Frequently Asked Questions

Washington's statute of limitations for most personal injury cases is three years from the date of the injury. However, it is two years for some types of lawsuits, such as libel, slander, assault and battery, or false imprisonment. Think of it as a shot clock. Miss it, and your right to compensation generally disappears. The Law Office of Eric Freise PLLC recommends contacting an attorney early, while evidence is fresh.

Medical bills are only the tip of the iceberg. A serious injury can ripple outward - lost income, reduced earning capacity, and a lower quality of life. At the Law Office of Eric Freise PLLC, we identify and seek compensation across all these damages, not just the receipts you can hand over.

If injuries required medical treatment, fault is disputed, or the insurer's offer feels low, call a lawyer before signing anything. Insurance adjusters work for the insurance company, not you - once you sign a release, that door closes permanently on additional compensation.

Premises liability is the specific legal framework. It is the toolset, not just the lawsuit. It requires proving the owner knew (or should have known) about a hazard like a wet floor, broken handrail, faulty elevator, or unfenced swimming pool, and failed to fix it or warn you.

More than one party can be at fault. It is rarely just one domino. Depending on the situation, liability may fall on the property owner, the general company, a sub-contractor, or even a machine manufacturer. Our experience at the Law Office of Eric Freise PLLC helps untangle which parties bear responsibility.

Construction site liability law covers anyone hurt by negligence on the site - construction workers, engineers, electricians, and even pedestrians walking past. If a falling tool or unsafe scaffolding causes your injury, you have the right to seek compensation regardless of your job title.

Washington follows a strict liability rule for dog bites, meaning the owner is generally responsible whether or not the dog had a prior history. Think of it like a "no free first bite" standard - the owner does not get a warning shot before being held accountable.

Far more than just car crashes. The Law Office of Eric Freise PLLC handles motor vehicle cases involving cars, motorcycles, trucks, pedestrians, bicycles, and scooters. Each has its own injury patterns and insurance dynamics, but the underlying question is the same: who was at fault, and what are the damages?

Picture it as a relay with three legs - investigation, negotiation, and (if needed) litigation. We figure out who is liable, determine what your case is worth, and build a compelling case. Most claims settle through negotiation; filing a lawsuit is the next leg if the insurer will not offer fair compensation.

Your case value depends on a number of factors, including injury severity, length of recovery time, type of treatment; impairment during and after healing, medical expenses (current and future), lost income, loss of future earnings, pain and suffering, and impact on your quality of life. Clear fault and strong documentation push value up; pre-existing conditions and gaps in treatment can pull it down.

Personal injury law has layers - Washington-specific rules, insurance tactics, medical evidence, and strategy. Eric Freise has nearly 50 years of experience across car, motorcycle, truck, pedestrian, bicycle, scooter, dog bite, premises, and construction injury cases, which means fewer surprises and a sharper case strategy.

Treat it like preserving a crime scene before the rain washes it away. Get medical attention immediately, photograph the hazard and injury, get witness contact information, report the incident to the property owner or animal control, and avoid giving recorded statements to insurers before talking to an attorney.