Posts by Smith McBroom
How Hospitals Try to Avoid Liability in Wrongful Death Cases
Hospitals are supposed to be safe places. You go to one for medical care and healing. However, sometimes they become dangerous, even deadly. Errors in healthcare have become a leading cause of injury and death. Washington State’s hospitals are no strangers to things like negligence, malpractice, and even wrongful deaths. When someone you love dies…
Read MoreThe Role of Arbitration in Washington Med Mal and Injury Disputes
Most types of court cases have declined across Washington in recent years. Many factors play a role here, but one of the most interesting is the increase in arbitration that doesn’t involve going to court. Having fewer court cases means potential benefits for some litigants. For instance, it might mean less of a backlog for…
Read MoreUnderstanding Informed Consent Violations in Washington State Medical Claims
Hundreds of thousands of medical procedures happen every single day in Washington State. They run the gamut from blood tests to epidurals and everything in between. They play roles in pretty much all aspects of healthcare, whether we’re talking about preventative care, diagnosing a medical condition, or treating a known health condition. However, medical procedures…
Read MoreHow Washington’s Statute of Limitations for Childhood Sex Abuse Claims Works
Child sexual abuse occurs in every state in the nation. Almost 3,200 children were the victims of “maltreatment” in Washington State in 2023. That number includes a wide range of abuse types, including sexual abuse. However, most cases go unreported for many different reasons. Historically, one of the most common was believing that too much…
Read MoreWhat to Do If Your Child’s IEP Is Not Being Followed in Washington
According to the Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction, roughly 143,000 students in Washington State currently receive special education services in academic environments. Under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), schools are legally obligated to implement each eligible student’s Individualized Education Program (IEP) in full in order to ensure young people of all…
Read MoreHow Washington Calculates Loss of Consortium in Wrongful Death Claims
In this life, there are two things you simply cannot put a price on: Love and loss. Regardless of age, background or circumstance, the unexpected loss of a spouse or partner can be Earth-shattering and life-altering for those left behind. Losing a loved one due to someone else’s negligence, however, can be even more devastating…
Read MoreHow TBI in Children Impacts Special Education Eligibility in WA Public Schools
Every year, almost half a million children under the age of 15 sustain traumatic brain injuries in the United States. These injuries can range in severity, with some children recovering quickly at home and others requiring hospitalization or more intensive medical intervention. A traumatic brain injury, or TBI, can have life-altering consequences for a child…
Read MoreHow a Personal Injury Can Trigger Special Education Rights Under IDEA in Washington
In the United States, over 5 million children are treated for injuries in emergency departments each year. These injuries may vary significantly in cause, severity and prognosis, but one thing is certain: When children experience serious injuries, whole families tend to be impacted. While many children fully recover from their injuries, some experience life-altering side…
Read MoreLiability After a Bicycle Accident in Washington
Bicycle mishaps can strike quickly, and the fallout can be overwhelming. It’s not just the physical injuries that hurt. The financial stress, the mental recovery, and the endless questions about what to do next add to the pain. One of those questions may be: Who’s responsible for this mess? Understanding liability with the help of…
Read MoreDealing with Chronic Pain After an Injury
One day, life is normal. The next, you’re in pain that won’t go away. Maybe it started with a car accident, a fall, or some other injury that should have healed by now – but didn’t. Instead, you wake up every day hurting, and no matter what treatments you try, nothing seems to bring relief.…
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