Olympia Personal Injury Law Firm
Accidents happen when we least expect them, often leaving victims facing physical injuries, emotional trauma, and mounting financial burdens. South Puget Sound residents encounter a wide range of hazards, whether on the road, at work, in stores, or even at home. When injuries occur due to someone else’s negligence, victims deserve justice and fair compensation. Our Olympia personal injury law firm can help.
At Putnam Lieb Potvin Dailey, we understand how overwhelming the aftermath of a personal injury can be. Our experienced personal injury attorneys have been trusted advocates for accident victims for over 40 years. We’re committed to providing compassionate, diligent, and results-driven legal services. Our mission is to help clients rebuild their lives by fighting for the compensation they need and deserve.
What Is Personal Injury Law?
Personal injury law protects individuals who have been harmed by the careless, reckless, or intentional actions of others. It allows victims to seek compensation for the physical, emotional, and financial consequences of their injuries. At Putnam Lieb Potvin Dailey, we handle a wide variety of personal injury cases, including:
- Auto Accidents: Car, truck, motorcycle, bicycle, and pedestrian injuries.
- Premises Liability: Slip and fall accidents, unsafe property conditions, and negligent security.
- Product Liability: Injuries caused by defective or dangerous products.
- Workplace Injuries: Workers’ compensation claims and third-party liability cases.
- Wrongful Death: Legal action to hold negligent parties accountable for fatal accidents.
Our Olympia personal injury attorneys are focused at handling the challenges of various personal injury claims. Whether you were hurt in a crash on I-5, suffered a fall at a local business, or experienced a serious workplace injury, we are ready to advocate for you.
Common Types of Personal Injury Cases
Olympia’s diverse landscape presents many potential hazards. Here are some of the most common personal injury scenarios we handle:
Auto Accidents
These are among the leading causes of personal injury claims. Victims may face injuries ranging from whiplash and fractures to traumatic brain injuries (TBI) and spinal cord damage. Our personal injury law firm in Olympia, WA fights to ensure clients are fairly compensated for all damages, including medical expenses and lost wages.
Premises Liability
Property owners have a duty to maintain safe conditions. Slip and fall accidents in grocery stores, tripping hazards in public spaces, or inadequate security in apartment complexes can result in serious injuries. We hold negligent property owners accountable.
Workplace Injuries
Employees injured on the job may have multiple avenues for recovery, including workers’ compensation and claims against third-party contractors or equipment manufacturers. Our team understands how to handle these challenging cases.
Product Liability
When defective products cause injuries, whether due to design flaws, manufacturing defects, or inadequate warnings, victims have a right to pursue compensation. We collaborate with experts to identify product defects and establish corporate responsibility.
Wrongful Death
Losing a loved one due to someone else’s negligence is devastating. Our firm helps families seek justice through wrongful death claims, ensuring they receive compensation for funeral expenses, lost income, and the emotional impact of their loss.
Proving Negligence and Liability in Personal Injury Cases
Winning a personal injury claim requires proving that someone else’s negligence caused your injuries. This process involves establishing four essential legal elements:
Duty of Care
The first step is showing that the defendant owed you a duty of care. In everyday situations, people are expected to act in ways that do not harm others. Establishing this duty is the foundation for a personal injury claim.
For example, drivers must obey traffic laws and operate vehicles safely; property owners must keep their premises reasonably safe; and product manufacturers must ensure their products are free from dangerous defects.
Breach of Duty
Once duty is established, it must be shown that the defendant breached that duty by failing to act reasonably or responsibly. This might involve a driver running a red light, a property owner ignoring a known hazard like a broken stair, or a manufacturer releasing a product with a critical flaw.
Evidence such as surveillance footage, witness testimony, maintenance records, and product recalls can help prove a breach of duty.
Causation
It’s not enough to show that the defendant was careless, you must also prove that this carelessness directly caused your injuries. This connection is called “causation.” Medical records, expert testimony, and accident reconstruction can strengthen this link between the defendant’s actions and your harm.
For example, if you slipped on a wet floor in a store and broke your leg, the wet floor must be proven as the cause of your fall, not a pre-existing condition or unrelated incident.
Damages
Finally, to succeed in a personal injury claim, you must demonstrate that you suffered actual damages as a result of the accident. Damages can include tangible losses, such as hospital bills, surgery costs, medication expenses, and lost income from missed work. They can also include intangible losses such as physical pain, emotional distress, reduced quality of life, and loss of companionship.
Detailed documentation of medical treatment, pay stubs, expert evaluations, and personal accounts helps establish the extent of your losses.
Comparative Fault in Washington
Washington follows a comparative fault rule, which means you can still recover compensation even if you were partially at fault for the accident. However, your recovery will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
For example, if a jury finds you 30% responsible for the accident and the total damages awarded are $100,000, you would receive $70,000. This rule ensures fairness but also highlights the importance of strong legal representation. Our Olympia personal injury attorneys at Putnam Lieb Potvin Dailey work tirelessly to gather evidence that minimizes your share of fault and maximizes your compensation.
By thoroughly investigating your case, collecting valuable evidence, consulting with experts, and crafting persuasive arguments, we aim to prove each element of negligence. Our goal is to hold the responsible parties accountable and ensure you receive the full and fair compensation you deserve.
The Personal Injury Claim Process
Managing a personal injury claim can be challenging, but with Putnam Lieb Potvin Dailey by your side, you’ll have knowledgeable advocates guiding you through every step. Here’s what you can expect when working with our firm:
Initial Consultation
Your journey begins with a complimentary consultation, where you’ll meet with one of our well-versed personal injury lawyers. We’ll listen carefully as you describe the circumstances of your accident, ask questions to clarify key details, and assess the strength of your potential case. During this meeting, we’ll explain your legal rights, discuss possible outcomes, and outline the next steps. This consultation is also an opportunity for you to ask questions and gain clarity about the process ahead.
Investigation
Once you hire us, we launch a comprehensive investigation to gather evidence that supports your claim. This may include obtaining accident reports, medical records, surveillance footage, and witness statements. We often collaborate with accident reconstruction specialists, medical experts, and vocational analysts to build a detailed, compelling case. Our goal is to uncover every piece of evidence that demonstrates the defendant’s liability and the extent of your damages.
Demand Letter
With a strong case prepared, we draft a demand letter to the at-fault party’s insurance company. This document details the circumstances of the accident, explains how the defendant’s negligence caused your injuries, and outlines the full scope of your damages. The demand letter is a critical tool for setting the stage for negotiations, and we ensure it’s backed by compelling evidence and legal reasoning.
Negotiation
Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts by offering lowball settlements or disputing claims. Our personal injury attorneys use their negotiation skills, legal acumen, and understanding of insurance tactics to fight for a settlement that truly compensates you for your losses. We keep you informed throughout this stage, ensuring you understand the offers on the table and advising you on the best course of action.
Litigation if Needed
If the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement, we’re fully prepared to take your case to court. Our trial-ready approach means we’ve already gathered the necessary evidence and built a persuasive argument. We present your case before a judge or jury, highlighting the defendant’s negligence and the impact of your injuries. While most cases settle out of court, we’re always ready to go the distance for our clients.
Resolution and Ongoing Support
After a settlement or verdict, we assist with the disbursement of funds, ensuring medical liens and other obligations are resolved. We also provide guidance on managing your compensation to support your recovery and financial stability. Our commitment doesn’t end with your case; we’re here to offer ongoing support and answer questions even after the legal process is complete.
Compensation You May Be Entitled To
A personal injury can cause devastating physical, emotional, and financial consequences. At Putnam Lieb Potvin Dailey, we fight to ensure you receive compensation that reflects the full scope of your losses. Here are the types of damages you may be entitled to recover:
Medical Expenses
Injuries often result in significant medical bills, including hospital stays, surgeries, rehabilitation, physical therapy, medication, and assistive devices. Future medical care costs, such as ongoing treatments or in-home care, may also be compensated.
Lost Wages and Future Earnings
Many victims are unable to work due to their injuries, resulting in lost income and financial strain. If your injury affects your long-term earning capacity, we pursue damages that account for reduced future earnings. This is especially important for victims in physically demanding jobs or those requiring retraining for new employment.
Pain and Suffering
Compensation isn’t limited to economic losses. Physical pain, emotional distress, anxiety, depression, loss of enjoyment of life, and other non-economic damages can significantly affect your quality of life. Attorneys from our Olympia personal injury law firm will use medical records, personal accounts, and expert testimony to demonstrate the profound impact of these losses.
Property Damage
In cases involving vehicle collisions or accidents damaging personal belongings, we seek compensation for the cost of repairs or replacement. This may include vehicles, electronics, clothing, or other valuables.
Loss of Consortium
When an injury affects your relationship with a spouse or family members, you may be entitled to damages for loss of companionship, affection, and support. These intangible damages recognize the impact your injury has on your loved ones’ lives.
Punitive Damages
In rare cases involving especially reckless or malicious conduct, such as a drunk driver causing a catastrophic crash, punitive damages may be awarded. These damages are intended to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar behavior in the future.
At Putnam Lieb Potvin Dailey, we collaborate with medical experts, economists, and vocational specialists to assess the full extent of your losses. We fight to ensure that every aspect of your damages, economic and non-economic, is accounted for in your claim, maximizing your compensation and helping you move forward with confidence.
Contingency Fees and Client Commitment
At Putnam Lieb Potvin Dailey, we work on a contingency fee basis. You pay nothing upfront and only pay if we secure compensation for you. This ensures that everyone has access to justice, regardless of financial situation. We’re committed to providing personalized, compassionate, and diligent service to every client. Our success is measured by your recovery.
Why Choose Putnam Lieb Potvin Dailey?
With over 40 years of legal experience, Putnam Lieb Potvin Dailey has a reputation for delivering successful results in Olympia and South Puget Sound. Attorneys Dustin Dailey and Kathryn Potvin bring distinguished backgrounds, including landmark case victories and public service. Our personal injury law firm, Olympia, WA, is recognized for its clear communication, personalized attention, and vigorous advocacy.
We take pride in our motto: “We take the insult out of injury.”
The Washington Statute of Limitations and Legal Deadlines
In Washington, personal injury victims generally have three years from the date of the injury to file a lawsuit. However, exceptions apply:
- Government Claims: Notice of claim must be filed within 60 days.
- Minors: Time is paused until the victim turns 18.
- Mental Incapacity: Courts may extend deadlines if the victim is incapacitated.
- Discovery Rule: In rare cases, the timeline begins when the injury is discovered.
Acting quickly preserves evidence and meets critical deadlines. Our team ensures timely filings to protect your rights.
Contact Our Olympia Personal Injury Law Firm Today
If you’ve been injured, don’t wait to seek help. Call Putnam Lieb Potvin Dailey at (360) 488-0520 or contact us online to schedule your free consultation. With our local knowledge, personalized support, and proven results, we’ll fight for your rights and the compensation you deserve. Trust Putnam Lieb Potvin Dailey, your personal injury law firm in Olympia, WA.