Fighting for Your Rights
Personal Injury Law Lawyer in Kennewick, Washington
Comprehensive Personal Injury Representation in Kennewick
If you’ve been injured due to someone else’s negligence, you deserve fair compensation for your losses. At Law Offices of Greene and Lloyd, we understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll that personal injuries can take on you and your family. Our dedicated legal team in Kennewick has extensive experience handling a wide range of personal injury claims, from motor vehicle accidents to workplace injuries. We’re committed to protecting your rights and fighting for the maximum compensation you deserve while you focus on your recovery.
Why Personal Injury Representation Matters
Pursuing a personal injury claim without legal representation can be challenging and often results in lower settlements. Insurance companies have teams of adjusters and attorneys working to minimize payouts, and navigating the legal system requires knowledge of procedural rules, evidence requirements, and damage calculations. Our attorneys handle all aspects of your case, including investigation, negotiation, and litigation if necessary. We ensure your medical records are properly documented, your damages are fully calculated, and your case is presented persuasively. Having skilled legal representation significantly increases your chances of obtaining fair compensation and holding responsible parties accountable.
About Law Offices of Greene and Lloyd
Understanding Personal Injury Law in Washington
Personal injury law in Washington is built on the principle of negligence, which means someone failed to exercise reasonable care and caused harm to another person. To succeed in a personal injury claim, you typically need to prove that the defendant had a duty of care toward you, breached that duty, and that breach directly caused your injuries and resulting damages. Washington follows a comparative negligence system, meaning you can still recover compensation even if you were partially at fault, as long as you were less than 50 percent responsible for the accident. Your damages may include medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other losses directly related to your injury.
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Key Terms in Personal Injury Law
Negligence
The failure to exercise reasonable care that results in harm to another person. In personal injury cases, proving negligence means showing the defendant had a duty to you, breached that duty, and caused your injuries through their actions or inactions. This is the foundation of most personal injury claims.
Damages
The monetary compensation awarded to an injured person for losses suffered. Damages include economic losses like medical bills and lost income, as well as non-economic damages such as pain and suffering. The goal is to make the injured party whole again to the extent possible through financial recovery.
Statute of Limitations
The legal deadline for filing a lawsuit. In Washington, personal injury cases must typically be filed within three years of the injury date. Missing this deadline means losing the right to pursue compensation, making timely action critical for protecting your claim.
Comparative Negligence
Washington’s legal system that allows injured persons to recover damages even if they were partially at fault. You can receive compensation as long as you were less than 50 percent responsible for the accident. Your recovery amount is reduced by your percentage of fault.
PRO TIPS
Document Everything Immediately
After an injury, photograph the accident scene, your injuries, and any property damage while details are fresh. Keep detailed records of all medical treatment, expenses, and how the injury affects your daily life. This documentation becomes crucial evidence that supports your claim for fair compensation.
Seek Medical Attention Right Away
Get prompt medical evaluation even if you think your injuries are minor, as some injuries develop over time. Medical records create an official link between the accident and your injuries, which insurance companies need to see. Delayed treatment can be used against you to argue your injuries weren’t serious.
Avoid Early Settlement Offers
Insurance companies often make quick, low settlement offers before you understand the full extent of your injuries and damages. Don’t accept these without legal review, as you cannot usually reopen settled cases. Having an attorney evaluate any offer ensures you’re not accepting less than you deserve.
Choosing the Right Approach to Your Personal Injury Claim
When Full Legal Representation Is Essential:
Complex Injury Cases with Significant Damages
When injuries involve permanent disability, substantial medical expenses, lost earning capacity, or catastrophic harm, comprehensive legal representation becomes critical. These cases require detailed economic analysis, medical testimony, and strong negotiation skills to ensure full compensation. Insurance companies will fight aggressively to minimize payouts in high-value cases, making experienced legal advocacy essential for protection.
Disputed Liability or Shared Fault Situations
When the responsible party denies fault or claims you were partially at fault, investigation and legal strategy become vital to establishing liability. Your attorney can gather evidence, interview witnesses, obtain accident reports, and build a persuasive case. Without skilled representation, insurance companies may attempt to shift blame and reduce your settlement unfairly.
When Basic Representation May Be Adequate:
Minor Injuries with Clear Liability
In cases involving minor injuries, clear fault, and straightforward medical expenses, a more limited legal approach might address your needs. These typically involve small medical bills, minimal lost wages, and quick recovery without lasting complications. Even so, having legal review of settlement offers protects your interests.
Quick Resolution Without Trial
When insurance companies accept liability and offer reasonable settlements for documented injuries, negotiations can sometimes conclude without extensive legal intervention. However, verification of fair compensation remains important to ensure you’re not undervaluing your claim. Legal guidance helps confirm whether proposed settlements are truly adequate.
Common Personal Injury Situations We Handle
Why Choose Law Offices of Greene and Lloyd for Your Personal Injury Claim
At Law Offices of Greene and Lloyd, we understand that each personal injury case is unique and deserves individualized attention. Our attorneys have successfully handled hundreds of cases ranging from minor injuries to catastrophic claims, and we know how to navigate the legal system effectively. We maintain strong relationships with medical professionals, investigators, and other resources needed to build compelling cases. We communicate regularly with our clients, explaining options and keeping you informed throughout the process. Your recovery and justice are our priorities, and we’re committed to achieving the best possible outcome.
We operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay no attorney fees unless we successfully recover compensation for you. This arrangement reflects our confidence in our cases and removes financial barriers to obtaining quality legal representation. Our team handles all aspects of your claim, from initial investigation through settlement negotiation or trial. We’re not afraid to take cases to court when necessary to fight for fair compensation. When you hire Law Offices of Greene and Lloyd, you’re gaining experienced advocates who will stand beside you every step of the way.
Contact Our Kennewick Personal Injury Attorneys Today
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FAQS
How long do I have to file a personal injury lawsuit in Washington?
In Washington, you have three years from the date of your injury to file a personal injury lawsuit. This deadline is called the statute of limitations, and missing it means losing your legal right to pursue compensation through the courts. However, some cases may have different deadlines depending on specific circumstances, such as when the injury wasn’t immediately discovered or when the injured person is a minor. It’s critical to contact an attorney well before the deadline approaches. Gathering evidence, investigating the accident, and preparing your case takes time, and waiting until the last moment can compromise the quality of your representation. Even if you’re still in negotiations with the insurance company, having legal counsel ensures your claim is properly protected and documented before the statute of limitations expires.
What types of damages can I recover in a personal injury case?
Personal injury damages fall into two main categories: economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages include measurable financial losses like medical expenses, surgical costs, rehabilitation, lost wages, lost earning capacity, and transportation costs related to treatment. Non-economic damages address your pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, disfigurement, and permanent disability. In cases involving gross negligence or intentional misconduct, punitive damages may also be available to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar conduct. Your attorney will carefully document all losses and calculate damages comprehensively to ensure nothing is overlooked. Insurance companies often undervalue non-economic damages, which is why having legal representation ensures your full range of losses is properly valued and compensated.
Do I need an attorney for my personal injury claim?
While you’re not legally required to hire an attorney for a personal injury claim, doing so significantly increases your chances of receiving fair compensation. Insurance companies employ teams of adjusters and attorneys specifically trained to minimize payouts, and they’re more likely to offer higher settlements when facing experienced legal representation. Navigating the legal system, gathering evidence, and negotiating with insurance companies requires knowledge and skill that an attorney provides. Moreover, many injured persons don’t fully understand their rights or the value of their claims. An attorney evaluates your case objectively, advises you on settlement offers, and protects you from making costly mistakes. At Law Offices of Greene and Lloyd, we work on contingency, so you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you, making legal representation financially accessible.
How much does it cost to hire a personal injury lawyer?
At Law Offices of Greene and Lloyd, we handle personal injury cases on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay no attorney fees upfront and only pay if we successfully recover compensation for your injuries. Our fees come from the settlement or judgment we obtain, not from your own pocket, making quality legal representation accessible regardless of your financial situation. Typically, contingency fees range from one-third to one-half of the recovery, though this varies by case and is clearly outlined in your fee agreement. You’ll also be responsible for certain case expenses like filing fees, investigator costs, and medical records requests, though we discuss these transparently upfront. This arrangement aligns our interests with yours—we’re motivated to recover the maximum compensation possible because we only get paid if you win.
What if I was partially at fault for the accident?
Washington follows a comparative negligence system, which is favorable to injured persons. Even if you were partially at fault for the accident, you can still recover damages as long as your level of fault was less than 50 percent. Your recovery amount is reduced by your percentage of responsibility, so if you’re 20 percent at fault and recover $100,000, you’d receive $80,000. This system protects people who share minor responsibility for accidents. However, insurance companies often attempt to exaggerate an injured person’s fault to reduce payouts. Your attorney investigates thoroughly, gathers evidence, and counters these claims effectively. We ensure your legitimate recovery isn’t diminished unfairly by false assertions of greater fault on your part.
How long does a personal injury case typically take to resolve?
The timeline for a personal injury case varies significantly depending on complexity, injury severity, and whether settlement negotiations succeed quickly. Simple cases with clear liability and minor injuries might resolve in weeks or a few months. More complex cases involving significant injuries, disputed liability, or multiple parties can take one to three years or longer. Most personal injury cases settle without going to trial, though some require litigation to obtain fair compensation. We work efficiently to resolve your case promptly while ensuring every aspect is thoroughly addressed. Your attorney will keep you informed about the expected timeline for your specific case and explain any delays. Rushing to settle prematurely can result in inadequate compensation, so we balance efficiency with ensuring your full recovery.
Can I still pursue a claim if the other party doesn't have insurance?
If the at-fault party lacks insurance coverage, you still have options for recovery. Many persons carry uninsured motorist coverage as part of their own insurance policy, which protects them in exactly these situations. Your homeowner’s or renter’s insurance might also provide coverage depending on your policy terms. Additionally, if the uninsured person has personal assets, we can pursue a judgment against them individually. We investigate all available sources of recovery and advise you on the best strategy for your specific circumstances. Some cases may involve Washington’s Uninsured Motorist Fund in specific situations. Don’t assume you’re without recourse if the responsible party lacks insurance—contact our office immediately so we can explore all available options for your compensation.
What should I do immediately after suffering a personal injury?
Immediately following an injury, prioritize your health and safety first. Seek medical attention even if you think injuries are minor, as some develop over time and early documentation is crucial. Report the incident to the appropriate person—the property owner if it’s premises liability, law enforcement if it’s a vehicle accident, or your employer if it’s a workplace injury. Document everything while details are fresh: photograph the scene, your injuries, property damage, and hazardous conditions. Collect contact information from witnesses. Keep records of all medical treatment, expenses, and how the injury affects your daily life. Avoid discussing the accident on social media and don’t provide recorded statements to insurance companies without legal counsel. Contact Law Offices of Greene and Lloyd promptly so we can protect your rights and begin investigation immediately.
How is pain and suffering calculated in personal injury cases?
Pain and suffering damages are more subjective than economic damages and represent compensation for your physical pain, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life. Several methods can be used to calculate these damages. The multiplier method applies a number (typically 1.5 to 5) to your economic damages, while the per diem method assigns a daily value to your pain and suffering over the recovery period. Factors affecting pain and suffering calculations include injury severity, recovery duration, permanent effects, medical evidence of your suffering, and impact on your daily activities and relationships. Insurance companies often undervalue pain and suffering significantly, which is why your attorney advocates for fair valuation. We present compelling evidence of your suffering through medical testimony, personal accounts, and demonstration of how the injury has affected your life overall.
What happens if we go to trial for my personal injury claim?
If your case proceeds to trial, your attorney presents evidence to a judge or jury to establish liability and prove your damages. This involves presenting witness testimony, medical evidence, accident reconstruction analysis, and documentation of your losses. The other party presents their defense, and both sides make legal arguments about how the law applies to your case. A jury or judge then decides liability and awards damages if the evidence supports your claim. Trial can be unpredictable, which is why we thoroughly prepare and maintain realistic expectations about potential outcomes. Most cases settle before trial because both parties understand the risks involved. However, we’re fully prepared to take your case to trial if necessary to fight for the fair compensation you deserve. Throughout the trial process, your attorney protects your rights and advocates vigorously on your behalf.