Ask a Question

Get free answers to your Personal Injury legal questions from lawyers in your area.

Lawyers, increase your visibility by answering questions and getting points. Answer Questions
Washington Personal Injury Questions & Answers
Q: If a lawyer resigns, can the attorney still be court appointed attorney?

Just looking at attorneys who resigned and still practice in the Department of Assigned Counsel. This would mean that the Judge hires DAC to provide an attorney. Judges who are not aware of a resigned attorney are not aware of the illegal actions and these cases must be dismissed.

There... View More

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Dec 30, 2023

If an attorney resigns from the bar, they are no longer authorized to practice law, including serving as a court-appointed attorney. It's essential for judges and legal institutions to be aware of an attorney's current status to ensure legal representation is valid and compliant with the... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Personal Injury, Civil Rights and Municipal Law for Washington on
Q: Do enhance shelters need locks or night latches on individuals dwelling units when they accommodate both men and women?

If shelters accommodate both men and women and aren't subjected to background checks do they need locks or night lashes on the doors of our individual units? If there's no guards no security cameras and men can walk up into any room that they want even though that there are rules stating... View More

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Dec 25, 2023

In Washington State, the specific legal requirements for shelters, especially regarding safety features like locks or night latches, can vary based on local regulations and the nature of the shelter. Generally, shelters are expected to provide a safe environment for all residents, and this could... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law, Civil Rights and Personal Injury for Washington on
Q: If someone was running from the police and the officer release the dog without any warning to the individual tells the

Get him and the dog bites the individual for under a minute damage to leg would that be considered excessive force????

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Nov 24, 2023

Determining whether the use of a police dog in this scenario constitutes excessive force depends on several factors, including the nature of the incident, the level of threat posed by the individual, and the adherence to police protocols.

The use of police dogs is generally governed by...
View More

1 Answer | Asked in Personal Injury and Animal / Dog Law for Washington on
Q: I was bit by a customers dog while delivering a food order. It's my gf's delivery account. Can I seek damages??

I could not just leave the order at the door because I needed a code from customer to finalize order. When she opened her door the big German shepherd got past her and circled around me and got between me and the gate and lunged and bit me below the kneecap. Police report was filed and I went to... View More

Steve Dashiak
Steve Dashiak
answered on Nov 14, 2023

You can absolutely seek damages in Washington. Washington is a strict liability state. The entire case hinges on whether that person has renter's or homeowner's insurance. There may be a speedbump because it was you and not your GF who made the delivery, but your attorney (and you should... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Car Accidents and Personal Injury for Washington on
Q: I got ran over in a crosswalk in Seattle was in harbor view for several days and need to follow up PT. How do I persue

I have several fractures in my pelvis, knew, and ribs. I am not steady mobile and had to turn down two new job employment opportunities. I am looking to have the lady how ran me over cover my medical expencies

Egan Patrick Kilbane
Egan Patrick Kilbane
answered on Oct 8, 2023

I am extremely sorry for your circumstances.

Typically, if you have health insurance, that will be your first source to pay medical bills and ensure access to the continuing care that you need. Then, as part of your claim for personal injuries, you will seek reimbursement for these...
View More

View More Answers

1 Answer | Asked in Personal Injury for Washington on
Q: Security sprays a man running away from him for about 30 seconds spraying everywhere, over spray got on me. Can I sue

I think the guard was assaulting the man due to the fact security was chasing and spraying. Without being in self defense and reason for spraying uncalled for

Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on Oct 7, 2023

A Washington attorney could advise best, but your question remains open for a week. It's possible you could, but if you consult with attorneys, the question that will arise is the extent of damages you suffered. You could try to set up a free initial consult to discuss further. Good luck

2 Answers | Asked in Personal Injury and Landlord - Tenant for Washington on
Q: is it illegal for my roommates to go into my room while i’m at work and pack my stuff up to move their stuff in ?
T. Augustus Claus
PREMIUM
T. Augustus Claus pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Sep 19, 2023

If your roommates enter your room without your permission and handle your belongings, they might be infringing on several legal principles. Firstly, every individual has a recognized right to privacy. This extends to shared living spaces, where each resident typically has an expectation of privacy... View More

View More Answers

1 Answer | Asked in Personal Injury and Real Estate Law for Washington on
Q: My neighbors smoke all the time and the smoke drifts into my house when the windows are open how do I get them to stop?
Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on Sep 22, 2023

A Washington attorney could advise best, but your question remains open for a week. If it's a landlord-tenant setting, you could bring it to the attention of the building owner. If it's private dwellings, it could depend on local ordinances or association rules. Good luck

1 Answer | Asked in Personal Injury and Civil Rights for Washington on
Q: Can any one help me? I left my personal cell phone at my work and management broke my 4 digit pin and accessed my phone

They went through all my photos, messages, contacts, Gmail, and personal files

Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on Sep 18, 2023

A Washington attorney could advise best, but your question remains open for two weeks. At this point, you could reach out to Washington employment law attorneys to try to set up a free initial consult to discuss the invasion of privacy. Good luck

1 Answer | Asked in Personal Injury and Medical Malpractice for Washington on
Q: What does this mean?

2014 Alaska Statutes

Title 09 - CODE OF CIVIL PROCEDURE

Chapter 09.55 - SPECIAL ACTIONS AND PROCEEDINGS

Article 06 - MEDICAL MALPRACTICE ACTIONS

Sec. 09.55.544 Evidence

Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on Sep 13, 2023

An Alaska attorney should answer your question, but your post remains open for a week. Your question is posted under Washington. You could try reposting under "Alaska." You're asking about an Alaska statute. Although questions can remain unanswered on this forum sometimes, you'd... View More

3 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law, Personal Injury, Sexual Harassment and Internet Law for Washington on
Q: Is it illegal to post private photos and videos online without my permission?

My boyfriend and I recently split up and he has videos and photos that were supposed to remain private and is now harassing me and threatening to post them online. Is there anything that I can do to take legal action?

T. Augustus Claus
PREMIUM
T. Augustus Claus pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Sep 4, 2023

Posting private photos and videos online without your permission can potentially constitute a violation of your privacy and, in some cases, may be illegal. The specific legal remedies available to you can depend on the laws in your jurisdiction. To address this situation, you might consider taking... View More

View More Answers

2 Answers | Asked in Car Accidents, DUI / DWI and Personal Injury for Washington on
Q: Had a DUI accident a 1yr ago, did a BAC test, and got charged with DUI and Vehicular Assault but haven't been convicted

It's been a year since the accident I had in WA. Told the officer I had 2 glasses of wine, and did a BAC test but the results haven't been released yet. I had a court date a few days after the accident but it got postponed because they were still investigating. I haven't received... View More

Jahnis John Abelite
Jahnis John Abelite
answered on Aug 25, 2023

Your lawyer should be able to investigate the case and request a copy of the police report. The lawyer should also run your name on the JIS system to see if a court case has been filed. You should have requested a DOL DUI hearing from the Washington DOL within seven days of your arrest. You should... View More

View More Answers

2 Answers | Asked in Employment Law, Personal Injury and Civil Litigation for Washington on
Q: if your employer searches your cell phone illegally, what kind of lawyer should i retain?
Brad S Kane
Brad S Kane
answered on Jul 16, 2023

Without knowing more about how the search took place, whether it was the employer's phone or your phone and what harm you suffered, you should start with an employment lawyer.

View More Answers

2 Answers | Asked in Personal Injury, Civil Rights, Internet Law and Libel & Slander for Washington on
Q: Do lawyers accept anti-SLAPP cases on contingency?

Realizing that this largely depend on the individual case, is it common or uncommon for attorneys to accept anti-SLAPP cases on contingency in states with statutes that require the court to award legal fees in successful anti-SLAPP motions?

Anthony Matthews
Anthony Matthews
answered on Jul 10, 2023

It would be very uncommon to see a contingency fee on an anti-SLAPP lawsuit because their is no guarantee of payment even if the case is successful. Frequently, even in a SLAPP suit, the parties will reach alternative settlement arrangements that do not result in the case going to Court. Even... View More

View More Answers

2 Answers | 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...
View More

View More Answers

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... View 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... View 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... View 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... View More

View More Answers

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... View 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... View 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,... View 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,... View 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... View More

Justia Ask A Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask A Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.

The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between Justia and you, or between any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions and you, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask A Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.

Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises, or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.