Injury Lawsuits Against The Washington State Government
If you have injuries resulting from Washington State government negligence or from a government agency or entity, you may have the right to pursue a personal injury claim against the government. These entities have legal teams that defend against claims as well.
However, with the help of Premier Law Group, you can fight for the compensation you deserve. Our attorneys can help you with lawsuits against Washington State government agencies including:
- the Washington State Department of Corrections (DOC)
- Washington State Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS)
- the Washington State Department of Transportation (DOT)
- King County Metro, Sound Transit or Community Transit
- the City of Seattle or the City of Bellevue
If you or a loved one is suffering from injuries resulting from Washington state government negligence, contact Premier Law Group. Call 206.285.1743 today to start your FREE case review with one of our expert Seattle personal injury attorneys.
What is Washington State Government Negligence?
Washington state government negligence resulting in a personal injury or wrongful death is not common. However, occasionally a Washington state government employee or agency is responsible for causing harm. When they do, it is important that they are held responsible for their actions. Government negligence can also take many forms. However, having an attorney on your side can protect your rights and interests. At Premier Law Group we will fight for you to get the best possible outcome.
Furthermore filing a lawsuit against the state of Washington is not like suing a corporation or individual. There are specific procedures and rules that apply when suing a government entity. As the victim of Washington state government negligence, you must also be diligent when filing a claim. There are many rules you must follow. If you do not follow these rules, the courts may decline to hear your case, leaving you with nothing.
At Premier Law Group, we will get you financial compensation for your injuries. However, we will also aim to bring about change in our community. We want to be a part of making Washington a better place.
Suing the State of Washington
Certain requirements must be met to file a claim against Washington state. You need to serve a verified claim form. You must also serve the form on the authorized agent for the governmental entity. Serving a valid claim form is a requirement to bring a legal case against the government.
It is also important that the content and service of the claim form comply with the requirements of the statute. If you don’t comply, the courts may deny or dismiss your claim. However, once you verify, present, and serve a claim, you must wait 60 days before the lawsuit can be filed in court. If you don’t wait 60 days, your claim will be invalid. This will result in a dismissal of your case.
To get the compensation you deserve it is helpful to consult with an attorney. Contact Premier Law Group today to get started on your free case review.
Claims Filed Against the State of Washington or Its Entities
Victims of Washing state government neglect cannot file a lawsuit against the state government or its entities right away. You must file a claim with the Washington State Office of Risk Management (ORC) first. This requires a tort claim form. This form has information about your accident. However, if the information on the form is incorrect, the office will likely deny your claim. Be sure to keep copies of the forms you send to the ORC.
Furthermore, victims must wait 60 days to file a lawsuit against the negligent party. During this time, the Office of Risk Management investigates the accident. The government will also likely attempt to settle negotiations with injured victims within the 60 days.
After the 60-day period, the victim can file a lawsuit if there was no settlement with the government. Like other personal injury claims in the state, you have three years after the date of the accident to file a Washington state government negligence lawsuit. However, the statute of limitations is on hold during the 60-day waiting period.
Do I Need an Attorney to Sue Washington State?
Pursuing a claim against a government agency is complicated.
Firstly, this process requires the expertise and experience of a highly trained personal injury attorney. Therefore, you should speak with an attorney before trying to handle a claim on your own. With an experienced Washington state government negligence attorney you may win three times as much for your settlement.
You can seek medical help without paying anything up front with the help of an attorney.
Secondly, when a doctor knows that you have an attorney working on a case, it gives them peace of mind. This information is important if you do not have personal injury protection (PIP). This is also good to know if you don’t have the finances to cover the costs of your medical treatments.
An experienced lawyer knows how to evaluate the true value of your claim.
Thirdly, an expert Washington state government negligence attorney knows what to look for when determining the value of your claim. Not only that, but a lawyer knows the complicated legal system that stands between you and a fair settlement. However, without an attorney, you will settle your case for much less than it is really worth.
Without an attorney, the insurance company won’t offer you what your case is worth.
Fourthly, you need an attorney because the insurance adjusters will not offer you the compensation you deserve. They want to save money and pay as little as possible to people for their claims. That’s why it is important to have someone on your side who has your best interests in mind.
With an attorney, you just have to get treatment for your injuries.
Finally, having an experienced team of legal experts handling legal things gives you peace of mind. You can focus on recovery while our professional Washington state government negligence attorneys focus on winning you a fair settlement.
Speak With an Experienced Washington State Government Negligence Attorney!
Don’t wait to speak with an attorney. At Premier Law Group, our expert team of personal injury lawyers have experience suing government agencies. We have a proven track record against them. Don’t just take our word for it. Read what our clients have to say here!
For help with your Washington state government negligence case, contact Premier Law Group today. Call 206.285.1743 to speak directly with an experienced personal injury attorney! And as always, there is no fee unless we win your case.