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DC Law Group PLLC - Seattle, WA Law Firm
If you or a loved one has been the victim of a personal injury, DC Law Group can help. Personal injury or tort laws in Seattle provide those who suffer injury at the hands of another with extensive legal rights, and the attorneys at DC Law Group have years of experience in helping people to enforce those legal rights to obtain the maximum compensation for injury allowed under the law.
Types of Personal Injury Cases
Under Seattle personal injury law, a number of different cases can give rise to a personal injury cause of action. These different cases are broadly grouped into two types of personal injury claims: claims for intentional torts and claims for negligence torts. There is also a third category under the law when something called "strict liability" applies.
Negligence Torts
Negligence torts are personal injury claims where one party has breached his duty of care to another. The law expects all people to exhibit some minimum level of caution in their dealings with others. For instance, drivers have a duty to exhibit a reasonable level of care when on the road in order to avoid harming other drivers.
The duty of care that is imposed depends upon the relationship between the victim (the plaintiff) and the other party (the defendant or tortfeasor). In many negligence cause-of-actions, such as claims made based on car accidents, a hypothetical reasonable person standard is used that does not take into account the specific characteristics of the defendant. In other cases, such as medical malpractice or other professional malpractice claims, the standard used compares the defendant to other professionals with similar backgrounds and levels of expertise.
Plaintiffs who are making a claim for a negligence tort must be able to prove the relationship that existed, as well as the duty that arose based on that relationship. Plaintiffs also must prove that the duty was breached, that injury occurred as a direct result of that breach, and that some damages occurred that the plaintiff can be compensated for. Damages typically include money for medical bills, pain and suffering, lost wages and emotional distress, among others. In the event of a death, wrongful death damages may be obtained as well, this time by the surviving family members of the deceased.
Intentional Torts
Intentional torts are personal injury claims where one party hurts another on purpose. In this case, the plaintiff must prove the defendant intended to do the bad action that led to harm, and that the harm occurred as a result. Examples of intentional torts include defamation cases such as libel or slander, as well as assault cases, among others.
Strict Liability
Strict liability cases are those where a party is liable for harm that resulted, even without intent to harm or negligence. Strict liability applies in most product liability cases, making manufacturers responsible for any harm that occurs to plaintiffs when using their products.
This means a manufacturer, distributor, seller or other party responsible for getting the defective product into a consumer's hands can be responsible for resulting damages without the plaintiff proving any type of negligence. The plaintiff will need to prove that the product was being used as intended and that there was no adequate warning of the potential danger that led to injury. The plaintiff will also need to prove the injury occurred.
How a Personal Injury Attorney Can Help
Because there are so many different types of personal injury claims, understanding exactly how to proceed when you have been harmed can be a challenge. At DC Law Group, our Seattle personal injury attorneys have an in depth knowledge of many different types of personal injury claims, including:
If you have experienced these or other personal injuries, the Seattle personal injury lawyers at DC Law Group will assist you in every step of making your claim, from gathering evidence to estimating damages. The plaintiff typically has the burden of proof for most elements of personal injury claims, and we know what it takes to meet that burden and obtain justice.
The personal injury attorneys at DC Law Group are your advocate and your voice and we will make the process of collecting personal injury damages as easy and successful for you as possible. We can work to negotiate a settlement if you prefer to avoid trial, or help you to make a strong and convincing case if you want your day in court.
Do not hesitate to contact our attorneys in Seattle, Renton or Tacoma to find out how we can help you.