Port Angeles Personal Injury & Social Security Disability

What Is A Personal Injury Claim?

A personal injury claim is a way to seek money for your injuries when someone else causes harm. In Port Angeles and nearby places like Sequim, Forks, Port Townsend, and Port Ludlow, these claims often come from car crashes, slips and falls, unsafe property, or dangerous products. The goal is to help you pay for medical care, lost wages, and the pain the accident caused.

What Does Negligence Mean?

Negligence means someone did not act with reasonable care, and their actions hurt you. To prove negligence, you must show four things: the person had a duty to act safely, they failed to follow that duty, their actions caused your injury, and you suffered real losses like medical bills or missed work. These steps help explain why the other person is responsible.

What Is Comparative Negligence?

Washington uses a rule called “pure comparative negligence.” This means you can still get money even if you were partly at fault. Your payment is simply reduced by your percentage of fault. If you were 20% responsible, you would receive 80% of the total damages.

Are There Time Limits For Claims?

Yes, personal injury claims must be filed within certain time limits. Most cases have a set deadline, but there are exceptions for kids, claims against the government, or injuries you discover later. It’s always better to act quickly so you don’t miss your chance to file.

What Damages Can I Recover?

You may be able to recover two types of damages. Economic damages cover clear costs like medical bills, lost wages, or repairs. Non-economic damages cover things you can’t measure as easily, such as pain, suffering, and emotional stress. Washington does not place a limit on compensatory damages, but the state does not allow punitive damages.

What Insurance Is Required?

Drivers in Washington must carry minimum liability insurance to cover injuries and property damage. Optional coverage, such as uninsured or underinsured motorist insurance, can protect you if the person who caused the crash doesn’t have enough coverage. This can make a huge difference after a serious accident.

What Is A Wrongful Death Claim?

A wrongful death claim applies when a person dies because of someone else’s carelessness. Close family members may be able to recover money for funeral costs, lost financial support, and the emotional loss of a loved one. These claims help families find stability during an incredibly difficult time.

What Are Washington's Specific Laws?

Washington has several important rules that affect injury cases. Car crashes follow an at-fault system, meaning the driver who caused the accident must pay for the damages. Property owners must keep their buildings and land safe. Manufacturers can be held responsible for defective products. Dog owners are fully responsible if their dog bites someone. Medical providers must follow accepted standards of care, and they may be liable if they fail to do so.

What Should I Do After An Injury?

If you get hurt, report the incident right away. In Port Angeles, you can contact the police at 321 E 5th St or call the non-emergency line at (360) 452-4545. Always get medical care, even if the injury seems small. The Olympic Medical Center at 939 Caroline St can treat accident injuries. Collect photos, witness names, medical records, and any documents related to the incident. These steps help protect your claim.

What Are Disability Benefit Programs?

There are two main disability programs: Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Both use the same medical definition of disability, but the financial rules are different. SSDI is for people who have worked and paid into Social Security. SSI is for people with limited income and resources.

What Is Social Security Disability Insurance?

SSDI helps people who have worked enough and paid Social Security taxes. You must show you cannot work and that your condition meets the SSA’s rules. The SSA also checks your work history to see if you qualify.

What Is Supplemental Security Income?

SSI helps people with low income, no matter their work history. It provides monthly payments to people with disabilities who do not qualify for SSDI. SSI can also help children and older adults with limited resources.

How Do I Apply For Benefits?

You can apply for disability benefits online, by phone, or by visiting the local Social Security office. In Port Angeles, the SSA office is located at 138 W 1st St #113. You will need medical records, work details for SSDI, and financial information for SSI. The SSA may ask for extra forms that describe your daily activities or recent job duties.

How Does The SSA Decide My Claim?

The SSA reviews your medical records and looks at how your condition affects your daily life. They also decide whether you can do any type of work. Most claims take months to process, and complex cases may take longer.

Why Are Disability Claims Denied?

Many claims are denied at first because the SSA needs more medical proof, the forms are incomplete, or the details are unclear. Many people win benefits later by appealing and giving more information.

What If My Claim Is Denied?

If your claim is denied, ask for reconsideration. If it’s denied again, you can request a hearing with a judge. Updating your medical records and giving more details can improve your chances of success.

What Benefits Will I Receive?

SSDI payments depend on how long you worked and how much you paid into Social Security. Some family members may also qualify. SSI payments are based on financial need, and most recipients also receive Medicaid.

What Issues Arise After Approval?

Even after approval, you may face problems like delayed payments, incorrect amounts, or questions about dependents. Most issues can be fixed by giving updated information to the SSA or by contacting your lawyer for help.

Local Resources:

If you are hurt in Port Angeles, you can report an accident to the police at 321 E 5th St or call the non-emergency line at (360) 452-4545. For medical help, visit the Olympic Medical Center at 939 Caroline St. For disability help, visit the Social Security office at 138 W 1st St #113. Whether you live in Sequim, Port Angeles, Forks, Port Townsend, or Port Ludlow, Gustad Law Group is here to fight for you and help you move forward after an injury or disability claim.