Dogs That Attacked Pregnant Tacoma Woman Had a History of Aggression
On June 25, 2026, a Tacoma woman was attacked by two dogs. Renee Wilson was pregnant, and it was her baby’s due date. At the hospital, her baby’s birth had to be induced. The dogs bit her multiple times on her legs, arms, and belly, and dragged her by her hair....
When Service Animals Are Injured: Additional Liability Under Washington’s Law Against Discrimination
Most lawyers and claims professionals recognize that injuries to animals—especially injuries to dogs—are typically analyzed under ordinary negligence or strict liability principles. Liability for dog bites in Washington is governed by RCW 16.08 et. seq. and Washington laws impose “strict liability” on the owners of dogs that bite humans or...
Government Liability for Negligent Response to 911 Calls
When people call 911 because someone is in imminent threat of serious harm, prompt response by law enforcement or emergency response personnel is essential. If help is delayed because a 911 operator misclassifies a call as a low priority, the 911 agency can be held responsible for a resulting death or injury.
Washington Government Injury Claims: Notice Requirements, Deadlines, and Common Mistakes
One procedural misstep can eliminate your ability to recover...
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!” ...
Crossover Collisions: Prevention by Median Barriers
Head-on, crossover car accidents are among the most serious types of collisions because of the severe injuries that often result. According to one study, 30% of cross-median crashes result in serious injuries and fatalities. A Washington State Department of Transportation...
How Dangerous, Hidden Stop Signs can cause Car Crashes
By Ray Kahler and Keith Kessler
GOVERNMENTAL ENTITIES’ LEGAL DUTY TO DESIGN AND MAINTAIN SAFE ROADS UNDER WASHINGTON STATE LAWIf you were injured due to a driver running a stop sign, you might have a claim against the governmental entity responsible...
Reflections on the Fourth of July
Today is the Fourth of July — a day of celebration and remembrance.
We celebrate our independence. We celebrate liberty and self-determination. We celebrate the importance we place in certain fundamental rights, like freedom from tyranny — from unreasonable conduct by the government against its people.
Pedestrian injuries in midblock crosswalks
According to data from the Federal Highway Administration, over 70% of pedestrian fatalities occur at non-intersection locations, including midblock crossings -- marked crosswalks between intersections.
Midblock crossings on multi-lane, busy streets present safety concerns because drivers do not expect pedestrians at locations other than intersections, and on multi-lane roads,...
Legislature, Inslee Overhaul Policing With 12 New Laws
By Melanie Nguyen
In response to sweeping calls nationally and locally to reform policing following the killings of Black Americans, our legislature passed, and Governor Jay Inslee signed, 12...