Call Now For Expert Assistance
An injury can upend your life in an instant, and will often feel like a terrible injustice, especially when caused by someone else’s negligence. Whether you were hurt in a car accident, a slip-and-fall incident, or another unfortunate event, the aftermath is often painful, costly, confusing and stressful.
You will have to navigate medical bills, lost wages, and uncooperative insurance companies, but at the Gourley Law Group, we believe you shouldn’t have to face these challenges alone. With deep roots in Snohomish County, Attorney Thomas L. Hause leverages his insider knowledge of insurance defense to help injured clients like you overcome barriers and secure fair compensation.
You will have to navigate medical bills, lost wages, and uncooperative insurance companies, but at the Gourley Law Group, we believe you shouldn’t have to face these challenges alone. With deep roots in Snohomish County, Attorney Thomas L. Hause leverages his insider knowledge of insurance defense to help injured clients like you overcome barriers and secure fair compensation.
After an accident of any kind, every action you take can be critical to any later personal injury claim you need to make.
First and foremost, get medical attention, even if your injuries seem minor. Some injuries, like concussions or internal damage, can appear days later. Not only is a visit essential for your health, but a medical record of your treatment also serves as key evidence in your case.
Next, document everything you can: take photos of the scene, gather witness statements and contact information, and keep any receipts for any related expenses.
Additionally, if you were injured in a car accident, you should file a police report, as required in Washington, for injuries or property damages exceeding $1,000.
Finally, before speaking with insurance adjusters, consult an experienced personal injury attorney near you. In Snohomish County, the Gourley Law Group is here to provide the guidance you need to protect your rights and accompany you throughout the claim process.
If you’ve been injured, understanding the key stages of a personal injury claim can help you feel more confident as your case unfolds. At the Gourley Law Group, attorney Thomas L. Hause will guide you through each phase, using his unique background to anticipate and counter insurance company tactics.
At your first meeting with Attorney Hause, you’ll receive a clear evaluation of your case and an understanding of potential outcomes. Worried about costs? Most personal injury cases are handled on a contingency basis, which means you won’t owe legal fees unless we win your case.
Filing a successful claim requires strong evidence. Our team will collect police reports, medical records, photos, and witness statements to build your case. With over 15 years as a former insurance defense attorney, Thomas L. Hause knows how insurers assess claims and how to beat them at their own game.
Once the evidence is gathered, a detailed demand package is sent to the at-fault party’s insurance company. This document outlines the details of the accident, your injuries, and the financial impact, including lost income and medical expenses. Insurance companies often start with lowball offers, but Attorney Hause’s negotiation skills are geared toward maximizing your compensation.
Your medical care is central to determining your claim’s value. Waiting until your doctors assure us you have reached Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI: when you’ve completed treatment and your injuries are stable) allows us to fully assess the cost of your recovery, both now and in the future.
If negotiations don’t lead to a fair resolution, we’ll move forward by filing a lawsuit. Washington’s statute of limitations gives you three years from the injury date to file, but starting early increases the likelihood of a smooth and successful process.
During discovery, both sides exchange evidence and key documents. This stage may involve depositions or interrogatories to strengthen your case.
To avoid the unpredictability of a trial, courts often recommend mediation or arbitration. These methods can result in a faster, less stressful resolution. However, if an acceptable settlement isn’t reached, we’ll be ready to proceed to trial.
Taking a case to trial is a big step, but some claims require a judicial decision. Whether your case is heard by a judge or a jury, we will fight relentlessly to prove liability and secure the compensation you deserve.
The personal injury damages you are eligible to claim in the process typically fall into two main categories:
In Washington, the pure comparative negligence rule determines your final compensation. For example, if you’re found to be 10% at fault for your injuries, your award will be reduced by that percentage. With no cap on non-economic damages in the state, there’s an opportunity to recover significant compensation that reflects both your physical and emotional hardships.
Here at the Gourley Law Group, Thomas L. Hause understands the tactics insurance companies use to undervalue claims because he’s used those same strategies himself. After 15 years of representing insurers, he chose to start fighting for individuals like you instead with the Gourley Law Group. This insider perspective allows us to stay one step ahead, whether at the negotiating table or in the courtroom.
At Gourley Law Group, we prioritize your well-being and peace of mind. We understand the pressures you face after an injury, and we’re here to provide compassionate, personalized support while achieving results you can rebuild your life on. You can focus on healing while we handle the legal complexities of your case.
Your future shouldn’t be left to chance, especially when facing mounting medical bills, lost income, and the emotional toll of an injury. Timing is critical, so don’t wait to take action. By contacting Gourley Law Group today, you’re taking the first crucial step toward justice and recovery.
Call us at (360) 203-1941 to schedule a consultation and let us show you how we can make a difference. At Gourley Law Group, your fight becomes our fight, and we won’t rest until we’ve secured what you deserve.