Bothell Personal Injury & Social Security Disability
Trust Gustad Law Group in Bothell to handle your personal injury and disability case. We provide caring, experienced support and fight for the compensation you deserve. Count on us to guide you through every step, protect your rights, and help you move forward. Start your path to justice today with confidence – call now.
What Is A Personal Injury Claim?
A personal injury claim lets you seek compensation if someone else's actions cause your injury. Common examples include car crashes, slips and falls, or unsafe products.
What Does Negligence Mean?
Negligence means failing to act with reasonable care. To prove it, show four things: the other person had a duty to be careful, they failed that duty, their actions caused your injury, and you suffered losses like medical bills or lost wages.
What Is Comparative Negligence?
Washington uses "pure comparative negligence." You can recover money even if partly at fault, but compensation is reduced by your share of responsibility.
Are There Time Limits For Claims?
Most personal injury claims have time limits. Exceptions exist for minors, government claims, or injuries discovered later.
What Damages Can I Recover?
You may recover economic damages, such as medical bills and lost wages, and non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering. Washington has no limit on compensatory damages, but punitive damages aren't allowed.
What Insurance Is Required?
Drivers must carry minimum liability insurance for injury and property damage. Optional coverage protects you if the at-fault driver lacks insurance.
What Is A Wrongful Death Claim?
A wrongful death claim applies when someone dies due to another's negligence. Eligible family members can recover funeral costs, lost financial support, and other damages.
What Are Washington's Specific Laws?
Special rules apply in Washington. Car accidents follow an at-fault system. Property owners must maintain safe premises. Manufacturers can be liable for defective products. Dog owners are responsible for injuries caused by their pets. Medical professionals must meet accepted care standards.
What Should I Do After An Injury?
After an injury, report the incident, seek medical care, and collect evidence like photos, witness statements, and medical records to protect your claim.
What Are Disability Benefit Programs?
Disability benefits come from two federal programs: Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Both use the same medical definition of disability but have different financial requirements.
What Is Social Security Disability Insurance?
SSDI covers people who have worked and paid Social Security taxes. Applicants cannot earn above a set amount, and the SSA checks work history.
What Is Supplemental Security Income?
SSI helps people with limited income and resources, regardless of work history, providing financial support to disabled individuals who don't qualify for SSDI.
How Do I Apply For Benefits?
Apply online, by phone, or at a Social Security office. Provide medical records, work history for SSDI, and financial details for SSI. The SSA may request forms about daily activities or recent work.
How Does The SSA Decide My Claim?
The SSA reviews medical records, evaluates daily limitations, and decides if you can work other jobs. Most decisions take several months; complex cases may take longer.
Why Are Disability Claims Denied?
Disability claims are often denied due to missing medical evidence, incomplete documents, or vague descriptions. Many claims are approved after appeal with more details.
What If My Claim Is Denied?
If denied, request reconsideration. If still denied, request a hearing before a judge. Providing updated medical records or additional evidence improves your chances.
What Benefits Will I Receive?
SSDI payments depend on work history, and some family members may qualify. SSI payments depend on financial need, and recipients usually get Medicaid.
What Issues Arise After Approval?
After approval, you may face payment delays, incorrect amounts, or dependent questions. Most issues are resolved by updating information with the SSA.
Local Resources:
Contact the Bothell Police Department at 18410 101st Ave NE, call 911, or use the non-emergency line at 425-486-1254 to report an accident. No matter where you live in Bothell - whether it's Mill Creek East, North Creek, Martha Lake, or anywhere in between – John Paul Gustad is ready to fight for your compensation.