By Gravis Law
Understanding Damages in Washington Personal Injury Cases
When you’ve been injured due to someone else’s negligence in Washington state, a personal injury lawyer can help you recover the damages you deserve. Damages refer to the monetary compensation awarded to an injured party to make them “whole” again after suffering harm. Several types of damages may be recoverable, depending on the specifics of your case.
Economic damages are the tangible financial losses you incur due to your injury. These include medical bills, lost wages if you had to miss work, property damage, and any other out-of-pocket expenses related to the injury. You’ll need documentation like medical bills, pay stubs showing missed work, and receipts to prove economic damages.
Our team of personal injury attorneys is resourceful, experienced, and knowledgeable regarding your rights. To learn more about how we can help you, call Gravis Law today at 509.588.0530.
Non-Economic Damages for Pain and Suffering
Non-economic damages compensate you for the intangible ways the injury has impacted your life, such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life. While more subjective and more challenging to quantify than economic damages, non-economic damages can often make up a significant portion of a personal injury settlement or award. Your attorney will use their experience with similar cases to figure an appropriate figure.
Punitive damages may also be awarded in rare cases involving particularly egregious conduct by the defendant. Rather than compensating the plaintiff, punitive damages are meant to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar future misconduct. In Washington, punitive damages are only available if the defendant’s actions constituted “malice, oppression, or fraud.
Frequently Asked Questions
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How long do I have to file a personal injury lawsuit in Washington?
In most cases, you have three years from the date of the injury to file a personal injury lawsuit in Washington. This is known as the statute of limitations. However, some important exceptions can shorten this timeframe, so it’s best to consult with a personal injury lawyer in Washington as soon as possible to ensure you get all the deadlines.
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What if I was partially at fault for my injury?
Washington follows a pure comparative negligence rule, which means you can still recover damages even if you were partially at fault. Still, your award will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you were found to be 30% to blame, you could collect 70% of your damages from the other party. An experienced personal injury attorney in Washington can help make the most robust case possible to minimize any fault attributed to you.
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How much is the average personal injury settlement in Washington?
Settlement amounts in personal injury cases can vary widely depending on factors like the severity of the injuries, total medical bills, lost income, and the degree of fault of each party. While an “average” settlement figure wouldn’t be that meaningful, a knowledgeable personal injury lawyer in Washington can evaluate the specifics of your case and give you a ballpark idea of what to expect.
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What if the at-fault party doesn’t have insurance?
If you were injured by an uninsured driver or someone without sufficient coverage, you may still have options. Your auto insurance policy may include uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, which you can file a claim under. For other accidents, the at-fault individual may have to pay out of pocket. A Washington personal injury attorney can advise you on the best action.
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How much does it cost to hire a personal injury lawyer in Washington?
Most personal injury lawyers work on contingency, meaning their fee is a percentage of your final settlement or court award, and you pay nothing upfront or out of pocket. You only owe them something if they win your case. Contingency fees in Washington are typically around 33% but can vary depending on the case’s complexity and whether it goes to trial. Discuss fee structures during your initial consultation so you know what to expect.
Consult a Washington Personal Injury Attorney Today
Dealing with a severe injury caused by someone else’s negligence is stressful enough without also trying to navigate the complex legal system on your own. An experienced personal injury lawyer in Washington can handle every aspect of your case, from gathering evidence to negotiating with insurance companies to advocating for your rights in court if needed.
If you’ve been injured in an accident in Washington, don’t wait to seek legal guidance. Contact a reputable personal injury attorney today to schedule a free case evaluation. Let them put their knowledge and resources to work fighting for the justice you deserve.
Gravis Law has guided clients through personal injury cases with a personalized touch. We are here to help you and treat every client with the utmost care and empathy. Call our team of experienced attorneys today at 509.588.0530.