When you’ve been injured due to someone else’s negligence, the path to justice can be rife with complexity and emotional stress. At Wells Trumbull, we leverage our years of experience to simplify that journey for you, providing personalized, compassionate service every step of the way. We prioritize your well-being, aiming for optimal settlements or court judgments that address your medical bills, lost wages, and emotional pain. Let us fight for you while you focus on your recovery. Contact us at (360)435-1663 today for a free consultation.

What is a Lynnwood Personal Injury?

Personal injury law involves civil cases where one party seeks compensation for injuries caused by the negligence or intentional misconduct of another party. These injuries can vary widely and may include physical harm, emotional distress, and financial loss. Remember that if you or a loved one has been in an accident, contact our personal injury lawyers in Lynnwood today.

Common Types of Lynnwood Personal Injuries

Personal injury claims can arise from a wide range of incidents where someone suffers harm due to the negligence or intentional misconduct of another party. Here are some of the most common types of personal injury claims:

Car Accidents – One of the most common types of personal injury claims, these occur when a driver or multiple drivers act negligently, leading to a collision that causes injury or death.
Slip and Fall – Property owners have a responsibility to maintain safe conditions. When they fail to do so, and someone slips, trips, or falls as a result, a personal injury claim may follow.
Medical Malpractice – This involves negligence on the part of healthcare providers. Examples include misdiagnosis, incorrect treatment, surgical errors, or medication mistakes.
Workplace Accidents – Injuries that occur on the job, such as falls, burns, or machinery accidents, can give rise to personal injury claims, although these are often handled through workers’ compensation systems.
Dog Bites – Owners are generally responsible for their pets. If a dog bites someone and causes injury, a personal injury claim may be applicable.
Product Liability – If a product is defective and causes injury, the manufacturer, distributor, or retailer may be held responsible.
Motorcycle Accidents – Similar to auto accidents but often resulting in more severe injuries, these involve motorcycles and may be the result of another driver’s negligence.
Pedestrian Accidents – When pedestrians are struck by vehicles, they can file personal injury claims against the negligent party, usually the driver of the vehicle.
Assault and Battery – Unlike other personal injury claims that usually involve negligence, assault and battery are intentional torts. Victims can file a personal injury claim to seek compensation for injuries.
Wrongful Death – If a person dies due to the negligence or misconduct of another, surviving family members may file a wrongful death claim to seek compensation for their loss.
Premises Liability – Similar to slip and fall cases, these claims arise when someone is injured on someone else’s property due to unsafe conditions that the owner failed to address

Lynnwood Dog Bites

A common personal injury claim in Lynnwood is due to dog bites. In Washington State, dog owners are generally strictly liable for injuries their dogs cause to people or other animals, as per RCW 16.08.040. This means that the owner is responsible for the dog bite, regardless of whether the dog had previously shown signs of aggression or whether the owner was negligent. There are exceptions, however, such as if the person bitten was trespassing on private property or provoking the dog.

Here are some key points about dog bite laws that would generally apply in Lynnwood:

Strict Liability: As mentioned, Washington State generally follows a “strict liability” rule for dog bites. This means that the dog owner is liable even if the dog has never bitten anyone before or shown signs of aggression.
Exceptions: The owner may not be held liable if the victim was trespassing, provoking the dog, or committing another wrongful act that contributed to the bite.
Local Ordinances: In addition to state laws, Lynnwood may have local ordinances concerning dogs, such as leash laws or requirements for enclosures. Failing to comply with local regulations could be considered negligence on the part of the dog owner.
Criminal Charges: If a dog is found to be dangerous or potentially dangerous and the owner doesn’t take appropriate precautions, the owner could face criminal charges.
Insurance Claims: Homeowners’ insurance may cover dog bite liability costs, depending on the specific insurance policy.

Lynnwood Personal Injury Statute of Limitations

The statute of limitations for personal injury cases in Washington, including Lynnwood, is generally three (3) years from the date of the injury. This means that if you have been injured in Lynwood due to someone else’s negligence or intentional act, you typically have two (2) years from the date the injury occurred to file a lawsuit against the responsible party. It’s important to have a personal injury attorney in Lynwood to help you navigate these complex laws and regulations.

There are some exceptions to this general rule. Washington State employs a “discovery rule,” which means that the statute of limitations may start from the date when you knew or should have known about the injury. This rule is commonly applied in cases where the injury is not immediately apparent, such as medical malpractice or toxic exposure cases. Also, if the injured person is a minor, the statute of limitations generally does not start running until the minor turns 18 years old.

Contact Our Lynnwood Personal Injury Attorneys Today

Don’t navigate the challenging terrain of personal injury law alone—let the experienced team at Wells Trumbull guide you every step of the way. From gathering evidence to negotiating settlements or going to trial, our Lynnwood Personal Injury Lawyers are committed to securing the compensation you deserve. We understand that after an injury, time is of the essence—both for your recovery and for meeting legal deadlines like the statute of limitations. Contact us today for a complimentary consultation and empower yourself with a legal partner who will fight relentlessly for your rights. Take action now to reclaim your life and secure a more stable future