Washington Government Liability Attorneys
Evergreen Personal Injury Counsel has won some of the largest government liability injury suits in Washington state. Let us put our experience to work for you.
Contact UsWhen injuries or damage are caused by the negligence of a public agency, the path to justice can feel daunting. Fighting the government can seem impossible, and your frustration is valid. Finding the right Washington government liability attorney gives you the guidance you need to secure justice.
Understanding Government Negligence in Washington
Government liability arises when an injury occurs due to public entity negligence. This involves poorly maintained spaces, dangerous highways, or abuse within state-run facilities. State agencies like the Department of Transportation and the Department of Corrections have a duty to keep citizens safe. When they fail, and you sustain damages, consulting a Washington government liability attorney is a crucial next step. By keeping the government accountable, EPIC contributes to the safety and health of everyone.
According to the Washington State Department of Enterprise Services, victims must follow strict rules to receive compensation for their damages. This includes filing a standard tort claim and adhering to a 60-day waiting period before a lawsuit proceeds. Failing to document claims within these timeframes permanently jeopardizes recovery. Navigating these complex deadlines safely requires a skilled attorney who understands state law.
Washington Government Liability Attorneys
Washington Government Liability Case Results
$11 million recovered for six children that the Department of Social & Health Services failed to remove from an abusive home despite several concerning reports.
$2.75 million recovered for a child who lost his parents in an auto accident caused by a felon who was poorly supervised by the Department of Corrections.
$2.2 million recovered for the death of a husband and father who was brutally beat to death by a violent felon who was inadequately supervised by the Department of Corrections.
$2.1 million recovered for the death of a husband and father caused by a reckless driver who was mistakenly released from custody with time still remaining on a drunk driving conviction and then inadequately supervised by the Department of Corrections.
$2.0 million recovered for the wife of a man shot and killed during a home robbery committed by a felon who was inadequately supervised by the Department of Corrections.
$1.9 million recovered for the death of a teenager killed by a sex offender who was poorly supervised by the Department of Corrections.
$1.4 million recovered for the death of a mother and injuries to her daughter in a car accident caused by a drug dependent felon who was poorly supervised by the Department of Corrections.
Common Examples of Government Negligence
It can be difficult to know if your accident qualifies for a tort claim. Working alongside knowledgeable legal counsel helps clarify the unique details of your situation. Here are frequent scenarios we encounter:
- Dangerous road conditions. Accidents caused by unaddressed potholes, a lack of signage, or poor highway design. We investigate these cases by securing state maintenance logs, past citizen complaint records, and original highway blueprints to prove the hazard was ignored.
- Public transit accidents. Injuries sustained due to a city bus driver misjudging speed, or failing to replace balding tires. Our team acts quickly to preserve essential evidence, securing dashcam footage, driver training history, and vehicle inspection reports before they are erased.
- Negligence in state facilities. A lack of adequate supervision leading to severe harm within state-run hospitals or corrections facilities. We uncover systemic failures by analyzing internal staffing levels, securing security camera footage, and demanding hidden incident reports.
- Premises liability. Severe slip and fall injuries caused by a county crew leaving an unmarked hazard in a public building. We establish fault by analyzing daily inspection schedules, interviewing maintenance staff, and gathering surveillance video to show the hazard was known.
If your situation mirrors these circumstances, reaching out to a compassionate Washington government liability attorney from EPIC Law can help determine the best path forward.
Navigating the Legal Process
A successful claim requires proving the government breached its duty of care and caused your injuries. This process is complex, but victims are entitled to fair compensation. Working with an experienced Washington government liability attorney ensures you have the maximum ability to recover damages. We compressively recover both direct economic damages and non-economic damages:
- Economic damages. These cover verifiable financial losses. This includes past medical bills, lost wages, and property damage.
- Non-economic damages. These compensate you for subjective impacts. This includes pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life.
The Opposition: Facing the State
Government agencies and risk management pools act much like private insurance companies. Their goal is protecting their bottom line and shielding taxpayer funds. Adjusters investigate claims aggressively, looking to shift blame or pressure you into an unfair settlement. Feeling outmatched is common without a tenacious Washington government liability attorney standing firmly by your side.
The EPIC Law Solution
At Evergreen Personal Injury Counsel, we do not back down from challenging cases. Our team works tirelessly, drawing on a history of securing large verdicts against state agencies. Results include a $14 million recovery against DSHS and a $3.75 million recovery against the DOC.
We take a comprehensive approach to your case. A trusted legal advocate will independently investigate the incident, accurately calculate long-term damages, and handle aggressive negotiations. If the state refuses to offer a fair settlement, we are fully prepared to litigate. We treat every client with compassion while relentlessly pursuing the truth.
Get the Answers You Need
You do not have to face the state alone. Your recovery is our priority. We invite you to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your situation. We will listen to your story, offer honest legal advice, and help you understand your options. Contact a Washington government liability attorney today via our contact page and let us put our experience to work for you.
“I knew I could put my case in their highly capable hands and not have to worry or think about anything.”
– Angela Smith
Frequently Asked Questions About Government Liability in Washington:
Can I actually sue the state of Washington for an injury? Yes, you can. Washington State abolished the doctrine of “sovereign immunity” in 1961. This means that the state, its agencies, and its employees can be held liable for negligent, tortious conduct to the same extent as a private person or corporation.
What is the 60-day waiting period? State law requires injured parties to observe a strict 60-day waiting period after presenting the Standard Tort Claim form before they are legally allowed to file a lawsuit in court. This window gives the government agency a chance to investigate your claim and potentially respond before litigation begins.
Are there caps on how much money I can recover from the state? Unlike many other states that arbitrarily limit the amount of money victims can recover from government entities, Washington does not have special personal injury damage caps for these claims. You are legally permitted to seek full compensation for both economic and non-economic damages.
Does this apply to cities and counties as well? Yes. If you were harmed by a local government entity—such as a specific city, county, or local public transit authority—you must file your tort claim against that specific local entity rather than the State of Washington. Local municipalities also require a formal claim form to be filed and verified before a lawsuit can be initiated.