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Washington Personal Injury Questions & Answers
1 Answer | Asked in Personal Injury for Washington on
Q: A city works employee accidentally spilled chemical on my kids. They have chemical burns on their arms and face. Help

What is my best course of action? Should I seek legal representation or try to settle it with the city?

Steve Dashiak
Steve Dashiak
answered on May 31, 2023

I'm sorry this happened to your children. I know it was not intentional, but that is no comfort in cases like these.

In a case involving burns to your kids' bodies, you should definitely consult with a lawyer. If a government agency is willingly negotiating with you, it's a...
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0 Answers | Asked in Car Accidents, Libel & Slander, Personal Injury and Social Security for Washington on
Q: If I was a witness with an issue involving my fiance and myself with court house private security guard

I wasn't used as witness for trial . but the prosecutor and police officer and probation officer and security all lied under oath to the jury and judge and myself and defence team of my fiance. As they all continued to say I was on the plaintiffs side defending the security guard. But I was... Read more »

1 Answer | Asked in Personal Injury for Washington on
Q: My truck was broken into at a dealership while it was awaiting repairs is the dealership liable?

They told me no because of the Third party clause in their documents but what constitutes a third party? they have security cameras but the manager is saying they probably don't have any footage because its something they've been working on it would this void that entirely? how can you... Read more »

Maurice Mandel II
Maurice Mandel II
answered on May 24, 2023

This is a personal injury/property damage case. Not possible to provide definitive answer without reading whatever documents you signed when taking the car in for service. Generally, it would seem that at the very least, the dealership has to obligation to protect your property while in their... Read more »

2 Answers | Asked in Personal Injury for Washington on
Q: I’m almost 62 and am interested in suing my childhood sexual abuser. Is it possible?

At age 8 our next door neighbor sexually assaulted me in front of his sister. Is it possible to still hold him accountable? I think by his personality type he would want to settle out of court monetarily in order to keep it all hush hush. I would need contingency based. I am realizing this is... Read more »

Steve Dashiak
Steve Dashiak
answered on May 16, 2023

It is possible, but there might be some practical limitations in play here. It completely depends on the circumstances and the extent of the abuse. An abuse case doesn't have these limits if there was some sort of agency (school, church, DSHS) that knew or should have known about ongoing abuse... Read more »

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0 Answers | Asked in Family Law, Libel & Slander and Personal Injury for Washington on
Q: Need reply ASAP: I angered a friend. She contacted my ex abuser wrote a fictitious, retaliatory decleration, kids taken?

2.5 year long battle. Ex is abusive in all forms. Has contempted and missed court dates but has an attorney so never any recourse. Essentially, in Jan we were both told this needs to go to trial. He has attorney so I waited for him to file, so 4 mts stagnant. Last week I angered my... Read more »

1 Answer | Asked in Insurance Defense, Personal Injury, Consumer Law and Contracts for Washington on
Q: Bank kept over payment of insurance of $20,000. I paid over $25,000 for car, insurance paid $49,000 & value was $53,120.

In January of 2023, I totaled my 2021 Dodge Challenger which I purchased through Ally Bank September 20, 2020. I put $20,000 down as a down payment, traded in my older model,made 19 on time payments of $275.48 ($5,234.12) for a total of $25,234.12 in payments made towards the vehicle (not including... Read more »

Randy Bryan Ligh
Randy Bryan Ligh
answered on Apr 25, 2023

Use the Justia Find a Lawyer tab and search for consumer lawyer and/or a collection lawyer in your area---call a few them and discuss the specifics of your case with them and then decide how to proceed. Good luck.

1 Answer | Asked in Personal Injury, Health Care Law and Car Accidents for Washington on
Q: Does a Proof of Representation or a Consent to Release allow an insurance adjuster access to all of my medical records?

I am in the middle of negotiating a settlement amount with the at fault drivers insurance company and they have sent me a Proof Of Representation and a Consent to Release form saying I have to fill out both in order to receive my settlement check. I am a Medicare recipient but have kept my... Read more »

Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on Apr 27, 2023

A Washington attorney could advise best, as it's possible some claim forms might be state-specific. In terms of release of medical records, a HIPAA form is generally used. Such forms generally provide for selection of the scope of medical information to be released (range of dates of service,... Read more »

1 Answer | Asked in Personal Injury, Car Accidents and Health Care Law for Washington on
Q: Why is someone listed as working at one law firm and can't be found on the website of a firm who I originally spoke to??

Firm A had recently contacted me about representing me for my injury case. I have done research on both firm A itself as well as the named attorneys B, C, D, & E who make up Firm A. About a week or so ago, I was suddenly contacted by a new attorney, F, who was familiar with my specific case,... Read more »

Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on Apr 25, 2023

A Washington attorney could advise best, but your question remains open for three weeks. There are a couple of possibilities. Attorneys regularly join and leave law firms. Sometimes firm websites might not reflect staffing changes quickly. Also, some law firms have relationships with "of... Read more »

1 Answer | Asked in Insurance Bad Faith and Personal Injury for Washington on
Q: Can an attorney act interested in your case, but really be working for an insurance adjsuter to get information?

A friend received a phone call from a law firm after 8 months from the date of the accident, which many attorneys have not wanted to represent this person simply due to the fact that there were no physical injuries, but a diagnosis of PTSD, depression and anxiety as a result of a near death or... Read more »

Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on Apr 9, 2023

A Washington attorney could advise best, but your question remains open for two weeks. I'm sorry for your friend's traumatic experience from the accident. It would be best for your friend to confirm with a law firm, whether it's this one or another one, if they are representing your... Read more »

1 Answer | Asked in Car Accidents and Personal Injury for Washington on
Q: Hello, I was involved in an automobile accident and I’m a medicare recipient. My lawyer received the settlement.

1). They say they are waiting for Reductions before they can release the money, does this sound correct?

Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on Mar 18, 2023

A Washington attorney could advise best, but your question remains open for two weeks. Yes, that sounds correct (without knowing the details of your case). One possibility is that your attorney is engaged with the Human Resources Administration (or their attorney, if they assigned one) to negotiate... Read more »

2 Answers | Asked in Medical Malpractice and Personal Injury for Washington on
Q: I went to have my gallbladder removed and during the procedure my liver was torn and then cauterized. anything I can do?
Christopher Kirk Steuart
Christopher Kirk Steuart
answered on Feb 27, 2023

You clearly suffered an injury. The elements of medical malpractice include violation of the standard of care. If the doctor in performing the procedure failed to perform at the recognized standard of care you may have a case. That said if you suffered a loss is a critical component of the... Read more »

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2 Answers | Asked in Personal Injury, Criminal Law and DUI / DWI for Washington on
Q: Is there anyone that can help me to settle my claim for an accident caused by a drunk driver in Washington State?

I need to find an attorney that can help me in finishing my insurance injury claim. I have literally done 3/4 of the work (I believe) and I have obtained all of the documents needed to settle this case. These include my medical documents from my PCP and therapist notes and summaries for every... Read more »

Stan Glisson
Stan Glisson
answered on Feb 3, 2023

Of course, there are many attorneys who can assist. I don't do these personally, but if you want to call or email I'd be happy to make some referrals.

Otherwise, you can google search and I'm sure you could find someone.

Documenting your financial losses, as you...
Read more »

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1 Answer | Asked in Medical Malpractice, Personal Injury and Wrongful Death for Washington on
Q: personal injury WA state

so, there's a personal injury case, which just has been dismissed without prejudice and the statute timing is running out in WA state, here are the questions:

Can I as a lawyer file a new same personal injury case in same court and "start over" as long as I'm within time... Read more »

Steve Dashiak
Steve Dashiak
answered on Jan 29, 2023

If it's dismissed withOUT prejudice, you can re-file at any point before the SOL runs.

The answer to the fees and costs question is between you, the new law firm, and the client. You're generally entitled to be reimbursed for costs, but asserting a lien for your fee in a case...
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1 Answer | Asked in Family Law and Personal Injury for Washington on
Q: Statute of limitations

Hello, If there's a statue of limitations, and it's expired, but there's a lawsuit which was filed in a timely manner BUT dismissed without a prejustice due to client's communication issues (couldn't reach the client), can it be reopened?

Steve Dashiak
Steve Dashiak
answered on Jan 27, 2023

Yikes. You should fight like hell to have the Court reconsider the dismissal. And get a hold of the dang client! Whatever it takes. Pretend discipline from the bar is on the line.

You can re-file after the statute of limitations, but the case would likely be dismissed upon a motion by the...
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1 Answer | Asked in Personal Injury, Civil Litigation and Civil Rights for Washington on
Q: personal injury complaint filed against city jail, trial set but lawyer quits- does statute of limitations date change?

Complaint for personal injury filed in Wa State King County Superior Court, (previously filed in federal court on civil right violations) before Covid in 2019, no progress for 2 years. Depositions began in 2022 and trial date set, then lawyer withdraws only months before trial. Does the original... Read more »

Steve Dashiak
Steve Dashiak
answered on Jan 27, 2023

The statute of limitations doesn't change, but you should ask the defense counsel to agree to a change in the trial date. Defense attorneys are usually happy to delay proceedings. If not, the Court is usually pretty understanding. Just make sure you haven't passed the deadline for... Read more »

1 Answer | Asked in Insurance Bad Faith, Personal Injury and Car Accidents for Washington on
Q: What should I do when an insurance company keeps removing my uploaded documents on their claims website???

The insurance company continues to remove my documents that I have uploaded to their website and to which I was instructed to do so by the claims team. I have asked via text and email as to why this is happening and have not received a response. This has been happening every time I upload a... Read more »

Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on Jan 29, 2023

A Washington attorney could advise best, but your question remains open for two weeks. One option is to ask them if there is a technical glitch with either the site or the formatting of the documents, and if so, will they accept hard copies by certified mail. Also ask them if they are downloading... Read more »

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, DUI / DWI, Personal Injury and Car Accidents for Washington on
Q: Where can I get help with my ongoing 3rd party claim with the other drivers auto insurance company in Washington State??

3rd time DUI offender plowed into our front yard, our fence, and our car at a high rate of speed. His car finally stopped only about 10 feet from the room in which we were at that morning. Our car was deemed a total loss as this was the only thing that stopped the driver from plowing right into our... Read more »

Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on Jan 30, 2023

A Washington attorney could advise best, but your question remains open for two weeks. I'm sorry for your ordeal. You're correct; this could be an overwhelming matter because of the number of elements it contains. You indicate seeking an attorney. Your best option is to reach out to... Read more »

1 Answer | Asked in Personal Injury, Car Accidents and Insurance Defense for Washington on
Q: I am a defendant in a lawsuit. I was served a package of papers today. I am on a time schedule. The papers tell me to

I am a defendant in a lawsuit. I was served a package of papers today. I am on a time schedule. The papers tell me to contact an attorney immediately. I need to find an attorney. How?

Steve Dashiak
Steve Dashiak
answered on Jan 11, 2023

There isn't enough information here to give a full answer. One critical fact would be what type of lawsuit this is. Based on the categories you've selected, I am presuming you are being sued for injuries stemming from a car accident for which you were at fault.

If that's the...
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1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Personal Injury and Civil Rights for Washington on
Q: I am a witness and have been incarcerated in same unit as defendant putting me in emotional distress very high profile c
Patrick Owen Earl
Patrick Owen Earl
answered on Jan 9, 2023

Are you incarcerated because of a pending charge against you unrelated to the issue that you are a witness of?

Do you have an attorney? If not are you going to hire private counsel OR ask for the appointment of an attorney by the court to represent you?

my cell is 509-750-9921

1 Answer | Asked in Personal Injury and Medical Malpractice for Washington on
Q: How can I sue fit defamation of character involving a doctor

It has cause a misdiagnosis and possible damage

Or medical malpractice

Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on Dec 26, 2022

A Washington attorney could advise best, but your question remains open for two weeks. Unless there's more to the matter, it would be a matter of medical malpractice, not defamation of character. Defamation means spoken or written words that cause harm to your dignitary interests (reputation).... Read more »

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