Do I have a case?
Whether you have a case depends on many factors. First, of course, you must have suffered injury, loss or harm. Second, that injury, loss or harm must have been caused by the wrongdoing of someone else. Third, the law must provide you the legal right to recover from the wrongdoer for your injury, loss or harm. Other important factors are the cost of taking the case to court and, if you win, whether the wrongdoer has any insurance, money or assets to pay you.

Do I need to file a lawsuit to recover?
Possibly. Some wrongdoers must be forced by a lawsuit to pay for the injuries they cause. Other wrongdoers, however, often settle before a lawsuit is filed. If the wrongdoer knows that you understand your legal rights and that you will file a lawsuit to enforce your rights, then the wrongdoer is often times more likely to deal fairly with you.

Do I need to consult a lawyer?
Yes, if you have questions about your legal rights. You can empower yourself by knowing your legal rights. If you or a loved-one has suffered injury, loss or harm, a lawyer can help you determine whether there is a case.

How can I afford a lawyer?
Vangelisti Kocher LLP is happy to provide you a free legal consultation. If you hire Vangelisti Kocher LLP to represent you, then you only pay an attorney fee if we obtain a recovery for you. This is commonly known as a contingency fee.

Please note that an attorney fee is different from costs-which are the necessary, out-of-pocket expenses incurred in representing a client. In some instances Vangelisti Kocher LLP will advance these costs for clients, but these costs are recouped out of the portion of the client's recovery if there is a favorable outcome of the matter. It is important to understand that certain regulations require the client to be ultimately responsible for costs regardless of the outcome of the case.

How long will it take to resolve my legal issue?
It depends on the complexity of your case. Frequently cases can be resolved through settlement in a matter of months. If a lawsuit is filed, it can take approximately 12-18 months to get the case to trial. Court delays and any appeal can increase the time to ultimately resolve the case.

How much will I recover? The answer to this question depends on numerous factors: the extent of your injury, whether the law will hold someone liable for your injury, whether the wrongdoer has insurance or money to pay for your injury, the attorney fee and costs necessary to recover, etc. No lawyer can guarantee a recovery or result.

Unfortunately, certain organizations have been active in petitioning our government in the name of tort "reform" to "cap" the amount of damages that injured persons can recover from wrongdoers.

If you have been injured, it is important to have a Washington attorney evaluate any personal injury claim you may have. The law provides strict deadlines for bringing personal injury claims. It is critical that you contact a Washington injury attorney or Washington accident attorney if you think that you may have a claim. A Washington personal injury attorney at Vangelisti Kocher LLP can provide you a free consultation to discuss your injuries and legal rights.