Personal injuries can happen in a split second, leaving you in pain and unable to work. If someone’s reckless or negligent actions caused you to become injured, then you may be able to file a personal injury claim against them to receive compensation for the losses you suffered as a result. You can file a claim for temporary injuries as well as those that are expected to last a lifetime and result in permanent disabilities and impairments. These types of claims often stem from:
Our Tacoma personal injury attorneys have a strong history of helping accident victims recoup their losses when they suffer injuries that are no fault of their own. Because Washington State limits the timeframe that accident victims have to file their claims, it is crucial that you file your claim as soon as possible following your injury. Filing after the statute of limitations passes results in your claim being barred, so you may not be able to receive any sort of compensation.
Your personal injury claim is based mainly on whether the defendant in your case is liable for the injuries you sustained. In general, we all owe a level of care to others—in our interactions with other people, it is assumed we will not do them any harm, even if the harm is unintentional. If you drive a car, you have a duty to drive in a manner that doesn’t result in someone being harmed. If you own a business, you must make sure the conditions inside your business and on your business’ property is safe for those who enter. If you are a dog owner, you must take measures to keep your dog from injuring people. If you are a doctor, you must treat your patients with a standard of care that is reasonable for your training and expertise. In all these instances, if you deviate from the set standard, even without meaning to, you can be liable for the injuries that result.
To succeed with a personal injury claim, three things must be true:
Although your case is unique to your injuries, your personal injury attorney will likely ask for a mix of different types of compensation in your claim. Quantifiable costs, including medical bills, the future costs of medical care, lost wages, future lost income, and other losses where a specific dollar value can be ascertained, make up a big part of your claim. Non-economic losses are also addressable, including pain and suffering and emotional distress.
Don’t lose your right to collect damages in your case. See our Tacoma personal injury attorney to discuss your case and determine the best way to proceed with your claim. Schedule your consultation now.