Best Medical Malpractice Lawyers Kennewick, WA

Kennewick, WA Medical Malpractice FAQs

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Kennewick, Washington?

  Dial 509-628-0333 for a non-emergency dispatch from the Kennewick Police Department.

• Where can I get a copy of police reports for incidents related to my case in Kennewick, Washington?

  Requests for police reports can be made online at https://kennewickwa.mycusthelp.com/WEBAPP/_rs/(S(fx3pjwf5gw2b0otfzxuiqwrk))/supporthome.aspx?lp=3. Should you need more details on how to obtain reports, call the Records Unit at 509-585-4208. Additionally, visit the police station at 211 W 6th Avenue, Kennewick, WA 99336.

• How do medical malpractice claims get resolved in Kennewick?

  Statewide statistics show that many claims get settled between the defendants and claimants themselves. Many cases in Kennewick and all around the state are also resolved through alternative dispute resolution, the most common of which is mediation. The average payout in mediation is around $500,000. There are also reports of many cases being dropped by the claimant. Few cases are resolved by the court, and these usually involve multiple defendants.

• What types of non-economic damages can you obtain in a medical malpractice lawsuit in Kennewick?

  Non-economic damages include compensation for pain and suffering, mental agony, disfigurement, disability, and inconvenience. You may also be compensated for emotional distress, humiliation, and damage to your reputation when you file a medical malpractice lawsuit in Kennewick. Loss of a parent-child relationship, companionship, and consortium can also be compensated. Be informed that there are caps as to how much you can recover non-economic damages. It is usually at 0.43 times your yearly salary and life expectancy.

• Which courts handle medical malpractice cases in Kennewick?

  Typically, medical malpractice cases are tried at district courts, and for Kennewick cases, it is the Benton County District Court that handles cases seeking not more than $100,000 in damages. The court is located at the Benton County Justice Center at 7122 W. Okanogan Place, Kennewick, WA 99336, and can be reached at 509-735-8476. Other medical malpractice cases are tried at the United States District Court Eastern District of Washington. The court has locations in Yakima, Spokane, and Richland.

• What should you look for in a medical malpractice lawyer in Kennewick?

  Make sure you are comfortable discussing your case with the medical malpractice lawyer in Kennewick as well as working with their firm. You also need to check the credentials, years of experience, fee arrangement, cost structuring, and reputation of the lawyer you want to hire. Finally, assess if the location of the lawyer's firm is convenient for you.

• Is mediation required for medical malpractice cases in Kennewick?

  The court requires mediation of medical malpractice cases in Kennewick and anywhere in the state before these can be brought to trial. There are, however, cases wherein mediation cannot be imposed, and one of these is when there is already an agreement between the parties to move the case to arbitration. Another exemption is when the mediator or judge decides that mediation is not suitable for the case.