Best Personal Injury Lawyers in Bellevue

FAQs

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

  To reach the Bellevue Police Department, call (425) 577-5656.

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

  To obtain a police report from the Bellevue Police Department, call the Public Records Officer at (425) 452-6917. You can also email them at BPDrecords@bellevuewa.gov.

• Who can be held liable if you've gotten carbon monoxide poisoning because of a generator installed next to your apartment unit in Bellevue?

  If you're renting out, your landlord is responsible for the safety of the apartment unit. It includes making sure that tenants are not exposed to harmful chemicals. If your landlord approved the installation of a generator that gave you carbon monoxide poisoning, they could be held liable. You have to consult with an attorney in Bellevue to ensure that you have a case against them.

• Is it alright to handle a personal injury case on your own without a lawyer in Bellevue?

  It is highly discouraged, especially if your injuries are severe and you want to receive an amount to help you recover and pay for your expenses. Besides, your Bellevue attorney is going to guarantee that the insurance company responsible for your compensation does not offer you a low amount or outright deny your claim.

• Can you sue a doctor in Bellevue for medical malpractice because of a delay in diagnosis?

  This is possible. Several medical conditions, like cancer, worsen over time without proper treatment, and a delay in diagnosis can further shorten the patient's life. The best thing to do is to consult the legal opinion of a personal injury attorney in Bellevue who has handled cases like this before because medical malpractice cases can be tricky to navigate and win.

• How much time do you have to file a personal injury case in Bellevue?

  Bellevue follows the state of Washington's strict statute of limitations of 3 years for personal injury cases. If you miss this window, there is a high likelihood of your case getting dismissed. The only exceptions are if the injury does not show signs or symptoms for a while and if the victim was incapacitated for some time.

• Can you be held liable for an injury that happened on your property in Bellevue?

  No. The owner is only liable if it can be proven that they knew their Bellevue property was unsafe and did nothing to fix it or alert others. For example, if the floor had just been mopped and is still wet and somebody slipped, the owner may not be liable if security footage reveals that a wet floor sign was posted.

• How to choose a personal injury attorney?

  It's crucial to find a personal injury attorney who is experienced, but it's also important to feel comfortable. Take advantage of free consultations and ask questions about how long each candidate has been practicing, how their fee structure works, and who will be handling the majority of the casework (some big firms may hand off routine tasks to paralegals). Above all, find someone who listens well and believes they can achieve an optimal outcome. Still uncertain? Ask friends for referrals and check out online reviews.

• What does a personal injury lawyer do?

  Personal injury attorneys help those who have suffered due to the negligence of others get the compensation they deserve. That may include negotiating settlements with other people, insurance companies, or even government agencies or arguing the case in court. Some attorneys specialize in a certain type of injury, such as auto accidents or birth injuries, while others advocate for almost any injured party.

• What does personal injury law cover?

  In the legal world, "personal injury" is any kind of injury, physical or psychological, that results from the negligence of a person, business, or other entity. While visible or acute injuries such as a broken leg or concussion are among the most obvious types of personal injuries, this category also covers less tangible injuries such as emotional distress and issues such as asbestos exposure that may contribute to long-term problems.

• What are the most common types of personal injury claims?

  Personal injury claims encompass a wide variety of situations ranging from accidents on privately owned property to injuries in the line of duty to whiplash sustained during a commute. These claims may include car accidents, dog bites, slip and falls, medical malpractice, defamation, product defect accidents, premises liability, product liability, workplace accidents, food poisoning at a restaurant, and boating or aviation accidents.

• How do personal injury lawyers get paid?

  Many personal injury lawyers advertise that they don't get paid unless their client does. This is called "working on contingency," meaning the attorney is compensated only if they win their case. These payments are typically percentage based, giving attorneys a predetermined portion of the court-ordered award. Other lawyers may command an hourly rate or combine an hourly rate with a smaller contingency fee.

• How much do personal injury lawyers charge?

  Personal injury lawyer fees can differ from state to state and may be subject to local regulations. In general, personal injury attorneys work under contingency agreements entitling them to 33% of any related settlement or award. Sometimes lawyers use a sliding contingency, charging 33% for awards agreed upon during pre-trial negotiations and raising the fee to 40% once the matter goes to trial.

• When do I need to hire a personal injury lawyer?

  Anytime an injury is known or suspected to be the result of negligence, it's a good idea to consult with a personal injury attorney who can offer insight into the validity of a claim and whether or not that claim is worth pursuing legally. A consultation is particularly important if someone has suffered serious injuries that have left them disabled or otherwise impacted their financial future or quality of life.

• Can I file a personal injury claim without a lawyer?

  It's possible to pursue a personal injury claim without an attorney; however, it's best to save self-representation for cases involving minor injuries or are otherwise considered straightforward. Cases that involve serious injuries that are not completely resolved or where liability has yet to be determined are more complex. Those situations can quickly become stressful and time consuming as they require an understanding of tort law, resources for gathering medical records, and time to review photographs and evidence pertaining to the injury and scene of the accident (if applicable). Bringing on an experienced personal injury lawyer could result in a higher reward while giving the injured party more time to concentrate on their physical, mental, and emotional recovery.

• How long does a personal injury lawsuit last?

  The length of time it takes to settle a personal injury lawsuit is highly dependent on a number of factors ranging from the type of case to the length of medical treatment to whether the suit is settled before court or requires a long trial. While most personal injury cases are resolved within two years, more complicated suits could take longer.

• What are the benefits of hiring a personal injury lawyer?

  It's tempting to save on lawyer's fees by pursuing self-representation, but there are many benefits to hiring a personal injury lawyer including their years of experience. A good attorney will know how to properly assess your damages, including not just medical bills but other concerns, such as lost wages and pain and suffering, to craft a demand that fully reflects the compensation to which the injured party is entitled. They also have the resources and knowledge necessary to consult with experts, negotiate effectively with insurance companies, properly navigate the legal system, and otherwise ensure the best possible outcome.