Bellevue Personal Injury Attorneys

• Serious Injuries. We know that catastrophic injuries can devastate victims and families, which is why we fight tirelessly to ensure these high-value cases are resolved in a manner that reflects the ongoing needs of our clients. We handle cases involving traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, organ damage, and other serious harms. We engage in a thorough analysis of the long-term impact on quality of life to argue for maximum recovery.
• Wrongful Death. Survival and wrongful death actions give families an opportunity to seek justice and compensation for their losses. At CZ, we have a proven record of deftly handling these claims and have recovered millions of dollars for families who’ve suffered profound losses due to the negligence of others.  We offer compassionate support and legal guidance to ensure your family's voice is heard throughout the process.
• Products Liability. Products liability is the liability manufacturers, distributors, and retailers have for injuries caused by defective and unsafe products. Our team handles claims involving vehicles and consumer products rendered defective by how they were designed, manufactured, or marketed. We analyze product specifications, usage guidelines, and manufacturing practices to establish accountability.
• Sexual Assault & Abuse. Sexual assault and abuse survivors may have grounds to seek compensation for their losses by pursuing civil claims. As separate matters from criminal proceedings, civil sexual abuse lawsuits can be brought against entities – such as schools, camps, or even religious organizations – that failed to stop abusers and protect victims. Our firm prioritizes client confidentiality and support while aggressively pursuing accountability.
• Civil Rights Claims. Our talented civil trial lawyers have extensive experience litigating high-stakes civil rights cases on behalf of clients whose rights were violated by the government, including victims of police brutality and excessive force. We navigate the intricacies of civil rights laws to ensure the protection and restoration of clients' legal rights.
• Dog Bite Lawsuits. In Washington, pet owners can be held liable for injuries caused by attacks and dog bites. Our firm helps dog bite victims protect their right to compensation in claims that seek accountability and a full recovery of damages. We meticulously gather evidence from medical records, eyewitness accounts, and animal control reports to build a strong case in your favor.

How Long Do I Have to File a Personal Injury Lawsuit in Washington?

In the state of Washington, victims injured by the negligence of others have a limited amount of time to take legal action. 

This is known as the “statute of limitations” and for most personal injury cases it expires three years from the date of injury. However, there are situations where the statute of limitations may be different, such as in cases where victims were not immediately aware of the connection between negligence and their injuries, when victims are minors, and when certain issues or defendants are involved.

Because victims are barred from filing lawsuits and recovering compensation when the statute of limitations expires, it is best for anyone with a potential claim to seek legal assistance as soon as possible. At CZ, we make ourselves immediately available to help victims evaluate the statutes of limitations that apply to their claims and to assess how we can help them fight for justice. We understand the urgency of these matters and work to complete filings within the applicable deadlines to protect your right to seek compensation.

Recoverable Damages in Washington Personal Injury Cases

In Washington State, individuals who have sustained injuries due to the negligence or wrongful actions of others have the right to seek compensation for a variety of damages. These damages are classified into two main categories: economic and non-economic.

Economic Damages

Economic damages, also known as special damages, are financial losses that can be easily quantified. They include, but are not limited to:

• Medical Expenses: This covers past and future medical treatment, rehabilitation costs, and any out-of-pocket expenses for medical supplies.
• Lost Wages: Compensation for income lost because of an injury, including lost future earning capacity if the injury affects the victim's ability to work.
• Property Damage: If personal property was damaged because of the incident, victims may be reimbursed for repair or replacement.
• Other Monetary Losses: Any other financial losses that directly result from the injury.

Non-Economic Damages

Non-economic damages, or general damages, compensate an injured individual for non-financial losses that are more subjective and harder to quantify:

• Pain and Suffering: This considers the physical discomfort and emotional distress that result from the injury.
• Loss of Enjoyment: If the injuries prevent the victim from enjoying hobbies and other recreational activities, compensation may be awarded.
• Loss of Consortium: This applies to the adverse effects on the relationship between the injured party and their spouse.
• Mental Anguish: Compensation for psychological impact, including anxiety, depression, and trauma.

Additionally, punitive damages may be pursued in cases involving particularly egregious behavior. Although less common, they serve to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar conduct. Understanding the full scope of recoverable damages is crucial to pursuing appropriate compensation, as these funds contribute to your recovery and future well-being.

Examples of Our Results

Our Bellevue personal injury lawyers have recovered more than $2 billion in compensation for clients in claims involving auto accidents, medical malpractice, serious injuries, and wrongful death.

As a firm with a proven track record, we’re trusted by clients across Washington and beyond to handle the toughest cases. Some examples of our results include:

• $131 million for a drunk driving victim in a case involving dram shop liability (holding a restaurant/bar liable for overserving the drunk driver).
• $29.25 million recovery against State Farm for a victim who sustained a brain injury.
• $14.6 million recovery for the family of a farmer who was fatally struck by a commercial vehicle. 
• $10.5 million recovery for an auto accident victim who was rear-ended by a motorist who had been texting and driving. 

These achievements exemplify our commitment to obtaining meaningful results for our clients. We meticulously analyze each case to formulate strategies that position our clients for the best possible outcome.

What To Expect When You Work With Our Firm

When you contact Carpenter & Zuckerman after a serious accident, we start by listening carefully to what happened, how you were injured, and what concerns you have about medical bills, missed work, and your future. During an initial consultation, we explain how the claims process works in Washington, what role insurance companies play, and how an injury attorney Bellevue residents trust can step in to protect your interests. Our goal in this first conversation is to give you clear next steps so you feel more in control of a situation that may otherwise feel overwhelming.

If we move forward together, we gather medical records, police reports, photographs, and witness statements to build a detailed picture of how the incident occurred and how it has affected your life. We may consult with medical professionals or accident reconstruction specialists when needed to clarify the extent of your injuries and the mechanics of the crash or hazardous event. Because many serious collisions in Bellevue occur on busy routes such as I-405, I-90, and SR 520, we pay close attention to road design, traffic patterns, and commercial vehicle activity when evaluating fault and liability.

Throughout your case, we keep you updated on negotiations, court deadlines, and any settlement offers so you can make informed decisions at every stage. We handle communication with insurance adjusters and defense lawyers, allowing you to focus on medical treatment and your family instead of paperwork and legal tactics. If a fair settlement is not offered, we prepare thoroughly for litigation in venues such as King County Superior Court, presenting your story in a way that clearly shows the physical, emotional, and financial impact of the harm you have suffered.