Washington Personal Injury Law Blog
Which legal papers should you draft after a severe brain injury?
You suffered a brain injury recently, and you want to get your financial affairs in order while recovering. Have you drawn up the necessary legal documents to help with financial planning? The Brain Injury Association of America breaks down common legal documents...
Strict Liability for Washington School Districts
The Washington Supreme Court held in a 9-0 decision Washington school districts may be subject to strict liability for discrimination by their employees under the Washington Law Against Discrimination.
Darrell Cochran Discusses Virtual Jury Trial and $8M Settlement with Law360
In only the fourth ever virtual federal jury trial, PCVA partners Darrell Cochran and Tom Vertetis brought an excessive-force suit against the city of Tacoma on behalf of Than Orn who was shot by police leaving him paralyzed from the waist down. The jury trial that...
Protecting Students from School Sexual Abuse
Sexual exploitation and abuse occurs in our schools at an alarming frequency. Students are extremely vulnerable to sexual predators who often groom victims in ways that may not be apparent to parents and school staff. PCVA’s Darrell Cochran explains what parents and...
How long do you have to file a medical malpractice claim?
If you recently suffered from medical malpractice in Washington or another state, it is essential to act quickly to pursue civil damages. State laws define strict time windows when your claim is valid, and these are not suggestions but hard and fast deadlines. ...
Girl abused by foster parents receives settlement
Children are at the mercy of their adult caretakers, not only to provide them with food and shelter, but to give them the care, love and attention they need. Kids in the foster care system are particularly vulnerable, as they are moved from home to home. In some...
Reshaping Washington Court Practices During and After COVID-19
PCVA partner Chris Love has been actively involved in changing the way Washington State courts conduct proceedings during the global pandemic. Forced to adapt to protocols required during the COVID-19, the courts have looked at fundamental changes to proceedings that...
Washington Women Lawyers Names Elizabeth Calora President-Elect
PCVA partner Elizabeth Calora has been elected President-Elect of the Washington Women Lawyers (WWL) Board of Directors for 2021. As Washington’s largest organization for women in the legal industry, WWL’s mission is to further the full integration of women in the...
Sexual Abuse Lawsuit Against Aberdeen School District and Former Teacher Settles for $2 Million
PCVA partner Darrell Cochran and associate Andrew Ulmer settled a sexual assault civil lawsuit against Aberdeen School District and band teacher Michael Alstad on December 4, 2020 for $2 million on behalf of a woman who was sexually abused by Alstad in the late 1980s...
Should I seek legal advice before signing an insurance settlement?
After suffering through an accident and sustaining a serious injury, you will likely notice insurance companies swooping in to offer you money to settle your claim. Agreeing to the first offer may tempt you, but the amount is negligible compared to what you can...
