Bellevue Personal Injury Attorneys

Over $2 Billion Recovered for Victims & Families

Victims injured in preventable accidents have the right to seek compensation for their losses, as do families who lose loved ones due to negligence. While these are important rights, the process of navigating a personal injury or wrongful death claim is far from easy – especially when insurers want to pay as little as possible.

At Carpenter & Zuckerman, our award-winning Bellevue personal injury lawyers are dedicated exclusively to fighting for injured victims and families. Backed by a team of 40 tenacious trial lawyers, we’ve amassed a record of success litigating complex claims involving motor vehicle accidents, truck accidents, serious injuries, and wrongful death – and have recovered over $2 billion in compensation for our clients.

If you or someone you love suffered harm in a preventable accident, we’re available to discuss your legal options and how we can fight for the compensation you deserve.

Our Bellevue personal injury lawyers at CZ proudly serve victims and families throughout Bellevue, the East Side area, and beyond. If you have questions about a potential case, call (425) 585-4009 or contact us online.

Full-Service Personal Injury Representation in Bellevue, WA

CZ proudly represents victims and families across King County and Washington state following all types of accidents and injuries. Examples of the cases we’ve successfully handled include:

Auto accidents. Bellevue has become a bustling tech sector, but its rapid growth has contributed to increases in traffic accidents. At CZ, we’ve won millions for victims injured in car accidents across downtown Bellevue and the surrounding areas, as well as victims injured in trucking collisions, pedestrian accidents, bicycle accidents, and more.
Premises liability. In Washington, property owners are liable for injuries resulting from failures to provide reasonably safe conditions on their property. Skilled in litigating premises liability actions, our firm assists victims injured in incidents involving slips and falls, stair collapses, amusement parks, swimming pools, negligent security, and other property-related hazards.
Medial malpractice. Our firm has secured record results in complex claims involving medical negligence. This includes birth injury cases involving life-altering injuries to mothers and newborns, and medical malpractice actions over failures to diagnose, surgical errors, medication mistakes, and more.
Serious injuries. We know that catastrophic injuries can devastate victims and families, which is why we fight tirelessly to ensure these high-value cases are resolved in a manner that reflects the ongoing needs of our clients. We handle cases involving traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, organ damage, and other serious harms.
Wrongful death. Survival and wrongful death actions give families an opportunity to seek justice and compensation for their losses. At CZ, we have a proven record of deftly handling these claims and have recovered millions of dollars for families who’ve suffered profound losses due to the negligence of others.
Products liability. Products liability is the liability manufacturers, distributors, and retailers have for injuries caused by defective and unsafe products. Our team handles claims involving vehicles and consumer products rendered defective by how they were designed, manufactured, or marketed.
Sexual assault and abuse. Sexual assault and abuse survivors may have grounds to seek compensation for their losses by pursuing civil claims. As separate matters from criminal proceedings, civil sexual abuse lawsuits can be brought against entities – such as schools, camps, or even religious organizations – that failed to stop abusers and protect victims.
Civil rights claims. Our talented civil trial lawyers have extensive experience litigating high stakes civil rights cases on behalf of clients whose rights were violated by the government, including victims of police brutality and excessive force.
Dog bite lawsuits. In Washington, pet owners can be held liable for injuries caused by attacks and dog bites. Our firm helps dog bite victims protect their right to compensation in claims that seek accountability and a full recovery of damages.

How Long Do I Have to File a Personal Injury Lawsuit in Washington?

In the state of Washington, victims injured by the negligence of others have a limited amount of time to take legal action.

This is known as the “statute of limitations” and for most personal injury cases it expires three years from the date of injury. However, there are situations where the statute of limitations may be different, such as in cases where victims were not immediately aware of the connection between negligence and their injuries, when victims are minors, and when certain issues or defendants are involved.

Because victims are barred from filing lawsuits and recovering compensation when the statute of limitations expires, it is best for anyone with a potential claim to seek legal assistance as soon as possible. At CZ, we make ourselves immediately available to help victims evaluate the statutes of limitations that apply to their claims and to assess how we can help them fight for justice.

Recoverable Damages in Washington Personal Injury Cases

In Washington State, individuals who have sustained injuries due to the negligence or wrongful actions of others have the right to seek compensation for a variety of damages. These damages are classified into two main categories: economic and non-economic.

Economic Damages

Economic damages, also known as special damages, are financial losses that can be easily quantified. They include, but are not limited to:

Medical expenses: This covers past and future medical treatment, rehabilitation costs, and any out-of-pocket expenses for medical supplies.
Lost wages: Compensation for income lost because of an injury, including lost future earning capacity if the injury affects the victim's ability to work.
Property damage: If personal property was damaged because of the incident, victims may be reimbursed for repair or replacement.
Other monetary losses: Any other financial losses that directly result from the injury.

Non-Economic Damages

Non-economic damages, or general damages, compensate an injured individual for non-financial losses that are more subjective and harder to quantify:

Pain and suffering: This considers the physical discomfort and emotional distress that result from the injury.
Loss of enjoyment: If the injuries prevent the victim from enjoying hobbies and other recreational activities, compensation may be awarded.
Loss of consortium: This applies to the adverse effects on the relationship between the injured party and their spouse.
Mental anguish: Compensation for psychological impact, including anxiety, depression, and trauma.

Examples of Our Results

Our Bellevue personal injury lawyers have recovered more than $2 billion in compensation for clients in claims involving auto accidents, medical malpractice, serious injuries, and wrongful death.

As a firm with a proven track record, we’re trusted by clients across Washington and beyond to handle the toughest cases. Some examples of our results include:

$131 million for a drunk driving victim in a case involving dram shop liability (holding a restaurant/bar liable for overserving the drunk driver).
$29.25 million recovery against State Farm for a victim who sustained a brain injury.
$14.6 million recovery for the family of a farmer who was fatally struck by a commercial vehicle.
$10.5 million recovery for an auto accident victim who was rear-ended by a motorist who had been texting and driving.

Request a FREE Case Review Today: (425) 585-4009

Our Bellevue personal injury attorneys have staked their careers of helping real people fight back against corporations and insurance carriers – and have amassed a legacy of impressive victories.

Our Bellevue office:
13555 SE 36th St Suite 100
Bellevue, WA 98006

If you or your loved one were injured anywhere in Bellevue of the surrounding areas, we want to help you take the next steps in your legal journey. Our firm provides FREE consultations to discuss cases and our services and handles all injury claims on a contingent fee basis – which means there’s no fee if we don’t win. Call (425) 585-4009 or contact us online today to speak with a lawyer.

$131 Million Dram Shop Liability

Our client was injured in a car accident caused by a driver who was over-served at a restaurant/bar.

$12 Million Brain Injury
$10.5 Million Car Accident
$6.1 Million Assault

Maximum Compensation
Depth of Experience
Free Consultations

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How long do I have to file a birth injury lawsuit?

You have either three years from when the injury was sustained or one year from when you discovered that the injury could be attributed to medical negligence.
How much does a birth injury attorney cost?

We work on a contingency basis, meaning that we collect a percentage of the compensation that you are awarded. If we cannot recover damages, we will not charge you for our services.
How much can I expect to recover in my case?

We cannot give you a figure until we know more about your case. Catastrophic injuries often require long-term care. Further, they usually involve several forms of non-economic damages, which are difficult to forecast.
How often does misdiagnosis happen?

An estimated 12 million Americans are misdiagnosed every year.
How long do motorcycle accident cases take to resolve?

The answer to this question depends on many factors, such as whether we need to file a lawsuit, the extent of your injuries, whether or not we need to call in experts, and more.
Can I pursue punitive damages in my trucking accident case?

No, Washington does not allow plaintiffs to seek punitive damages
Can I file a claim if I was a nonpaying passenger in a rideshare accident?

If you were a nonpaying passenger in a rideshare vehicle at the time of the accident, you still have the right to file a claim for damages. You don’t have to be the rideshare customer who paid for the service to have the right to seek compensation after a rideshare accident.
How long do I have to file a birth injury lawsuit?

You have either three years from the date that the injury was sustained or one year after you discovered your injury was caused by negligence, whichever is later.
What forms of damages can I recover in my Erb's palsy case?

You may be entitled to economic and non-economic damages, such as medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, mental anguish, and more. Once we know more about your case, we can provide a more specific answer.
Can I seek property damages in my car accident case?

Yes.
Does Washington have a cap on the compensation you can recover in a medical malpractice case?

No, damages are uncapped.
Will Uber or Lyft use an insurance policy to cover my losses?

Both Uber and Lyft have insurance policies in place that can cover losses after a rideshare accident. In some situations, up to $1,000,000 in coverage could be available to pay for the damages of a rideshare accident. However, you aren’t guaranteed anything from these policies, and rideshare companies often try to minimize what coverage is provided after a crash.
Do I need a lawyer for a truck accident?
While you are not required by law to hire a lawyer for a truck accident case in WA, it is highly advisable to consult with and consider retaining an experienced Seattle truck accident attorney. Truck accident cases can be complex, and having legal representation can be crucial for several reasons:
- Navigating the Legal Process
- Investigation and Evidence
- Determining Liability
- Calculating Damages
- Negotiating with Insurance Companies
- Lawsuit Representation
- Legal Expertise
- Reducing Stress
- Contingency Fee Arrangement
- Maximizing Compensation
Should I talk to Uber’s or Lyft’s insurance policy provider about the claim and compensation?

While it may seem logical to discuss your accident and potential claim with Uber's or Lyft's insurance provider, it's not recommended to do so without legal representation. Insurance companies are businesses aiming to minimize payouts, and their representatives are trained to gather information that could potentially limit or deny your claim. Therefore, you should let an experienced rideshare accident attorney from our firm handle all communications with the insurance company.
How can liability be split in a rideshare accident claim?

Liability in a rideshare accident can be split in several ways, depending on the circumstances of the incident. The rideshare driver, the rideshare company, another motorist, or an automaker—or any combination of these parties—can be liable for the accident and the resulting damages.
How much Does a Dog Bite Lawyer Cost?

Our Seattle dog bite attorneys work on a contingency basis, meaning we will not charge you for our services unless we successfully win your case. We collect a percentage of the compensation awarded to you. The precise figure varies from case to case, and we can give you more specific information during your initial consultation.
Will my truck accident injury be completely covered?
Whether your truck accident injury will be completely covered in Washington State depends on several factors, including the specifics of your insurance coverage, the liability of the parties involved, and the extent of your injuries.
1. Insurance Coverage:
  Your Own Insurance: In Washington State, auto insurance policies often include personal injury protection (PIP) coverage. PIP can help cover medical expenses and lost wages regardless of who was at fault in the accident. However, the coverage limits and terms can vary depending on your policy.
  Liability Insurance: The truck driver's liability insurance should cover your injuries if the truck driver was at fault. Commercial trucking companies are typically required to carry substantial liability insurance coverage. However, insurance limits can vary, and it's possible that the policy may not fully cover your damages if they are extensive.
2. Liability Determination:
  If the truck driver was at fault for the accident, their liability insurance should cover your injuries up to their policy limits.
  If you were partially at fault for the accident, Washington follows a comparative negligence system. Your compensation may be reduced in proportion to your level of fault. If you were 50% or more at fault, you might not be able to recover damages from the other party.
3. Injury Severity:
  The extent and severity of your injuries will play a significant role in determining whether your medical expenses and other damages will be fully covered. Minor injuries may be fully covered, while severe injuries may exhaust insurance policy limits.
4. Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage:
  If the at-fault party is uninsured or underinsured, you may rely on your own uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage, if you have it. UM/UIM coverage can provide compensation when the responsible party lacks adequate insurance.
5. Legal Action:
  If insurance coverage is insufficient to fully compensate you for your injuries and damages, you may consider pursuing a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault party or parties. This can help you seek additional compensation through the legal system.
How much does a surgical error attorney cost?

We charge on a contingency basis, meaning we will not charge you unless we recover compensation. If we are successful, our fee will be deducted from the compensation that you are awarded.
How much is my case worth?

We cannot give you an estimate without knowing more about your case. In a consultation, we can break down the damages that you may be able to recover.
What should I do if I suspect my baby has suffered a birth injury?

You should get in touch with a doctor and schedule an examination as soon as possible. Once you know your baby is getting the care they need, we can schedule a consultation.

The Opinions That Matter Most

More Client Testimonials

“Consiguieron más del doble de lo que otro bufete pudo conseguirme.” - Leah D.
“They worked tremendously fast in settling my case” - Lupita E.