful death, motor vehicle accident, or medical malpractice case in Western Washington, having a knowledgeable personal injury lawyer on your side is crucial. Personal injury law is complicated, and working through it requires the expertise of a professional who understands the intricacies of the legal system. Don’t face these challenges alone. Contact my law firm at The Law Office of Dan Fiorito today.