Carpenter & Zuckerman Carpenter & Zuckerman

FAQ

  • Rideshare Accidents

    • 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.
    • 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.
    • 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.
    • 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.

  • Surgical Errors

    • 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.
    • What damages can I recover in a surgical error case?
      You may be entitled to various damages, such as medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, mental anguish, loss of consortium, and more.
    • How common are surgical errors?
      Each year, at least 4,000 surgical errors occur in the United States.

  • Misdiagnosis

    • How much does a misdiagnosis attorney cost?
      We collect a percentage of the compensation that you are awarded. If we are not successful in recovering compensation, we will not charge you for our services.
    • Can misdiagnosis be fatal?
      Depending on the misdiagnosis, yes.
    • How often does misdiagnosis happen?
      An estimated 12 million Americans are misdiagnosed every year.

  • Kernicterus

    • What is the statute of limitations on cases like these?
      You have either three years from the date of the injury or one year from when the injury was attributed to negligence to file a claim or lawsuit.
    • What damages can I recover in my case?
      Depending on your case, you could be entitled to medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, mental anguish, and more.
    • I think I have a case, but I am not sure. How should I proceed?
      We off a free initial case consultation to prospective clients. In that meeting, we will discuss your case and determine how to move forward.

  • HIE

    • 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 long do HIE cases take to resolve fully?
      The answer to this depends on a variety of factors. Typically, these cases can take anywhere from a couple of months to several years.
    • How can I determine whether or not my child has HIE?
      Seek the help of a qualified medical professional and have them perform an examination.

  • Cerebral Palsy

    • During your consultation, we will walk you through the steps you need to take to file a lawsuit.
      Our lawyers always seek the maximum possible compensation for our clients. Determining a specific figure is difficult without the opinion of a medical professional or extensive analysis of medical records and case details.
    • How do I file a cerebral palsy birth injury lawsuit?
      During your consultation, we will walk you through the steps you need to take to file a lawsuit.
    • 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.

  • Erb's Palsy

    • 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.
    • How long do birth injury cases take to resolve?
      The time it takes to resolve a case like this depends on numerous factors. These cases can generally go on for several months to several years. Settling out of court tends to lead to faster resolutions.
    • How much does an Erb's palsy attorney cost?
      We work on a contingency basis, meaning we only collect a fee if we successfully recover compensation. We will collect a percentage of the compensation awarded to you.

  • Work Injuries

    • How long do work injury lawsuits take to resolve?
      There is no reliable figure that we can give you; however, most of these lawsuits resolve within a few months to a few years. The time will depend on factors such as how long it takes for your treatment to resolve, whether or not the other party wants to settle out of court, whether we need to call in medical experts as witnesses, and more.
    • What is the statute of limitations on a work injury lawsuit?
      The statute of limitations is three years from when you discovered or reasonably should have discovered your injury.
    • Are there caps on the damages you can collect in Washington?
      This is a matter of confusion among some; however, the answer is no. The confusion comes from the fact that there is a stipulation in the Revised Code of Washington that outlines a cap on noneconomic damages; however, caps on damages were ruled unconstitutional in the 1989 Washington supreme court case Sofie v. Fibreboard Corp.

  • Truck Accidents

    • 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
    • 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.
    • Is there a cap on the damages that I can recover?
      No. There has been a cap in the past; however, damage caps have since been ruled unconstitutional by the Washington Supreme Court.
    • Can I pursue punitive damages in my trucking accident case?
      No, Washington does not allow plaintiffs to seek punitive damages
    • What damages can I recover in my case?

      Depending on the circumstances of your case, you may be eligible to recover compensation. There are two main types of damages that can be recovered: economic and non-economic.

      Economic damages are tangible, quantifiable losses that result from the accident. They are intended to compensate you for actual financial expenses and losses. Common economic damages in a truck accident case may include medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and other out-of-pocket expenses.

      Non-economic damages are less tangible and are meant to compensate you for the pain, suffering, mental anguish, or loss of consortium resulting from the truck accident.

  • Premises Liability

    • Are these types of cases common?
      Yes. Claims and lawsuits involving premises liability are among the most common personal injury cases.
    • Is a premises liability attorney expensive?
      We work on a contingency basis. If we successfully recover damages, we will deduct our fee from the compensation you are awarded. If we are unsuccessful, we will not charge you for our services.
    • How much is my premises liability case worth?
      We cannot give you a realistic answer to that question until we know more about your case.

  • Dog Bites

    • 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.
    • Does Washington have a one-bite rule?
      No. You can seek damages against a dog owner regardless of the dog's history.
    • What if a stray dog bites me?
      Unfortunately, we can only file a claim or lawsuit if we know who owns the dog.
    • What is the statute of limitations on dog bite cases?
      Three years.

  • Catastrophic Injuries

    • Can I seek punitive damages?
      No, Washington does not allow plaintiffs to seek punitive damages except in particular circumstances. If this option is available, we will certainly let you know.
    • 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 can I ensure I get the best care following a catastrophic injury?

      We can arrange for you to see a highly qualified specialist.

  • Car Accidents

    • Should I speak with the other party's insurer?
      No, we will take care of that. They will likely offer you a lower settlement than you deserve. Further, you run the risk of saying something that an insurer can use against you, leading to a diminished claim.
    • Can I seek property damages in my car accident case?
      Yes.
    • Can a third party be responsible for my injuries in a car accident?
      Yes, if they are responsible for causing the accident. For example, if a defective part leads to an accident, you may be able to seek compensation from the part's manufacturer.

  • Birth Injuries

    • Are there any caps on the compensation I can receive in a birth injury case?
      There are not.
    • 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.
    • 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.

  • Assault

    • Do I need to be physically attacked to file a civil action?
      No. You can file a lawsuit if a person has made you reasonably fear for your safety.
    • What is the statute of limitations on assault?
      Cases of assault have varying statutes of limitations. The standard statute of limitations for assault is three years. In cases of sexual assault and rape, the statute of limitations is more complicated and varies from case to case. In some cases, there is no statute of limitations.
    • How much does it cost to hire an assault lawyer?
      We work on a contingency basis, meaning we charge a percentage of the overall compensation you are awarded. We will only charge you a fee if we successfully obtain compensation on your behalf.

  • Wrongful Death

    • Is there a limit to the economic and non-economic damages I can collect?
      In the past, there have been caps on non-economic damages; however, caps on damages have since been ruled unconstitutional by the Washington Supreme Court. The stipulation regarding caps on non-economic damages still exists in the Revised Code of Washington; however, it is no longer relevant.
    • Can I sue for punitive damages in Washington?
      Washington courts generally do not allow a plaintiff to seek punitive damages for personal injury cases. We can look at the details of your case to determine if punitive damages are possible; however, you will likely be ineligible.
    • How long do I have to file a wrongful death lawsuit?
      The statute of limitations in cases of wrongful death is three years.

  • Motorcycle Accidents

    • 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 sue for property damage?
      Yes.
    • Can my lawsuit involve a third party?
      Yes, depending on the circumstances of the accident. For example, the manufacturer may be liable if a defective part led to the collision in which you sustained your injury.

  • Medical Malpractice

    • How long do I file to file my lawsuit?
      The statute of limitations on personal injury cases is either three years or one year after discovering that malpractice led to your injury, whichever is later.
    • Can I seek punitive damages?
      No, Washington does not allow plaintiffs to seek punitive damages.
    • Does Washington have a cap on the compensation you can recover in a medical malpractice case?
      No, damages are uncapped.

  • Product Liability

    • What is the statute of limitations on product liability cases?
      Three years. In some cases, you may be granted additional time. We can tell you whether your case qualifies for additional time once we know more about it.
    • 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.
    • How long will it take to resolve my case?
      While we cannot give you a specific figure, we can tell you that these cases generally resolve within a few months to several years. Once we know more about your case, we may be able to give you a more specific estimate.
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