Harper Law PLLC Blog

Humes v. Fritz Companies, Inc., 125 Wn. App. 477, 105 P.3d 1000 (2005) (Div. One), relates to premises liability from two directions. The obvious one is causation: a crane operator jumped from his...

Niece v. Elmview Group Home: When a Caregiver Must Protect You From Its Own StaffWhen a defendant assumes responsibility for a vulnerable person's safety, the duty of ordinary care includes...

After a crash, I often receive calls that sound like this: "The insurance company admitted fault, but they are not paying me enough for my car. I owe the lender more than the check is worth."That is...

McLeod establishes schools' custodial duty — how broadly must foreseeability be framed, which breach theories survive demurrer, and what practical limits should litigators note when relying on the case in briefing?

Who owes the duty to keep property safe—the record owner or the party that actually controls it? Gildon v. Simon Property Group reframes liability toward the possessor, with practical consequences for early investigation and careful pleading.

How can store design turn inattentional blindness into legal liability? This article links cognitive science with Washington's Johnson ruling, showing how operational choices can negate notice defenses and reshape premises-liability strategy.

As drivers rely more on blind‑spot and lane‑keep aids, smaller road users risk becoming effectively invisible. This Washington‑focused analysis probes tech‑induced complacency, its legal ramifications, and practical steps to better safeguard cyclists and motorcyclists.

When does a fee dispute escalate to disbarment? Two Washington rulings show how improper handling of trust funds or fabricated records shifts sanctions to disbarment—and what duties, records practices, and limits of mitigation matter.

Schwartz v. King County rejects a "standing observer" test and asks whether a typical recreational user would readily perceive a hazard, a shift that alters how courts assess recreational immunity and premises liability.

How did Washington’s recreational-immunity law turn safety disputes into technical status tests? Three cases, Cregan, Davis, Lockner, show why plaintiffs struggle, how deterrence erodes, and what lawyers and policymakers should watch.

Did Washington's 'one free bite' rule truly disappear? This article delves into the critical shift to strict liability under RCW 16.08.040. Gain clarity on statutory applications, essential defenses, and common law's enduring role in dog injury claims.

When is a child's action judged by adult standards? This article clarifies Washington's legal approach to minor negligence, particularly the crucial "dangerous adult activity" exception and its implications for liability.

We live by rules, but what defines accountability when carelessness causes harm? This article demystifies the legal concept of negligence, illuminating why applying its seemingly straightforward definition requires intricate judgment and expertise.

Why do mold claims often fail to connect the dots between exposure and illness? This analysis of a recent court decision reveals crucial causation hurdles and essential steps to overcome them for a strong legal stance.

The Seattle Children's mold case challenges our deepest assumptions about building safety. Understand how hidden environmental hazards pose real risks, revealing why recent jury verdicts for unseen exposure hold vital lessons for every property owner and occupant.

When does a "walk in the wild" promise complicate premises liability? This analysis of *Tincani v. Inland Empire Zoological Society* reveals how visitor status and seemingly obvious dangers reshape a landowner's duty, impacting risk assessments.

How does Washington's legal landscape ensure safety on construction sites even after the work is done? Delve into the pivotal Stute v. P.B.M.C. case and discover why general contractors cannot dodge liability, offering critical lessons for industry professionals.

When is a helpline not really a help? Delve into the murky world of accident victim solicitation and uncover the ethical pitfalls lurking in Washington's legal landscape. Learn how to protect yourself and your loved ones with practical advice.

How do the new 2023 ACRM guidelines redefine the landscape of mild traumatic brain injury diagnosis across various settings? Dive into the latest criteria that promise to standardize care and enhance diagnostic precision, offering crucial insights for practitioners worldwide.

Can businesses sidestep liability by hiding behind technicalities, or must they anticipate predictable hazards? Johnson v. State reshapes Washington's premises-liability landscape, spotlighting foreseeability over formalities.

How can cities navigate the thin ice of liability when winter weather strikes? This article delves into key court cases highlighting when municipalities become responsible for snowy slip-ups, offering crucial insights for managing public safety and legal risk.

How does a Massachusetts court ruling on insurance bad faith hold lessons for Washington litigators? Delve into the Rooney case and it's implications, revealing how disciplined claims handling can protect against hefty penalties and foster fair practices.

Mutual of Enumclaw vs Dan Paulsen Construction, 161 Wash. 2d 903 (Wash. 2007) Dan Paulson Construction, as an insured, sued...

How does a decades-old court ruling still influence today's premises liability laws? Delve into the case of Younce v. Ferguson to uncover why traditional entrant classifications continue to shape legal responsibilities and protect landowners from limitless liability.

Could property owners be responsible for tenant injuries even without direct notice of hazards? Discover how a landmark ruling reshapes the duty of care in snowy conditions, offering crucial insights for landlords on managing foreseeable risks and tenant safety.

Is Washington's long-standing stance against punitive damages shifting? Delve into Erickson v. Pharmacia LLC to uncover how deterrence can override local policy, offering pivotal insights for attorneys navigating national product-liability cases.

Furnishing Alcohol to Minors: Parental and Premises Liability in Washington Regarding alcohol and minors, Washington law leaves little room for error. In Schooley v. Pinch’s Deli, Inc., the...

How does Washington's unique handling of underinsured motorist claims change when multiple collisions occur? Delve into key legal doctrines that could affect your compensation and learn practical strategies to maximize your UIM benefits.

Unravel the often-overlooked financial fallout from personal injury and uncover a strategic safeguard to shield your family from bankruptcy. Explore how loss of earning capacity can alter your future and why reviewing your insurance coverage is essential.