Bremerton Personal Injury Attorneys

Common Personal Injury Claims We Handle

When your health is on the line, you need a personal injury lawyer you can trust to represent your best interests. Becker Franklin Rovang can aggressively seek justice on your behalf while you focus on making a swift recovery. Our firm has recovered millions of dollars in a wide range of personal injury claims. Common claims we handle include: 

Motor Vehicle Accidents

Whether you were injured in a car accident, truck accident, pedestrian accident, bike accident, motorcycle accident, or another motor vehicle collision caused by another driver’s recklessness or negligence, our injury lawyers can help you pursue compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.

Naval Base Injuries

As one of the largest naval bases in the world, Bremerton is home to a significant number of military personnel. Unfortunately, accidents can happen on base and during active duty, putting military servicemembers and their families at risk of serious injuries. Our attorneys have extensive experience representing victims of wrongful injuries caused by negligence or misconduct on naval bases. 

Shipyard Accidents

The shipbuilding and repair industry is a major employer in the Bremerton area, but it also poses significant risks for workers. If you were injured at a shipyard due to unsafe conditions, equipment malfunction, or other negligent factors, our lawyers can help you seek justice and compensation.

Construction Site Accidents

Construction sites are known for their dangerous working conditions, increasing the risk of accidents. Injuries sustained on construction sites can have long-lasting effects on a worker’s health and livelihood. Our lawyers have an in-depth understanding of the complex laws and regulations surrounding construction site injuries to identify all liable parties and hold them accountable for negligence. 

Premises Liability

From slip-and-fall accidents to negligent security, property owners have a legal responsibility to maintain their premises in a safe condition for visitors. If you were injured due to wet floors, icy sidewalks, inadequate lighting, or other hazards, our attorneys can fight to hold the property owner accountable under Washington's premises liability laws. 

Wrongful Death

Losing a loved one due to someone else’s negligence is devastating. While nothing can bring back your family member, we can help you seek justice and financial compensation for your unimaginable loss. Our advocates understand the legal intricacies involved in wrongful death lawsuits, empowering us to guide your steps with compassion and skill. 

How to Prove Negligence

To prove negligence, a plaintiff must demonstrate four key elements:

• Duty of Care: The defendant had a legal duty to act with a certain standard of care to evade causing harm. For example, drivers have a duty to drive safely and avoid accidents.
• Breach of Duty: The defendant failed to fulfill that duty of care. This could mean that they acted recklessly or carelessly, or did not act as a reasonable person would have under similar circumstances. For example, running a red light breaches a driver’s duty of care.
• Causation: The defendant's actions (or lack of actions) directly caused the plaintiff's injuries. This is divided into two types of causation:
• Cause in fact: The injury would not have happened "but for" the defendant’s actions.
• Proximate cause: The injury was a foreseeable result of the defendant’s actions.
• Damages: The plaintiff must have suffered substantial harm or injury as a result of the breach. This could include physical injuries, property damage, emotional distress, lost wages, and other financial losses.

What Damages Could Be Recovered in a Personal Injury Claim?

In an injury claim, the damages that can be recovered typically fall into the following categories:

Economic Damages (Compensatory)

• Medical Expenses: This includes past and future medical costs that are related to the injury, such as hospital stays, surgeries, physical therapy, medications, and doctor visits.
• Lost Wages: If the injury has caused the victim to miss work or be incapable to perform their job, they may be entitled to compensation for lost income.
• Loss of Future Earnings: If the injury results in long-term or permanent disability that impacts the victim's ability to work, compensation may be awarded for lost future earnings.
• Property Damage: Compensation for any property that had been damaged in the accident, like a vehicle.

Non-Economic Damages (Compensatory)

• Pain and Suffering: Compensation for physical discomfort, emotional distress, and mental anguish resulting from the injury.
• Loss of Consortium: If the injury affects the victim's relationship with their spouse, compensation may be granted for the loss of companionship, affection, and intimacy.
• Emotional Distress: For severe emotional or psychological harm caused by the accident or injury, separate from pain and suffering.
• Loss of Enjoyment of Life: If the injury severely limits the victim's ability to enjoy life's activities or hobbies, they could be qualified to compensation for this loss.
• Punitive Damages: These are granted in instances where the defendant's conduct was reckless, malicious, or egregious. Punitive damages are intended to penalize the wrongdoer and deter similar conduct in the future.

What is the Statute of Limitations for Personal Injury Claims in Washington State?

In Washington state, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit is generally 3 years from the date of the injury or from when the injury was discovered (if it was not instantly obvious). If the lawsuit is not filed within this time frame, the injured party typically loses their right to seek compensation.

However, exceptions and nuances depend on the circumstances, so it's essential to consult with an attorney to ensure your claim is filed within the appropriate time frame.

Contact us today to get started with our personal injury lawyer in Bremerton.