The Seventh Amendment to the United States Constitution guarantees the right to a jury trial in any civil controversy exceeding $20. This foundational right forms the basis of civil remedies in the court system when someone causes you harm. Civil litigation is the process used to seek compensation in a variety of situations — from car accidents and pharmacy errors to contaminated food service...Read More
When it comes to personal injury cases, one of the more complex and often misunderstood concepts is apportionment. If you’re navigating a claim that involves multiple injuries or pre-existing conditions, it’s important to understand how apportionment works—and why it can significantly impact your case.
Disclaimer: This post is intended for general informational purposes only and does not...Read More
If you’ve recently been injured—whether in a car accident, a fall, or another type of incident caused by someone else’s negligence—it’s important to understand that you have certain responsibilities under the law. Fulfilling these duties not only supports your recovery but also protects the strength of any insurance claim or legal case you may pursue.
Please note: This blog post is...Read More
As discussed in our prior entry, Negligent Transmission of STIs in Washington State, there are civil remedies available for people who unknowingly contracted STD/STIs due to another individual’s negligence. Still, these are difficult cases with lots of things to consider going in. Here are a few things to keep in mind when pursuing a negligent transmission of STD/STI claim.
1. Does...Read More
Mandatory arbitration applies to cases where either (1) the damages sought are under $100,000.00 or (2) the damages sought are in excess of $100,000.00, but in order to resolve the case more quickly and with less expense you are willing to accept $100,000.00 or less. When my office files a lawsuit that is going to be placed in Civil Arbitration, this fact is disclosed in the initial Complaint...Read More
If your case goes to a jury trial, these are the generally steps involved:
Motions in limine and other pre-trial motions. Usually before the trial starts the judge will rule on pre-trial motions made by both parties that set forth some ground rules and addresses some evidentiary issues.
Selecting Jury. In a jury case, the first step is to question prospective jurors to determine whether they...Read More