Puyallup Personal Injury Lawyer
Accidents can turn your life upside down in an instant, leaving you with physical injuries, emotional trauma, and financial burdens. If you or a loved one has been hurt due to someone else’s negligence in Puyallup, you don’t have to face this challenging time alone. At Brumley Law Firm, we are dedicated to helping injury victims reclaim their lives by pursuing the compensation they deserve. Whether you’ve been involved in a car accident, suffered a workplace injury, or faced medical malpractice, our team provides compassionate, personalized legal representation. With a deep commitment to serving the Puyallup community, we’re here to protect your rights and guide you toward justice every step of the way. Contact our Puyallup personal injury attorneys today to get started. Call (833) 832-2727.
Personal Injury Cases We Handle in Puyallup, WA
Our firm handles a wide range of personal injury cases, offering compassionate, skilled representation for victims of negligence. Whether you’ve been injured in a vehicle accident, hurt on unsafe premises, or harmed by medical malpractice, we have the experience and dedication to guide you through the legal process. No matter the circumstances, Brumley Law Firm is committed to protecting your rights and helping you rebuild your life.
We’re experienced in:
- Car Accidents: Assisting victims in recovering medical expenses, lost income, and emotional damages from negligent drivers. If you have been injured in an auto accident, contact our Puyallup car accident attorneys to guide you through the legal process.
- Catastrophic Injuries: Fighting for victims of life-altering injuries to secure compensation for extensive medical care and long-term impacts.
- Dog Bites and Animal Attacks: Holding pet owners liable for injuries and trauma caused by their animals.
- Pedestrian and Bicycle Accidents: Securing compensation for vulnerable road users who suffer serious injuries in traffic incidents.
- Product Liability: Pursuing claims for injuries caused by defective or dangerous products, targeting manufacturers or sellers.
- Slip and Fall Injuries: Holding property owners accountable for unsafe conditions causing fractures, head injuries, or similar harm.
- Truck and Commercial Vehicle Accidents: Managing complex claims involving severe injuries and multiple liable parties, such as trucking companies.
- Workplace Accidents: Navigating workers’ compensation claims and pursuing additional remedies for injuries caused by negligence.
- Wrongful Death: Helping families seek compensation for funeral costs, lost income, and emotional distress after losing a loved one.
Compensation Available in Puyallup Personal Injury Cases
In personal injury lawsuits, victims may receive three types of compensation: economic damages, non-economic damages, and, in rare cases, punitive damages.
- Economic Damages: cover quantifiable financial losses, including medical expenses, lost wages, reduced earning capacity, and property damage.
- Non-Economic Damages: compensate for subjective losses like pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and loss of companionship.
- Punitive Damages: punish egregious negligence or misconduct, such as in cases involving reckless or intentional harm.
Victims may also claim additional damages for wrongful death (e.g., funeral costs, loss of support) and future expenses related to ongoing medical needs or permanent disabilities. A wrongful death lawyer ensures all eligible damages are pursued.
How Do I Handle Insurance Adjusters?
Dealing with insurance adjusters can be tricky, as their primary goal is often to minimize payouts for claims. It’s important to protect your rights and avoid common pitfalls when communicating with them. Follow these guidelines to handle adjusters effectively:
Be Polite but Cautious
Maintaining a professional and respectful tone is crucial. However, remember that adjusters may try to use anything you say against you.
- Example: If the adjuster asks, “How are you feeling?” avoid saying, “I’m fine,” even as a courtesy, as this could be misinterpreted as a lack of injury. Instead, respond neutrally, such as, “I’m seeking medical treatment and recovering.”
Avoid Admitting Fault
Even casual comments could be twisted to imply you share responsibility for the accident. Under Washington State’s comparative negligence laws, admitting partial fault can reduce your compensation.
- Example: Saying something like, “I didn’t see the car coming,” might be used to argue you were partially at fault, even if the other party’s negligence caused the accident.
Limit the Information You Provide
Adjusters often ask detailed questions about the accident or your injuries to find inconsistencies or minimize your claim. Provide only basic facts, such as the date, time, and location of the incident, and avoid discussing your injuries in detail.
- Example: Instead of explaining your injuries fully, say, “I’m undergoing medical evaluation, and I will provide documentation through my lawyer.”
Do Not Accept the First Settlement Offer
Insurance companies often present low initial settlement offers to resolve claims quickly and cheaply. These offers rarely account for the full extent of your medical bills, future treatment, or non-economic damages like pain and suffering.
- Example: An adjuster might offer $5,000 to settle your case, even though your medical expenses and lost wages total $10,000. A lawyer can negotiate for a fair settlement.
Refer All Requests for Information to Your Lawyer
Insurance adjusters may request medical records, signed statements, or other documentation that could harm your claim if not handled properly. A lawyer can review these requests and ensure only necessary information is shared.
- Example: If an adjuster asks for a recorded statement, respond by saying, “I’m working with a lawyer who will follow up on my behalf.”
Document All Communications
Keeping a record of conversations with the adjuster can protect you if they later dispute what was said. Write down the date, time, and content of each interaction.
- Example: After a phone call with the adjuster, email yourself a summary of what was discussed, including any settlement offers or information requests.
Don’t Sign Anything Without Legal Advice
Signing a settlement agreement, medical authorization, or other documents without consulting a lawyer could waive your rights or limit your ability to pursue additional compensation.
- Example: A medical release form might allow the adjuster to access your entire medical history, which they could use to argue your injuries were pre-existing.
Understand Their Tactics
Insurance adjusters are trained to minimize payouts.
Common tactics include:
- Offering a quick settlement before you fully understand the extent of your injuries.
- Downplaying the severity of your injuries or damages.
- Suggesting you don’t need a lawyer to resolve your claim.
- Example: If an adjuster says, “You don’t need a lawyer; we can handle this quickly,” be cautious and consult legal counsel before proceeding.
Stay Focused on Your Recovery
Dealing with adjusters can be stressful and time-consuming, especially while recovering from an accident. Letting a Puyallup personal injury lawyer handle communications allows you to focus on healing.
- Example: Your lawyer can handle all phone calls, document submissions, and negotiations, ensuring your case progresses without interruptions to your recovery.
Contact Our Puyallup Personal Injury Attorneys Today
Our firm has a history of securing favorable outcomes for clients in a wide range of personal injury cases. From negotiated settlements to courtroom victories, we consistently deliver results.
We understand that every personal injury case is unique, and we tailor our approach to meet your specific needs. You’ll never feel like just another case file – we’re here to listen, support, and guide you every step of the way.
If you’ve been injured due to someone else’s negligence, the team of Puyallup injury lawyers at Brumley Law Firm is here to help. Let us fight for your rights and secure the compensation you need to move forward. Time is critical, so don’t delay – every moment counts.
Call us now at (833) 832-2727 or complete our online form to schedule your free consultation today. There’s no fee unless we win your case, so you have nothing to lose and everything to gain. Let’s take the first step toward justice together.