Category: Uncategorized

Are you wondering, “Can I sue for slipping and falling in a store?” If so, you’re in the right place. If you fall and suffer an injury due to unsafe conditions, then it may be possible to hire attorneys for slip and fall injuries and file a legal claim. Any public location that encourages people to come in, shop, and spend their money has a duty to those people to ensure they are safe while on the premises. If they do not adhere to this duty and you are injured, the store operator may be considered negligent. If negligence can be proven, then you have grounds to file a lawsuit.

Common Conditions That Result in Slip and Fall Accidents

A slip and fall accident can occur inside or outside a store. Some examples of dangerous conditions that may cause this type of accident include:

• Liquids left on the floor
• Frayed rugs or mats
• Clutter in store aisles
• Cracks or some other hazard in a parking lot
• Items that have fallen into the walking paths
• Improper lighting in stores, parking lots, or sidewalks
• Equipment like forklifts that are being operated inside a store

It’s important to note that these are just a few ways that an injury may occur and not a comprehensive list. If you want the legal right to sue a store after being involved in and injured by a slip and fall accident, you will need to have proof that the store was negligent in some way. Unfortunately, this is not always easy to do. One reason for this is that most larger stores will have large legal teams defending these types of cases. If you want to file a lawsuit for the accident and injury you suffer, hiring an attorney is highly recommended. We provide legal representation for cases like this and can help you recover the compensation you deserve.

What You Need to Prove Liability and Negligence in a Slip and Fall Accident

If you want to prove a store is liable and negligent for your slip and fall accident and injury, it’s necessary to prove that there was a hazardous condition, like boxes or other hazards in walkways, or that the store management was aware of the hazardous condition but failed to fix it. Another scenario may mean that someone (worker, customer, etc.) spilled something that could result in a slip and fall accident and it was reported to management. If they did not act to clean up the hazard and a slip and fall occurred, then this is the proof required to show liability and negligence. Also, customers are expected to take certain steps and use “reasonable care” to ensure they protect themselves. This means if it is obvious that there is a hazard ahead, but the customer still slips, trips, or falls, they may not be successful if a lawsuit is filed. With this information, it’s clear that being able to prove negligence is something that involves several different complicated factors. It’s another reason that you should hire a legal professional to help with your slip and fall case.

Steps to Take After a Slip and Fall Accident

Do you know what steps to take after this type of accident? If not, it’s a good idea to find out. After all, what you do, or don’t do, after this type of accident may impact your ability to file a lawsuit and recover compensation. One of the first things to do after a slip and fall accident in a store is to get medical attention. Along with making sure you are okay, going to a doctor after falling is the initial step in making sure your injuries and the incident are recorded. Some other steps to take after this type of incident include:

• Figure out where you fell and the possible reasons you fell. If possible, take photos.
• Gather contact information from any witnesses who saw your fall so that you can have your attorney contact them down the road.
• Make sure to report the accident to the store manager and have the proper paperwork completed.

For individuals who believe they can file a slip and fall lawsuit, it is good to maintain a file with all the information about the slip and fall incident and resulting injuries. Along with records about your doctor visit, some of the other things to include in your file include:

• Written record of your pain on a day-to-day basis
• The impact of the accident and injuries on your “normal” day-to-day activities
• How often you must take medications like pain relievers due to the pain caused by the injuries.

Filing a Lawsuit After a Slip and Fall Accident

Once you have taken the steps above, it’s a good idea to get in touch with our legal team. Our attorneys have years of experience providing representation for slip and fall accident victims. When you come to us with your claim, we will review the facts related to your case and the evidence that you have. At this point, we can determine if you have a viable claim. If so, our team can begin helping you with the proper forms to file a lawsuit. You will find that our legal team will work tirelessly to build a case and gather evidence to help you recover the compensation you deserve.

Contact Us Today for Help with Your Slip and Fall Lawsuit

At Strong Law Accident and Injury Attorneys, we are ready to help you with your slip and fall accident case. Contact us by calling (206) 210-1399 for more information and to set up a free, initial consultation. We are here to help you with your legal needs and ensure you have quality, aggressive representation for your case. Not all personal injury attorneys are created equal, but our attorneys and legal team have a history and reputation for helping our clients achieve successful outcomes.

When an injury or mishap occurs while away from home, it often leads to the question of who is liable for an accident on private property. You may suffer injuries that require medical treatment and recovery time. How will you pay for those unexpected expenses and recover any lost wages from your job? Before pursuing legal action against the property owner, however, you’ll first need to determine who is at fault and who can be found liable for the accident that caused the resulting injury.

Who Is Liable for an Accident on Private Property?

While all property owners have a responsibility to maintain their property in a reasonably safe manner to avoid causing harm to others, they don’t always comply. When this happens and an accident occurs, the property owner may be found liable. The laws surrounding personal injury liability vary from state to state. However, in most instances, much will depend upon whether the private property is used for residential or commercial purposes.

Residential Private Property

A homeowner’s private property liability relies heavily on the reason you were on their property to begin with. In most states, you will be classified as one of the following:

• Invitee
• Licensee
• Trespasser.

For each of these classifications, the property owner has certain obligations. If these are not met, the property owner may be liable for the accident.

Invitee: An Invitee is one who is on the residential property for business purposes. The property owner has an obligation to take reasonable measures to ensure the property is safe at all times for these invitees.

Licensee: The Licensee is anyone who is on the property with permission but is not there for any business purpose. These include invited guests for social occasions. For these individuals, the residential property owner has a duty to provide warnings of any dangerous, hidden conditions on the property. Once the licensee is fully warned, however, the property owner is no longer liable for potential accidents involving those conditions.

Trespasser: A trespasser is defined as one who is on the private property without the owner’s permission. The property owner is obligated to avoid conduct that can intentionally injure any person on their property, including the trespasser; beyond that, however, they have no further obligation to these unexpected visitors.

Commercial Private Property

With commercial private property, there is an obligation to practice a higher standard of care in terms of maintaining safe conditions and a safe environment at all times. This obligation is for the benefit of visiting individuals and customers. In particular, commercial properties are required to make reasonable inspections of their property and keep it free of defects and dangerous conditions. If an accident occurs and it is found that a reasonable inspection would have identified the dangerous condition or defect, the answer to who is liable for an accident on private property may be the property owner. One example of how a business can ensure a safer environment is to take anti-slip measures, such as for recently mopped floors or floors that have become wet from rain or snow. The owner can put down mats or install signage warning customers or visitors of the slippery conditions. These measures may free them of liability if an accident occurs. The property owner may also be free of liability for most accidents or injuries that occur as the result of a third party, such as an assault while on the property. However, if such actions are foreseeable, the property owner may be expected to prevent them. Generally, regardless of whether the private property is used for commercial or residential purposes, the owner has the legal responsibility to ensure guests are safe. When they fail to meet this responsibility, they risk being found liable when an accident occurs, and you may have cause to bring a lawsuit to gain deserved compensation.

How to Prove Liability for an Injury on Private Property

When private property conditions are unsafe, defective, or neglected, debilitating problems, such as head injuries, can result. Other injuries may include back injuries, broken bones, spinal cord injuries, and internal bleeding. Proving liability for these injuries becomes imperative and is why consulting with an experienced personal injury attorney is necessary. Once presented with all the facts surrounding your case, your attorney will work diligently to establish the essential elements to file a successful premises liability claim. Elements to prove a claim of premises liability or liability for an injury on private property include:

1. The private property owner has a duty of care to others.
2. The owner was negligent in some way in that duty of care, leading to a hazardous condition.
3. An injury occurs because of that hazardous condition.
4. Proof of injury exists, which may include medical records and bills, witness statements, and so forth.

Not all premises injury cases will be straightforward when it comes to liability, however. Two factors, in particular, can complicate matters. One of these factors involves commercial property. Many times, the business owner does not actually own the property but instead leases it from someone else. For this reason, when an accident occurs, the determination will need to be made as to whether the business owner, the property owner, or both have any liability. A second complicating factor, whether involving residential or commercial property, is the prospect of shared liability. That is, the property owner and the injured individual may be found partially liable for the accident. It’s no wonder, then, that proving who is liable for an injury on private property can become a complicated maze to navigate. For this reason, seek the guidance of a legal team highly knowledgeable in both premises liability and personal injury law to ensure you receive the best possible outcome.

Contact Strong Law Attorneys in Oregon or Washington Today

When an accident and injury occurs on private property, proving liability is your first step to filing a claim and recovering deserved compensation for damages, including medical bills, lost wages, and more. This is where Strong Law Attorneys can help. Serving clients in both Oregon and Washington, our premises liability lawyers will evaluate your case and discuss your options during a free consultation. Call 206-210-1399 today to get started.

If you fall in a parking lot, there are a few businesses you could potentially sue for damages. The most obvious party to sue would be the property owner. If the parking lot was poorly maintained by a company hired to manage the parking lot, then you may be able to include the management company in your lawsuit as well. If the cause of your fall is the way the parking lot was leveled and installed, then you may be able to sue the contractor and the company that paved the parking lot. In some cases, if faulty asphalt was the cause of your fall, then you may also be able to sue the manufacturer of the defective asphalt or parking lot surface. For example, if a parking lot is paved with asphalt that becomes very slippery when it rains, the manufacturer of the asphalt may be held liable if someone slips and falls on it. Moreover, if the asphalt is not mixed properly, it can become brittle and crack, which creates hazards for people walking on the surface. If you are injured in a parking lot due to a spillage, you may be able to sue the owner or operator of the vehicle that caused the spill. For example, if you slip and fall on gasoline that has been spilled from a tanker truck, you may be able to sue the truck driver or the company that owns the truck.

What Are the Most Common Causes for a Falling in a Parking Lot?

According to the CDC, over 95% of hip fractures are caused by falling. People can fall in parking lots for a variety of reasons. Some of the most common causes for falling in a parking lot include:

• Potholes
• Snow or ice
• Uneven surfaces
• Loose or broken asphalt or concrete
• Inadequate lighting
• Debris such as rocks, sticks, or trash
• Unmarked hazards such as manholes or puddles
• Oil, water, or other liquids on the ground
• Poor or unsafe parking lot design.

If you are injured as a result of one of these hazards, you may be able to file a lawsuit for slip and fall in a parking lot against the responsible party or parties. For example, if you slip and fall on an icy patch in a parking lot, you may be able to sue the property owner or manager for not removing the ice. Typically, the person in control of maintaining a parking lot, whether it be the owner, lessee, or maintenance company, has a duty to protect the people who use the parking lot from harm. If the responsible party fails to inspect, warn, or make safe their parking lot, then they may have breached their duty owed to the people who use the parking lot.

Furthermore, those in control of a parking lot must exercise reasonable care to protect people invited to use the parking lot from an unreasonable risk of harm caused by a dangerous condition on the land.

What Are Typical Injuries from Falling in a Parking Lot?

A typical slip and fall injury in a parking lot occurs when a person trips or loses their balance and then falls because of a dangerous condition. Some common slip and fall injuries include:

• Head injuries
• Fractures
• Back injuries
• Spinal cord injuries
• Neck injuries
• Electrical shock
• Lacerations
• Cuts and bruises
• Sprained ankles
• Dislocated hips.

Each type of injury has its own set of risks and complications. For example, a cut can become infected, a sprain can lead to swelling and stiffness, and a dislocated hip can cause long-term pain. In some cases, a person who was injured by falling in a parking lot may also need to prove that they did not contribute to the accident more than the property owner. Since Oregon uses modified comparative negligence to assign fault, a person suing for damages may need to show that they took reasonable steps to avoid injury so as not to be more at fault (more than 51%) than the property owner. For example, if someone slips and falls on ice in a parking lot, they may be asked whether they wore boots with good traction, whether they tried to walk in an area where there was less ice, or if any warning signs were posted were they obeyed. If an injured person can show that they took reasonable precautions but still suffered an injury, then they may have a case against the owner or manager of the property. If a person is found to be partially at fault for the slip and fall, they can still recover monetary damages from the parking lot, but the amount of money may be reduced depending on how their negligence compares to that of the parking lot owner’s negligence. For example, if a person was awarded $10,000 in damages, but was found to be 30% at fault, then 30% will be deducted from the total award and the plaintiff will receive $7,000.

Your Consultation Is Free, But the Help You Receive May Be Invaluable.

As you can see, there can be a number of potential defendants that can be sued if you fall in a parking lot. It’s important to consult with an attorney to determine who is responsible for your fall and to what extent they may be held liable. If you fell in a parking lot, it is a good idea to seek the counsel of the slip and fall lawyers at Strong Law. Slip and fall accidents are often the result of negligence on the part of property owners, and parking lot accidents can result in serious injuries. You may be able to sue the property owner or the company that manages the lot to receive compensation. It is important to take action if you have been injured.  Experienced personal injury attorneys can help you understand your legal options.

Contact our office at 206-210-1399 to schedule a free case evaluation and to learn more about how we can help you.

If you were injured in a car accident that was someone else’s fault, you may be entitled to file a car accident claim against the at-fault driver to recover damages. As part of this process, you may want to know how to get a car accident police report. To file a car accident claim, you have to be able to prove who was at fault for the accident. This means, among other things, that:

• Witnesses need to be interviewed before they forget what happened
• Evidence needs to be collected before it is lost, and
• Photographs need to be taken before injuries heal and damage is repaired.

In other words, you need to collect and preserve the evidence needed to prove that the other driver (and their auto insurance company) is liable to compensate you for your bodily injuries and financial losses. That’s why a car accident police report is so important to your car accident claim. Your car accident police report is the official record of your accident, and it contains just about all the information you will need to file a car accident claim. This article explores car accident police reports in the state of Washington and how to get one.

When is a Car Accident Police Report Made?

If the police respond to your car accident, they will usually make a car accident police report at the crash scene. The police must make a car accident police report if the accident involves a fatality or personal injury, or significant property damage ($700 or more).If a car accident police report was made in your case, it is important that you have an experienced car accident lawyer review it as soon as possible. The experienced car accident lawyers at Strong Law may be able to use your car accident police report to build a successful car accident case on your behalf.

What Information Does a Car Accident Police Report Contain?

Find Out How to Get a Car Accident Police Report and What’s in It

Your car accident police report contains the reporting officer’s unbiased observations about your car accident. However, police are human, and it is not uncommon for the car accident police report they make to contain some factual errors. If this is the case with your police accident report, don’t worry. The skilled car accident lawyers at our law firm may be able to use witness testimony, photographs, video footage, and other evidence to reconstruct the accident and tell what really happened. A car accident police report contains a lot of information. But there is no need to try and understand it all by yourself. We will review your car accident police report and interview any witnesses before they are interviewed by the at-fault driver’s auto insurance company.

Types of Car Accident Police Reports in Washington

Everyone knows that car accidents are an unfortunate reality on the roads and highways of our state. But are you aware that there are two kinds of car accident report forms that can be completed and filed with the State of Washington? One form, called a State of Washington Police Traffic Collision Report, is a form used by police officers to collect vital information related to an accident that happened in their jurisdiction; they then file it with the Washington State Patrol. This form is used by the responding police officer to collect detailed information regarding the accident, such as:

• Name and contact information for the vehicle operators
• Name and contact information for passengers and witnesses
• Type of roadway and accident
• Time, date, and location of the accident
• Number of vehicles involved and their types
• Type and severity of any injuries
• Name and badge number of the investigating officer
• Damage to the vehicles.

What’s more, this report contains the reporting officer’s written narrative of what happened to cause the accident. Another type of Washington car accident report form is called a Motor Vehicle Collision Report. This form is available to anyone involved in an accident that was not reported by a responding police officer, resulted in bodily injury or death, or caused more than $1,000 in total property damage. A Motor Vehicle Collision Report is required to be filled out and filed with the Washington State Patrol within 4 days of the accident. This can be done online through the Online Motor Vehicle Collision Reporting (OMVCR) system. Alternatively, you can download a blank form here, then complete, sign, and mail it to the Collision Records Section – P.O. Box 42628 Olympia, WA 98504-2628, or email it to collisionrecords@wsp.wa.gov.

How to Obtain a Copy of the Collision Report

When filing your car accident claim, you will need a copy of the collision report concerning your car accident. The first and most efficient way to request a copy of the report is online:

1. Go to the WRECR (Washington Requests for Electronic Collision Reports) site.
2. Click on To Order a Collision Report.
3. Enter your last name and date of the collision or the collision report number.
4. Choose the report that matches your accident information.
5. Pay a fee of $10.50 per report to request a copy.

Once the transaction has been completed, it can take two to four weeks before the report is available. Another way to request a collision report is by mail:

1. Download the form
2. Complete and sign the form.
3. Mail the completed form, along with a check or money order for $10.50, payable to the Washington State Patrol, to the following address: Washington State Patrol Collision Records Section P.O. Box 42628 Olympia, WA 98504-2628

Talk to Strong Law About How to Get a Car Accident Police Report

If you or someone you care about was injured in a car accident, taking quick action can increase the likelihood that you will be fully compensated for your injuries and losses. You’ll need all the information related to your accident to put together a strong case, so it’s important to know how to get a car accident police report. We can help. Call Strong Law today at 206-210-1399 to request a consultation with an experienced lawyer on our team. The sooner you get us involved, the better.

Nearly 18,000 people suffer catastrophic spinal cord injuries each year, and securing full, fair compensation often proves difficult. Upwards of 373,000 community members live with these debilitating conditions and long-term financial burdens that range into the millions. But too often, negligent people and corporations manage to evade financial responsibility. Rather than allowing callous parties to add insult to a devastating condition, it’s critical to enlist an experienced personal injury law firm and get the spinal injury compensation payout victims desperately need.

Facts About Spinal Cord Injuries

The number of people who suffer and live with spinal cord injuries increases each year. These debilitating injuries impact people regardless of race, gender, age, or socio-economic status. Men remain more likely to experience a spinal injury at a 78 to 22 percent ratio. African-Americans appear to get injured at a disproportional demographic rate, and the average age has ticked from 29 to 43 years old since the 1970s. That being said, no one is immune from these tragic injuries. A report tracking conditions from 2015 through 2020, released by the National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center (NSCISC), reflects the following.

• White Americans sustained spinal cord injuries at a rate of 58.1 percent.
• African-Americans suffered spinal cord injuries at a rate of 24.2 percent.
• Hispanic Americans endured spinal cord injuries at a rate of 13.3 percent.

The leading causes of spinal cord injuries remain relatively static year after year. Statistical information points to vehicular collisions accounting for 38.2 percent of such injuries, followed by hard impact falls at 32.3 percent. Deliberate violence (14.3 percent), sports (7.8 percent), and mistakes during surgical procedures (4.1 percent) were identified as leading causes. Only 3.3 percent of all spinal injuries occurred due to peripheral reasons.

How Much Compensation Will I Get for a Spinal Injury?

Compensation for a spinal cord injury largely depends on the severity and a wide range of relevant factors. Hospitalization stays rank among the most expensive initial costs, and injured people usually require 30 or more days before doctors release them. Following a hospitalization, rehabilitation, long-term care, and other costs add up quickly. The NSCISC outlines the differing costs among cases that involve severity ranging from High Tetraplegia, Low Tetraplegia, Paraplegia, and loss of motor function at any level. The organization estimates the first-year and lifetime costs based as follows:

• High Tetraplegia: $1,163,425 (first year), $202,032 (each following year), $5,162,152 (lifetime).
• Low Tetraplegia: $840,676 (first year), $123,938 (each following year), $3,771,791 (lifetime).
• Paraplegia: $567,011 (first year), $75,112 (each following year), $2,524,270 (lifetime).

Spinal cord injury victims who lose any degree of motor function can anticipate spending $379,698 on health care and rehabilitation during the first year. Once through the initial health care costs, comparatively minor spinal injuries task everyday people with paying $46,000 every year afterward. People living with spinal cord injuries have a 30 percent chance of re-hospitalization, with an average stay of 18 days. Secondary diseases to the urinary tract, skin, digestive, respiratory, and circulatory systems rank among the leading causes of hospitalizations. It’s essential for spinal cord injury victims to understand that these expenses in no way, shape, or form help generate personal revenue. Many victims find themselves sidelined from work, and that puts a significant strain on the ability to pay for quality treatment, care, and rehabilitation services. Community members too often find the company coverage plan they possessed times out. When calculating a spinal cord injury settlement or asking a jury for damages, the financial burden stands as a critical factor. Without the resources to pay for the best treatment possible, the extent of your recovery and quality of life may be significantly compromised.

How Does a Spinal Injury Compensation Payout Work?

Securing spinal injury compensation often proves an uphill and complicated legal battle. Negligent parties and insurance companies typically try to minimize their losses by avoiding responsibility. Oregon applies a comparative negligence procedure that allows careless parties to claim the victim was at fault. Deployed by opposing lawyers and big insurance corporations, comparative negligence can enable them to avoid paying the true amount spinal injury victims deserve. That’s why a determined personal injury lawyer with spinal cord injury lawsuit experience builds a compelling case that includes the following economic losses:

• total cost of present medical expenses
• anticipated cost of future medical expenses with inflation
• cost of rehabilitation, physical therapy, and occupational therapy
• handicapped modifications to home or residence
• cost of psychological therapy to deal with trauma and cognitive disorders
• anticipated price of prescription drugs and medical devices
• value associated with impairment and disfigurement
• lost wages and earning capacity.

Although the responsible parties will likely try to reduce the settlement or jury award by claiming the victim was at fault, an experienced personal injury lawyer knows how to push back. Another prong to improving spinal injury compensation involves non-economic damages.

How Do Non-Economic Damages Work in a Spinal Injury Lawsuit?

Unlike the hard numbers involving reimbursement for medical care, rehabilitation, and lost wages, non-economic damages are harder to quantify. These include compensation for pain, suffering, emotional distress, loss of companionship, and diminished quality of life, among others. It’s important for spinal cord injury victims in Oregon to keep in mind that the courts do not necessarily limit non-economic and punitive damages. In 2020, the Oregon Supreme Court held in Busch v. McInnis Waste System, Inc., 366 Or. 628, that limits on non-economic damage awards were unfair. “In 2020, the Oregon Supreme Court invalidated the state’s cap on non-economic damages, finding that while the Court ‘had no doubt that (the cap) was intended to reduce insurance costs and improve insurance availability,’ it nevertheless violated the state constitution’s remedy clause,” according to an American Medical Association report advocating for liability reform. Presenting a compelling and persuasive case on a victim’s behalf remains the best way to recover quantitative economic losses and increase compensation through non-economic damages. It wouldn’t be right for someone to suffer from limited mobility and reduced quality of life while the person or company responsible walks away scot-free. If you or a loved one suffered a spinal cord injury, it’s crucial to promptly contact an experienced spinal cord lawyer. Oregon places a two-year statute of limitation for filing personal injury lawsuits, and the clock began ticking at the time of the incident. At Strong Law in Eugene, people ask: How much compensation will I get for a spinal injury? Our compassionate and determined team of legal professionals will hold the negligent parties responsible and get you the full, fair compensation you deserve. Call us today at 206-210-1399 or request a free consultation by filling out our online form.

Brain injuries continue to pose a significant challenge for everyday people and their families, in terms of both their quality of life and their financial stability. Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) too often go undiagnosed, and victims sustain considerable monetary and quality of life losses as a result. Those who seek medical treatment and care quickly discover health insurance coverage may not cover hospital bills and the peripheral costs associated with a brain injury. t Strong Law, we provide determined, compassionate legal care for victims of TBI because we are keenly aware of the financial and emotional toll on loving families. If you or a loved one suffered a hard impact to the head, we urge you to seek medical attention. Then, carefully consider the potential losses you could suffer due to someone else’s carelessness.

What is a Traumatic Brain Injury?

A traumatic brain injury can result from a wide range of hard impacts to the skull. Brain injuries can occur from a penetration, such as gunshot wounds, or blunt force trauma from car collisions or slips and falls. Brain injuries differ greatly in severity, with some requiring only a few days of rest to recover. But moderate to severe TBIs can cause long-lasting and permanent damage that sometimes proves fatal. Although relatively young adult males are overwhelmingly more statistically likely to suffer a TBI, our valued elders too often fall hard due to cluttered stairways, slippery floors, and other forms of negligence. Men and women who are involved in car crashes, play a sport, or suffer slips and falls are brain injury candidates. Even infants that are accidentally dropped can sustain a severe brain injury that goes undiagnosed. To understand the high cost associated with a brain injury, it’s essential to know the different degrees of the condition. These generally include the following.

• Mild Concussion: Sometimes referred to as an MTBI, mild concussions involve a seemingly brief departure from lucid consciousness. After sustaining a mild concussion, people feel woozy or dazed, or may pass out for up to 30 minutes. If feelings of confusion or memory loss persist for more than 24 hours, additional testing and immediate treatment may be necessary.
• Moderate TBI: Following a hard-impact fall or blow to the head, people who suffer a moderate TBI may lose consciousness for more than 30 minutes. Advanced testing may be necessary, and victims may have to stay home from work or school for upwards of a week.
• Severe TBI: High-speed car collisions, construction accidents, war, and deliberate violence leave victims unconscious for more than 24 hours. This level of trauma typically requires CT scans and a brain MRI to identify the extent of the trauma and injury. Victims of severe TBI could be sidelined from work indefinitely while incurring the cost of long-term treatment and care.

Cases involving TBI typically require a neurologist to conduct thorough examinations and determine the extent of memory loss, motor skill functions, and identify any adverse effects to hearing or vision. After suffering a brain injury, people can anticipate a battery of expensive tests.

What is the Average Cost of a Traumatic Brain Injury?

The cost of a traumatic brain injury often proves highly subjective. Healthcare costs differ between municipalities, and each injury poses a specific challenge. The U.S. National Library of Medicine, a wing of the National Institutes of Health, published cost-related findings. After considering more than 2,300 sources, its report indicated that in-hospital health care expenses ranged from $2,130 to $401,808 per victim. The study also reported the fact that in-hospital costs varied according to TBI severity and length of stay. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) concurred that TBI costs rank high and uneven. The CDC also estimated the total national annual cost of non-fatal TBI conditions is more than $40.6 billion; one-time emergency room treatment costs hover above $6,620 each; and 11 days of lost wages at upwards of $1,600 on average are typical. What victims of traumatic brain injuries may not anticipate is that there are expenses beyond hospitalization.

Costs Associated with a Brain Injury

Research compiled by the CDC also revealed that brain injuries typically do not resolve themselves quickly. A recent study indicates that only 26 percent of people with moderate-to-severe brain injuries improved within five years. Another 22 percent remained the same, 30 percent experienced worsening symptoms, and 22 percent died. That means 74 percent of TBI victims and their families can expect prolonged health care costs or tragic funeral expenses. These rank among the common items that drive up the cost of TBI care and rehabilitation:

• Nursing Home Care
• Speech and Occupational Therapy
• Prescription Medications
• Purchasing a Wheelchair, Walker, or Crutches
• In-Home Services such as Food Preparation and Cleaning
• Transportation Expenses
• Handicap-Accessible Home Modifications
• Lost Wages or Earning Capacity
• Diminished Quality of Life.

Perhaps the costliest part of a debilitating brain injury revolves around loved ones. Victims often lose mobility and can no longer play with children and grandchildren. Physical and cognitive limitations may negatively affect the love and companionship of a spouse. According to the data compiled by the Defense Medical Surveillance System, more than 449,000 members of the military were diagnosed with a brain injury from 2002 through 2021. While the majority of the brain injuries were viewed as mild, more than 48,000 were diagnosed as moderate, over 4,500 as severe, 5,500 were the result of skull penetration, and more than 21,000 were deemed as “not classifiable.” In a report to Congress, the CDC noted that TBI remains under-diagnosed and upwards of 5.3 million people in the U.S. live with a related disability.

How Can TBI Victims Recover Losses in Washington State?

Residents have up to three years to file a personal injury lawsuit following a TBI. State law also allows injured community members to secure compensation even if the incident was partially their fault. The state also does not necessarily put a cap on damages, and that bodes well for people who will require expensive long-term treatment and care.

Contact an Experienced Brain Injury Law Firm You Can Trust

If you or a loved one suffered a brain injury, it’s crucial to promptly contact an experienced personal injury law firm. A brain injury lawyer can review the facts of the incident, provide invaluable legal advice, and file a civil lawsuit on your behalf. It would be fundamentally unfair for a negligent party to cause pain, suffering, and financial losses, while you and your loved ones bear these burdens. Call Strong Law at 206-210-1399 or use our online form to schedule a free TBI consultation today.

Understanding The Role Of A Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

Pedestrian accidents can have devastating consequences, often resulting in severe injuries or even fatalities. Navigating the legal complexities that follow such accidents requires specialized knowledge and experience. A pedestrian accident lawyer plays a crucial role in advocating for victims and ensuring they receive the compensation they deserve. This article delves into how these legal professionals assist their clients in court, highlighting the various stages of the legal process and the benefits of having a dedicated advocate by your side. Strong Law Accident & Injury Attorneys offers consultations to go over the details of your case.

Initial Consultation And Case Evaluation

The journey begins with an initial consultation, where the lawyer assesses the details of the accident. During this meeting, the lawyer will gather information about the incident, including police reports, witness statements, and medical records. This comprehensive evaluation helps in determining the viability of the case and the potential compensation the victim might receive. The lawyer’s expertise in pedestrian accident cases allows them to identify critical elements that could influence the case’s outcome.

Investigation And Evidence Gathering

After the initial consultation, the lawyer will conduct a thorough investigation to gather additional evidence. This may include visiting the accident scene, obtaining surveillance footage, and consulting with experts such as accident reconstruction specialists. The goal is to build a robust case that clearly establishes liability and demonstrates the extent of the victim’s injuries and losses. By meticulously collecting and preserving evidence, the lawyer ensures that nothing is overlooked that could benefit their client’s case.

Negotiating With Insurance Companies

One of the most challenging aspects of pedestrian accident cases is dealing with insurance companies. These companies often aim to minimize payouts, making it difficult for victims to receive fair compensation. A pedestrian accident attorney has the negotiation skills and legal acumen to effectively communicate with insurance adjusters. They work tirelessly to ensure that their clients receive a settlement that accurately reflects their damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Representing Clients In Court

If a fair settlement cannot be reached through negotiation, the case may proceed to court. Here, the lawyer’s role becomes even more critical. They will prepare and file all necessary legal documents, represent their clients in pre-trial hearings, and present the case before a judge and jury. Their experience in courtroom procedures and legal strategies is invaluable in advocating for their client’s rights and interests. The lawyer will present evidence, question witnesses, and make compelling arguments to ensure that the victim’s story is heard and justice is served.

Providing Emotional Support And Guidance

Beyond the legal aspects, a pedestrian accident lawyer also provides much-needed emotional support and guidance. The aftermath of an accident can be overwhelming, and victims often feel stressed and uncertain about the future. Having a compassionate lawyer who understands their plight can make a significant difference. They offer reassurance and clarity, helping clients navigate the legal process with confidence and peace of mind.

Ensuring Fair Compensation

Ultimately, the goal of a pedestrian accident lawyer is to secure fair compensation for their clients. This includes not only immediate medical costs but also long-term expenses such as rehabilitation, therapy, and any necessary modifications to the victim’s lifestyle. By advocating for comprehensive compensation, the lawyer ensures that their clients have the resources they need to recover and move forward with their lives.

Reach Out Today

If you or a loved one has been involved in a pedestrian accident, it’s crucial to seek legal assistance as soon as possible. Dedicated pedestrian accident lawyers can help you navigate the complex legal landscape and fight for the compensation you deserve. Don’t face this challenging time alone—contact Strong Law Accident & Injury Attorneys today for a free consultation and take the first step towards securing your future.

A car accident police report is an important tool in a car accident case, truck accident case and a pedestrian accident case. The police report doesn’t actually decide the case, but since the officer is often the only neutral party on the scene of the accident, what they find generally carries a lot of weight. Unfortunately, a police report can be wrong for a number of reasons, including the officer’s mistake or the untruthfulness of one of the drivers. Here’s what can happen.

What Happens If a Car Accident Police Report Is Wrong?

To understand what happens if a car accident police report is wrong, it’s important to understand what happens to that report after the accident. Each driver has a limited amount of time to notify their insurance company of the accident. If they don’t notify the insurance company by the deadline, they may lose their right to be covered for that claim. When the insurance company finds out about the accident, it will request a copy of the police report.

How Do Insurance Companies Use the Police Report?

Insurance companies make their own initial determination of who was at fault for the accident and how much they should have to pay. The insurance company’s decision is never final, but it does provide an important starting point for your claim. In order to make their determinations, the insurance companies use adjusters. Adjusters are trained to use the facts they have about the accident to determine fault and financial liability. Adjusters almost always review accidents from an office well after the accident has occurred. It is rare for insurance companies to send someone to the scene of the accident. Because of this, the police report is one of the most important pieces of information the adjuster has. The police report may have witness statements, accident diagrams, and descriptions of the damage to each car, just like the adjuster would get if they were on scene. The adjuster will often accept the police report as true even if it is wrong.

How Do Car Accident Lawyers and Courts Use the Police Report?

The more serious a car accident is, the more likely it is you’ll need to use a car accident lawyer to get full compensation instead of relying on the insurance company. If you have to file a personal injury lawsuit, the police report is still important. Both lawyers will use the police report as a starting point to gather more evidence and to see if there are any inconsistencies in what people say. If the police report is wrong and you say something that contradicts it, the other lawyer may try to use that against you. Of course, you do have the right to introduce other evidence to support why you are right and the police report is wrong. When it comes time for a trial, the police report can’t actually be used as evidence under Washington law. Many other states have similar laws. What this means is that neither lawyer can give the police report to the jury to prove their case. The lawyers have to call witnesses to court and introduce photographs and other evidence that supports their case. However, a previous statement you gave to the police in a police report can be used by the other lawyer to question your testimony on the stand. The jury would then have to decide whether it’s your testimony or the police report that is wrong.

What If a Police Accident Report Is Wrong?

There are three things you can do if a police report is wrong.

• At the scene of the accident, the police officer may tell you what they intend to put in the report or give you a chance to review the report before they finalize it. You can respectfully tell them that you disagree, explain why, and ask them to change it. Some officers will be more open to discussion than others, but there is always a chance they won’t come to what you think is the right conclusion, since they weren’t there to see the accident. You can at least ask them to let you add to your statement. If they misquoted you in your statement, you should request that they revise it.
• Call the police department after you receive a copy of the report if you discover errors. For example, maybe the officer listed the wrong vehicle as being at fault but wrote or remembers that it was the minivan that hit the car not the other way around. The police department may be willing to amend the report and provide a corrected copy.
• Introduce evidence to contradict the police report if you can’t convince the police to change it. For example, you might have a dashcam video or neutral witness to prove that the accident didn’t happen as the officer wrote in the police report description. Whether you’re working out a settlement with the insurance company or going to trial, the police report never has the final say in an accident.

What Happens If You Lie on an Accident Report?

Because a police report is so important in a car accident case, it’s not uncommon for drivers to lie when they give their side of the story. For example, both drivers might claim they had the green light and the other driver had the red light. Giving false information on an accident report can be a crime. Unfortunately, this is rarely prosecuted because it’s often impossible to prove that the driver knew they were lying instead of just having a different memory of the accident. The most common consequence of lying on a police accident report is losing credibility when the lie is discovered. If a police officer, insurance adjuster, judge, or jury realizes that a party lied about one part of the accident, they will be less likely to believe anything else that party says. They may also be more likely to believe the other party is telling the truth when they say the police report is wrong.

Get Help With a Police Report

If you believe the police report for your accident is wrong, it’s important to contact an experienced car accident attorney as soon as possible. Your attorney can help you get it corrected if possible or gather the evidence you need to prove that it’s wrong. To learn more, call Strong Law Accident & Injury Attorneys at 206-210-1399.

How long do you have to accept a settlement offer? There’s no clear answer. What is clear is that patience is important. When you’re waiting for a settlement offer, it can be a nerve-wracking, stressful time. Take the time to understand the timing, process and your role in settlement offers. That work can help take some of the mystery out of the process. When dealing with an insurance company it’s important to work with a skilled, experienced law firm. Look for lawyers who handle personal injury, car accident or workplace injury cases.

Why Settlements Matter

When you’ve been injured or were in an accident, you may be facing physical and emotional pain and injuries. In some cases, these traumas can endure for the rest of your life. If you’ve been injured, it’s likely that the insurance company handling the case will come to you with a settlement offer. That could prompt you to ask, “Do I have to accept a settlement offer?” The first thing to do is hit the pause button. You do not need to accept the first offer. You may be surprised at how much the offer is for. Frequently, those initial offers are much lower than you were expecting. The offer may not even cover the costs of your injuries or damages. Insurance companies know you’ll start receiving medical bills soon after your accident. They’re counting on your worrying about the expenses. That worry, they believe, will prompt you to accept an early, low offer.

The Insurance Business Model

Please note that in some cases, insurance companies will put a deadline in their settlement offer. This move is usually a pressure tactic on the company’s part. It’s intended to force you to make a decision before you’re ready. But that’s not necessary. Insurance companies are businesses. They want to pay as little as possible to maximize their profits. They will do whatever they can to avoid payouts or make them as small as possible. The claims adjuster who comes out to look at your car? They do not work for you. The customer service rep you talk to on the phone? They do not work for you. To get the most out of your settlement, you need someone who is working on your behalf. The smart move is to work with experienced personal injury lawyers. These attorneys know how to negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf.

How Long Do You Have to Accept a Settlement Offer?

Now that you’ve decided not to accept the first offer, you need to work with your attorneys to calculate what it is you need. Again, patience is important. It’s important to talk with your medical team about your diagnosis. They can help give you a clear understanding of how long you may be hurt and what the care plan is going forward. They can explain whether you’ll need rehabilitation or physical therapy. You may also need to talk to a therapist or psychiatrist about the emotional damage due to the injuries. There’s also the expense of hospital stays and equipment you may need as you recover. That’s a lot to take in. And that’s why you do not have to, and should not, accept that initial offer from an insurance company. You need to consider the total cost of your expenses. That means finding out the costs of:

• Medical bills, past, present and future
• Lost wages from time out of work
• Pain and suffering
• Future medical needs.

The timeline will be different in each case, but here is a rough guideline for how it may proceed. Initially, it can be weeks or months before an insurance firm contacts you about a settlement. That might be because you’ve been in the hospital or an accident needs to be investigated to determine who is liable. The first formal communication you receive might be a “reservation of rights letter.” That letter lets you know that an accident is under investigation and that the insurance company is reserving the right to deny your claim if it does not fall under your insurance policy. It’s another way the insurance company is protecting its rights. It is NOT a denial of your claim or that they will not negotiate with you.

Do I Have to Accept a Settlement Offer?

When you receive an offer on your claim, you can refuse it. That’s when the negotiation process starts and the lawyers on your team will start drafting a response. Your attorneys will likely send a demand letter to the insurance company. This letter spells out how much money you’re seeking. It may include details that you and your lawyers think the insurance company should know about the accident. These details could help convince an insurance company to accept your demands. You then need to wait until an insurance adjuster can evaluate the claim. After the claim is reviewed, you will receive a response, called a counteroffer. The counteroffer might question some of the facts about the accident or your claim. These questions are part of the ploy to lower the amount the insurance company will pay. Insurance companies typically dispute the following facts:

• What medical treatments you received
• How long you will need medical treatment
• The injuries you received from the accident
• What the insurance policy covers due to the accident
• Whether you might be held partially at fault for the accident.

During this stage, there may be a lot of back and forth between your lawyers and the insurance company. You might be asked by your attorneys to answer questions or give more information or proof about your claims. The insurance company might accept your counteroffer or propose a different amount. How long do you have to accept a settlement offer at this stage of the process? Again, you do not need to accept the company’s offer. You can reject it and make a different counteroffer. The timeline at this point can vary. It could take an insurance company 1-2 weeks to respond to your demand letter and any further letters. The whole process could take months, depending on how many rounds of offers and counteroffers are involved. Once you’ve accepted a settlement, it could take a few weeks to a month before your payment arrives. The timing should always be included in the negotiations your lawyers do on your behalf. Your attorneys may deposit the check in a special account, called a trust account, until it clears the bank. The attorneys then will deduct their fees and pay off any outstanding amounts, called liens, that you owe to medical providers. At Strong Law, our attorneys help protect people injured in an accident and make sure they get what they deserve. We make sure to understand your needs and work hard to get the right settlement from insurance companies. If you’re looking for information about how to protect yourself after an accident, call Strong Law today at 206-210-1399 for a free consultation.

Because it is a national requirement from state to state, employees who are injured in the course of their job can obtain medical coverage in the form of worker’s compensation. Employers in every state are required by state law to carry an insurance policy to address workplace injuries and provide medical assistance. However, the question of legal liability and recovery through a lawsuit is another matter entirely. A lot depends on the details of the accident, who was at fault, whether that fault is shared, and what was done to reduce the harm and improve the recovery. This is known legally as mitigation of the event. Due to the fact that the law varies from state to state and a personal injury lawsuit for a burn injury is a very different avenue from a workers’ compensation claim, there’s a lot of room for potential confusion as well.

Remembering the Nature of a Burn Injury

Burns, in and of themselves, are serious injuries, both immediate and long-term. The immediate damage is obvious with the wound, pain and need for immediate medical care. However, in many serious burn cases, there is also a need for extensive recovery and rehabilitation, and there may be permanent scarring and emotional injuries as well. These won’t go away in a few days. Add in the fact of lost time from work and the possibility of not being able to function as well anymore due to permanent loss and scarring limitations, and the ability to earn a living in the future can also be handicapped.

Differences Between Workers’ Compensation & Lawsuit Recovery

Legal recovery and compensation provide returns in the form of agreed-upon additional help and, usually, financial payments. This is very different from the workers’ compensation process, which is geared to identifying and documenting the injury and ensuring the employee is provided the necessary medical assistance as much as possible. Where the workers’ compensation approach focuses on the immediate injury itself as well as initial recovery, legal recovery focuses on loss both now and into the future – something that is simply not part of workers’ compensation’s purpose.Keep in mind that burn injuries tend to be like water damage in a building. The effect is far more than just the immediate contact area. Burns can occur in multiple ways, ranging from being electrocuted to simply touching something hot without warning. The damage often ranges from the visual (skin) to the structural (muscle and nerves). And, if there are hot gases involved, there can be inhalation damage as well.

Automatic Cases Don’t Happen

A burn in and of itself does not automatically guarantee lawsuit viability and success. In many cases, because of workers’ compensation, the avenues for an employee to sue for a workplace injury are limited. However, employers create all kinds of conditions that change the workplace, which can also create the dynamics for an injury risk to develop. Making modifications to the original workplace design can produce such dynamics. Moving employees into new working conditions without providing sufficient safety protocols can be another. Contractors or other employees’ not following existing safety protocols could be another. In short, burn causes come in all sizes and shapes, from coffee pots in the break room to bad wiring on a computer console. The cause of the burn is what creates the grounds for the lawsuit.Typically, on a short-term injury absence, including burns, a person’s sick leave already provided as a benefit by an employer is used to cover time off. This then gets replaced by workers’ compensation so the employee is not penalized. Recovery via industrial and non-industrial disability coverage provides the initial financial help, replacing some lost wages for a long-term injury. However, there is oftentimes not full coverage for all related income loss.

The Nature of Responsibility Matters

The primary goal of a successful workplace burn lawsuit is to prove negligence or intentional action that resulted in an employee’s harm. The critical initial element is to be able to show that the injury occurred while someone was doing their job under the direction of the employer. A person who gets into a car accident while driving their fleet vehicle to a destination for an assignment has a clear relationship to work. The situation in which a person trips and falls at home and breaks their leg because they were carrying too many work binders to do work at home on their own is a very gray, ambiguous scenario. This is why the workers’ compensation process is the initial step and includes a significant review to answer these questions.It’s then important that the employer has a duty to provide a protected workplace. While this seems obvious to most, the details of exactly how that duty should be met and to what extent is where things hinge.The question then moves to whether the person was on work status and the employer violated their duty, and the employee was indeed injured as a result. If all three are met, then the employee has the potential to recover damages beyond just the workers’ compensation. The extent of the related recovery in a lawsuit depends on medical records, documentation of injury, the cost of rehabilitation and recovery and agreement on the financial representation of that damage.

Critical Expert Guidance Makes a Difference

Given all the above, it becomes very clear why burn injury lawyers are needed to go further than a workers’ compensation response for a workplace burn injury recovery.

1. Can you sue if you get burned at work?
2. Can you make a claim for a burn at work?
3. Can you sue a restaurant for a burn?

The short answer to all three is, yes, assuming certain conditions are met. An attorney becomes a critical guide to help work through these questions effectively for a given case and increase the chances of filing a successful lawsuit.Additional resources that can be referenced for more information include:

• U.S. Department of Labor – https://www.dol.gov/general/topic/workcomp
• OSHA Worker Rights and Protections – https://www.osha.gov/workers
• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics – https://www.bls.gov/iif/

Get Legal Help for a Burn Injury at Work

If you have sustained a burn injury while you were on the job, you may have legal options. The best way to learn about what you should do next is to talk to an experienced attorney in your area. Call Strong Law at 206-210-1399 to speak to a skilled, compassionate injury lawyer and learn more about how our team can help you and your family recover.