Get Help For Any Type Of Injury Case

Holiday Injuries in Seattle/Tacoma: Your Rights According to a Personal Injury Attorney

CASE EVALUATIONS ARE FAST, EASY, AND FREE.

The holiday season, with its festive spirit and bustling activities, often brings an increased risk of personal injuries. Even in Seattle and Tacoma, this season is no exception.

While families gather to celebrate, the possibility of accidents and injuries lurks, sometimes overshadowing the joy of the season. This is where a Seattle/Tacoma personal injury attorney becomes invaluable. We, at Craig Swapp & Associates, exist to assist those who have suffered due to holiday injuries and accidents.

Holiday Personal Injury Statistics

Statistically, the holiday season witnesses a spike in personal injury cases across the United States. These numbers of the heightened risks during this time include motor-vehicle accident fatalities.

The National Safety Council (NSC) reports that traffic fatalities tend to rise in the weeks leading up to Christmas. In 2020, there were 428 deaths on the two weeks before Christmas, and 380 the week before, and finally dropping to 323 on Christmas Day itself.

While Christmas tends to see a peak in fatalities, New Year’s Day is generally less deadly but is still something to be aware of for accidents and injuries. In 2021, the NSC recorded 122 motor vehicle fatalities on New Year’s Day.

The NSC predicts that 345 people will die in traffic accidents on Christmas Day 2023. This represents a slight increase from the 323 deaths in 2020.

Common December Holiday Accidents and Personal Injuries

Slip and Fall Accidents – Icy sidewalks and wet floors in shopping malls are common during the holiday season. These conditions significantly increase the risk of slip and fall accidents, often leading to severe injuries.
Road Traffic Accidents – With an increase in holiday travel and festivities, there is a noticeable uptick in road accidents. Factors like impaired driving and inclement weather contribute to this surge.
Product-Related Injuries – The holidays are synonymous with gifts and decorations. However, defective or unsafe products can lead to injuries, ranging from electric shocks to lacerations.
Fire-Related Injuries – Festive lights and candles, while creating a cozy atmosphere, can also be a fire hazard if not used cautiously, leading to serious burns or smoke inhalation injuries.
Food Poisoning – Holiday parties and gatherings often feature extensive spreads of food. Improperly handled or stored food can result in food poisoning, leading to significant health issues.
Animal Attacks – With more visitors and delivery personnel coming to homes during the holidays, incidents of dog bites and other animal attacks can increase.
Sport and Recreation Injuries – Winter sports, such as skiing, snowboarding, and ice skating, are popular during the holidays but can also lead to accidents and injuries.

In these scenarios, an accident lawyer in Seattle/Tacoma can provide the necessary legal assistance. Whether it is navigating the complexities of insurance claims or pursuing legal action against responsible parties, a dedicated personal injury attorney is crucial.

Legal Rights When Involved in a Holiday Personal Injury

In Washington State, the law protects individuals who have suffered personal injuries due to someone else’s negligence or wrongdoing. If you find yourself in such unfortunate circumstances during the holiday season, you have the right to seek compensation for your injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, and other related costs.

Settlement From Insurance Companies

Dealing with insurance companies in personal injury cases can often be a complex and challenging endeavor. These companies may propose settlements that, at first glance, seem adequate but may not fully encompass the breadth of your damages and future needs. A skilled attorney plays a crucial role in these negotiations, ensuring that any settlement offer fully addresses your current and future needs arising from the injury.

Right to Compensation

If your injury is a direct result of another’s negligence, the law empowers you to seek fair compensation. This right to compensation is comprehensive, covering not just your medical bills but also accounting for any pain and suffering you have experienced loss of earnings, and other related damages. It is important to understand that these damages are not just physical but can also be psychological and emotional, particularly during a time meant for celebration and joy.

Right to Legal Representation

As an injured party in a holiday personal injury case, exercising your right to legal representation is crucial. A qualified personal injury lawyer can offer indispensable guidance and advocacy, helping you navigate the often complex legal landscape of personal injury claims. Their skill and legal knowledge help them to represent your interests, ensuring a fair and just outcome.

Washington’s Personal Injury Statute of Limitations

Washington State imposes specific time constraints for filing a personal injury claim, known as the statute of limitations. This legal deadline – generally, within 3 years – underscores the importance of seeking prompt legal counsel following an injury.

Delaying action can jeopardize your ability to claim the compensation you deserve. Consulting with a Seattle/Tacoma personal injury lawyer as soon as possible after your injury ensures that your case is handled within the legal timeframes and that your rights are fully protected throughout the process.

Immediately Consult Our Personal Injury Attorney When Injured During Holidays

At Craig Swapp & Associates, we handle holiday personal injury cases in Seattle/Tacoma. Our team of experienced personal injury attorneys understands the local laws and nuances of personal injury cases during the festive season. We are committed to providing our clients with the highest quality legal representation, ensuring that their rights are respected and that they receive the compensation they deserve.

Our approach is personalized, understanding that each case is unique. We work closely with our clients, keeping them informed throughout the legal process, and we are always available to answer questions and provide guidance. We aim to make the legal process as stress-free as possible for our clients.

Do not let a personal injury dampen your holiday spirit. Contact us today for a free consultation, and let us help you get your holiday season back on track when you get injured.

Written By: Ryan Swapp Legal Review By: Craig Swapp

Schedule a Free Consultation

Full Name(Required)

Telephone(Required)

Email(Required)

Preferred Contact Method(Required)

Brief Description of Case(Required)

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Client Reviews

“I was concerned with all the paperwork”

Before calling your firm I had 2 big worries. One was I didn’t want to do more paper work, and that fear was resolved when I had to do very little, but Craig Swapp and Assoc. did most of it, and when I did have to come in to sign papers they worked around the times I could do it. Worry 2 was I didn’t want people to think I was “sue happy” and that I was just out to get money. I just wanted my bills to be paid for that were from the accident, and that was resolved I think by Mr. Wes Mortenson and Theresa because they listened to what I had to say.

Amber W.,

Spokane, WA

"I would hire them in a second"

My biggest fear was not having all the expenses caused by the accident paid for in full. I was assured they would be taken care of but I admit I was skeptical. When we wrapped everything up (which happened quicker than I was originally told) I had extra money in my pocket. I honestly thought there was a catch but my attorney explained everything to me in detail. If I am ever in that position again I’ll be giving Craig Swapp a call.

Robert N.,

Spokane, WA

"I was afraid of the fees"

I was afraid of the fees I would have to pay a lawyer. I waited over a year before hiring your law firm. I finally reached out to your online help where they were able to help me understand the process and what would happen. In all honesty I absolutely loved working with the individuals that were involved in my case. They were genuine & heartfelt about my case. It felt as though they really cared and were concerned about me, not just as a client but as a person.

Lacey B.,

Salt Lake City, UT

"I was afraid that my issue was too small"

I was afraid that my issue was too small to be handled, and that it would just be rejected. Or that I’d end up having to pay for my medical expenses and any of your teams expenses. I would definitely answer yes, it was resolved! I wasn’t ever made out to feel like my little issue didn’t matter, and my expenses were paid for- just what I wanted/needed.

J. Rohas,

Caldwell, ID

"I am very pleased with the results"

My biggest fear was that it would be pointless to pursue legal action in my case. I felt like maybe I didn’t have much of a case. After speaking with Paul, I realize it was not of my own fault and that others can be held responsible for the pain and suffering I went through.

Dollie J.,

West Jordan, UT

READ ALL TESTIMONIALS