What Qualifies as a Catastrophic Injury Under Washington Law?
A catastrophic injury is one that permanently alters the way you live. These are injuries so severe they prevent you from returning to the same job, caring for yourself, or enjoying daily life the way you once did. Whether caused by a serious car crash, a fall, or another act of negligence,...
Stritmatter Law Announces Rebrand as It Celebrates 80 Years of Legal Leadership in Washington State
In a milestone year marking eight decades of legal advocacy, the personal injury law firm formerly known as Stritmatter Kessler Koehler Moore is proud to announce a rebrand to Stritmatter Law.
Andrew Ackley in Trial News: Sunlight on Subrogation: A Class Action to Protect Access to Justice from Subrogation Fraud
In his latest article for Trial News, senior partner Andrew Ackley exposes the deceptive tactics used by subrogation collection companies, particularly MultiPlan and Regence, against Washington tort victims. These companies falsely claimed ERISA preemption to block access to settlement funds, even when the victims were government employees not covered by...
NTSB Fails to Address Alaska Airlines Flight 1282 Pressure Warnings Before Door Plug Blowout
SEATTLE, WA – June 24, 2025 - Today’s NTSB hearing on the Alaska Flight 1282 in-flight door mid-exit plug blowout did not fully answer important questions about what the airline may have known before then. The NTSB concludes that a Cabin Pressure Controller warning light microchip caused multiple warnings because it...
In Memoriam: J. Murray Kleist (1930–2025)
We are heartbroken to share the passing of J. Murray Kleist, who served as Of Counsel to our firm and whose legacy helped shape plaintiff trial practice in Washington. Below, Paul Stritmatter shares a personal remembrance.
Murray was a dear friend. He had a terrific strategic...
Police Misconduct: The Constitutional Right to Be Free from Excessive Force
Over the past decade, the American public has become increasingly aware of police misconduct and the use of excessive force against civilians. Here in Seattle, many high-profile incidents and independent investigations have underscored the urgent need to understand—and protect—your Constitutional rights.
What Is “Excessive Force” Under the...
Melanie Nguyen in Bar News: Fifty Years Since the Fall of Saigon
To mark 50 years since the Fall...
When the Federal Government Raids the Wrong House: What Martin v. United States Teaches Us About Government Accountability
It’s early morning. You’re at home with your family, having dinner, maybe still in bed, when suddenly your front door is blown open. Flash-bang grenades go off. Boom! Agents in tactical gear rush in, shouting. “Get down! get down!” ...
The Hero’s Journey – A Call to Action
I had the honor of presenting at the WACDL annual conference in Chelan. The topic: The Hero’s Journey – A Call to Action.
Watch a clip here: https://youtube.com/shorts/dhYc1tF9jhA?feature=share
After recent conversations with two former students from my classes at Seattle University, I...
Air India Flight 171 Crash: Legal and Safety Questions Follow Fatal Dreamliner Disaster
Tata Group’s Air India Flight 171, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, was filled with 242 people when that London-bound aircraft, fully loaded with fuel, crashed into the BJ Medical College hostel right after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport...