No. Generally not. Don't give such a statement without first consulting a lawyer.

Will I have to go to court?

Most likely not. At least 95% of all the cases I handle settle out of court by negotiating with the insurance company adjusters and attorneys. Some cases are resolved through an arbitration or mediation. These methods are much more informal and less intimidating than a jury trial in a courtroom.

Does your office have special experience in arbitrations and mediations?

Yes. I have arbitrated or mediated hundreds of cases. Because I have served as the decision-maker (arbitrator) or facilitator (mediator),I bring a broad perspective to my client's cases. Harvard University selected me and 35 other professionals world wide to participate in their Advanced Mediation Workshop in June 2000.

How should I choose a lawyer?

You need to feel comfortable with the lawyer you choose and be able to communication with your lawyer. You should select someone who has experience handling the specific type of case you have.

What kind of cases do you handle?

Since 1976, I have helped my clients resolve claims involving:

• death of loved ones
• fractured bones
• medical negligence
• disfiguring scars
• birth injuries
• brain injuries
• internal injuries
• spinal injuries
• injuries that prevent people from returning to work

We limit the number of cases we take for serious personal injury and death claims. We can, therefore, give our clients dedication and personal attention. Our office is comfortable and people-oriented. We associate with additional skilled professionals, when necessary, to assure you of the highest quality of care. Our goal is to serve each of our clients with personal attention, kindness, respect, compassion and honesty.

What will it cost me?

We do not charge for your first office conference. During our first meeting, we will discuss fees and costs. I answer any questions you have then. In most injury cases, fees are paid on a contingency arrangement. That means you pay a fee only if we win for you by getting a favorable verdict in court or settling your case.

Every lawyer in Washington state must tell you that you are ultimately responsible for costs. However, we have the resources to advance the costs necessary to prepare your case.

What are some of your significant past successes?

• $1 million for the husband of a 26 year old woman who was killed by a semi-truck driver. This was one of the largest accidents in Washington state history; 41 other cars and trucks were involved. Many others were injured. Yet, We obtained virtually the entire insurance policy limits from the trucking company for our client.
• $1.7 million settlement from a major northwest hospital for a baby whose mother was neglected during her baby's birth.
• $400,000 settlement from a railroad company for the disabling injury of a trucker thrown off the top of a tank car when an engineer rammed that line of cars with his switch engine.
• $1 million for the surviving wife of a trucker who was killed when he swerved to avoid a sports car driver who had cut him off.

Nancy Hanan, Enumclaw    

" Her compassion and honesty helped give me courage for the future. She is an attorney of great integrity, wisdom, savvy, fairness and professionalism."