Recent News and Announcements
A Notable Personal Injury Settlement
Tuesday, November 01, 2022
Recently, Ed Harper of Harper Law PLLC teamed with David Crump of The Crump Law Firm representing a young mother of three who was seriously injured due to a Washington State Dept. of Transportation (WSDOT) employee who made an illegal U-turn on State Route 522 causing her vehicle to roll several times. Thankfully, she and her 2 1/2 year old son were able to be extricated.
The State of Washington admitted liability for the crash and paid the sum of $2.75 million to resolve this claim two weeks short of trial.
Ed and David were prepared to go to trial and were honored to represent this young mother in her battle against the State which had denied liability until three weeks before the scheduled trial date.
Wishing all of you a Healthy and Happy Holiday Season! Merry Christmas!
Friday, December 27, 2019
We wish you a Merry Christmas!We wish you a Merry Christmas!We wish you a Merry Christmas, and a Happy New Year!
Blessings to all from Ed and Marcia Harper - at Harper Law
Immediately Following an Accident/Motor Vehicle Collision
Monday, March 05, 2018
Here is our attorney-approved, easy-to-remember list for what to do immediately following an accident:
Protect: Keep yourself safe. Then, if able, determine if anyone else is injured or needing medical attention.
Call 911 to report the collision and obtain the assistance of first responders.
Document: Obtain all necessary information: Take property damage pictures of all vehicles involved, all insurance information, witness names, vehicle and driver’s licenses and registration.
Move: When there is no further danger, get the permission of policemen or first responders at the scene, and move your vehicle.
Get Checked: Schedule an appointment to have all your injuries examined by a professional. Even minor injuries must be treated after an accident.
Contact: Seek legal counsel regarding your accident, preferably by contacting Harper Law. Legal counsel is imperative to successfully bringing a personal injury or property damage claim. Finally, contact your insurance provider for further assistance.
FREE Consultation for Military and First-Responders
Monday, November 06, 2017
Spirit 105.3 Ad and Information
As John F. Kennedy once said, “As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.”
The Harper family has a long-standing history of military members and first-responders. I am the proud grandson of a Marine Corp World War I veteran, son of a retired naval officer, brother-in-law to a firefighter and paramedic captain, and father-in-law to an active duty Naval Aviator. There are countless other friends and colleagues I know who have served our country with the utmost integrity and honor.
As we honor those who have served in our military, I thought of how I could give back to our country’s service members and first responders. In partnership with Spirit 105.3 and fellow attorneys, Harper Law wants to give veterans, active-duty and retired military, and first-responders a free legal consultation to assist you in your time of need. This can be of any legal nature; I am happy to answer questions you may have. If I cannot assist you with your case or questions, I will refer you to a trustworthy attorney who can help you.
We honor you and thank you for your service. Give me a call at 425-284-3333 or email me info@edharperlaw.com.
My first marathon - some thoughts
Thursday, March 28, 2013
My first marathon – 3/17/13
Los Angeles, CA – what caused me to run 26.2 miles? Was it to prove to myself i had what it takes to run for this distance?
Was it to withstand the pain I was sure to encounter?
Or was it the challenge of pushing my physical and mental capacities to the extreme?
Was it the return to my hometown? the town where i grew up; matriculated for the first 7 years of school; the city where i received my college degrees at Southern Cal and Captained the golf team?
Where as a youth I had spent time running, biking, skateboarding through the streets of Eagle Rock – a God ordained oasis of peace, love and hope for a boy – in spite of the fact it was but a handful of miles from downtown LA?
Was it because I had ridden to and from school with my maternal grandpa who worked on many of these same city streets as an engineer with the city of angels?
Was it to see the vast array of different cultures – Hispanic, Chinese, Japanese, homeless, faithful, celebrities, alternative, wealthy, outlandish, hippie, artistic, laid-back, surfers, shoppers- you name it I would see it.
Why run?
Why now?
Is it, dare I say a mid-life crisis?You see I’m Turning 50 in 7 months. That’s what I told people. It was on my bucket list – to run a marathon before I turned 50. A distance that the original marathon runner Pheidippides had died running – to announce a victory or defeat – I can’t remember how far he ran, but the distance which killed the runner has made this a race to find yourself.
Maybe I found out more about myself than merely answering the question.
I still don’t know the complete answer to my question but I feel it has more to do with goal setting, achieving an accomplishment, and seeing my life, my heart, my soul, my intellect, my persona. – as a mode or method to transfer information to others.
And this is the message -life is short, so… What are you going to do with it?
As John Piper states – don’t waste it! You only go around this world so many sunrises and sunsets – don’t waste it.
This is not original – i learned this from my father as i have learned so many other amazing blessed sayings – What about the DASH?
On your tombstone there will be your year of birth, and a year of death, and a dash in between.
What will your dash represent?
Make the most of your God-given talent; make the most of the opportunities you have been presented with; allow God who made all things, knows all things, ordains all things, to work through you until the day you breathe no more.
So what is my life going to look like now? Will it be any different on the outside? Will I become an evangelist like Graham or Laurie? Will I become a politician and proclaim I can do things better? Will I travel the seven seas searching for the Fountain of youth? Or like the Spanish explorers- searching for El Dorado – the mythical city of gold seeking a fortune of gold bullion?
No- it will likely mean I will continue to be faithful to the daily walk I have been blessed with as I continue to be husband to Marcia; father to Heather, Ryan, Bethany, Katelyn, and Kristen. Only son to Ed and Lois. Only brother to Linda.
Doing the daily tasks and engaging in the challenges that are placed in my path.
But I hope to be a little more cheerful. To be less anxious. To be a little more optimistic. A little more of a faithful and tireless servant to those around me – because that is the person God intended me to be.
I want my dash to mean something when I’m gone .
To live life in a manner pleasing to God knowing “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me”.
I am still seeking for the reason I ran my first marathon, but I know now the results will last a lifetime.
Ed Harper
Ed is planning on running in the Los Angeles Marathon - pledges for Hineni Ministries
Tuesday, March 05, 2013
And I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?” Then I said, “Here am I! Send me.” – Isaiah 6:8.
This verse is the foundation of Hineni Ministries, a Christian ministry called to serve businesses and professionals in the marketplace. The Lord calls anyone who is willing to follow Him and to accomplish what He has planned; it is our job to respond. Ed Harper is one who has responded. Over the next couple of weeks, Ed pledges to finish the preparation to run in the Los Angeles Marathon. The event will take place on Sunday March 17, 2013. The proceeds of pledges will go to support Hineni Ministries, of which Ed is on the board.
Hineni is in a new season of ministry, as they have begun a new partnership with Island Breeze Ministries on the big island of Hawaii. Your help and support will go directly and completely to support this growing, faithful ministry.
You can make your donations via Paypal at the Hineni website: www.hereami.org
“Let us run with endurance the race God has set before us.” – Hebrews 12:1
Snohomish County Verdict for $1.84 million upheld on appeal
Monday, January 14, 2013
Division 1 of Washington State Court of Appeal, by a unanimous decision, upheld the verdict obtained by Ed Harper and Jerry Pearson. In the case, Lawrence v. TruGreen, et al, the defendants had sought the verdict to be overturned. However, in their opinion, the court stated the defendants had failed to establish with enough evidence to overturn the jury’s decision.
Appellate Justice C. J. Leach articulated the court’s findings in a unanimous 3-0 decision. “Rebecca L. sustained serious neck and back injuries from a rear-end collision. TruGreen admitted liability for injuries proximately caused by the collision, and this case proceeded to trail on causation and damage issues only. a jury awarded Rebecca $1,383,726 in damages. TruGreen appeals…The court correctly instructed the jury…We affirm.”
“Because the trial court’s jury instructions allowed both sides to argue their theories of the case, did not mislead the jury, and correctly stated Washington law, the court did not err in giving the challenged instructions and refusing to give those requested but not given. TruGreen failed to preserve its remaining issues for review. We affirm.” In the Court of Appeals of the State of Washington, No. 67245-2-1.
Island County Verdict for $500,000 - Ed Harper and Rick Friedman obtained a $500,000 verdict in a minor traumatic brain injury claim
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Ed Harper of Harper Law PLLC (Kirkland, Washington) and Rick Friedman of Friedman Rubin (Bremerton, Washington) recently obtained a $500,000 verdict in Island County, Washington for a minor traumatic brain injury claim. Island County is known as a notoriously difficult location to obtain a personal injury verdict. However, with Rick’s trial acumen and diligent preparation a verdict was obtained. The entire verdict was based on the client’s inability to work in the same capacity as she would have without the injury.
The defense attempted to discredit the plaintiff by attempting to discredit her with character assassination. Three defense doctors stated they thought the injured driver was exaggerating her symptoms. The defense also opined she was suffering from “pseudo-conditions”.
The case was determined without hearing testimony from the plaintiff directly. Plaintiff’s husband testified on her behalf as well as a number of friends and family. The jury was convinced she was injured and awarded her with a sizable plaintiff’s verdict.
HARPER LAW PLLC has published a legal guide on Avvo.com
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
This article points out the success of HARPER LAW PLLC in obtaining the maximum insurance coverage for a client in spite of the UIM insurer initially denying coverage.
Harper Law is a Proud Sponsor of the 2011 Bellevue Farmers Market
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
As a founding board member, Ed Harper is proud to sponsor the 2011 Bellevue Farmers Market. More information: http://www.bellevuefarmersmarket.org/
Snohomish County Verdict for $1.4 million
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Ed Harper of Harper Law PLLC and Jerry Pearson (co-counsel) received a verdict for almost $1.4 million for a young woman’s personal injury claim arising from a rear-end collision. This result occurred in Snohomish Superior Court with Judge Kenneth Cowsert presiding. The award followed a two-week jury trial and granted the injured client all of her past and future medical bills. Additional funds were awarded to compensate her for both the past and future non-economic damages she sustained as well.
The injuries stemmed from a violent collision occurring on Highway 99 in Lynnwood, Washington. A Ford F-250 gardening truck slammed into the rear of the client’s vehicle at approximately 35 mph as traffic had stopped for a red light. Despite numerous attempts at settlement, the defendant forced the matter to go to trial. At trial, the defense claimed the pain and medical treatment was merely the result of a psychological predisposition of the injured client. The jury was not swayed by these defense tactics and awarded a verdict which should provide the necessary funds for the client’s future medical needs.
Ed Harper inducted into San Clemente High School Golf Hall of Fame
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
On September 18, 2009, Ed was inducted into the SCHS Golf Hall of Fame. Ed, who graduated in 1981 from SCHS was introduced by SCHS Golf Coach, Mike Hurlburt.
Some notable achievements for Ed include:
• Graduated SCHS – 1981- South Coast League Champion (individual) in 1981 as a Senior
• Graduated USC – 1987 with Double Major – History and International Relations
• Graduated Thomas Jefferson University College of Law 1991
• Member of CA and WA Bars – as a practicing attorney since December 1991.
USC Highlights:
• Played as Co-Captain on 1986 USC – Pac-10 Champion Team. Came in 6th as an individual at the 1986 Pac-10 Championship event. USC finished 8th in the NCAA in 1986 as well.
• Academic All-American in 1986 while starting for two years at USC after playing at Saddleback.
• Played at Saddleback in 1982 and 1983 winning the individual League Championship each year under Bill Cunerty. We were CA State Community College Champions in 1983. I placed T-3rd individually.
• Worked as Assistant Coach 1986 – 1987 for USC’s Golf Team.
Jury Awards $5.86 Million for Brain Injury
Tuesday, June 02, 2009
May 27, 2009, Seattle, WA
A King County jury awarded $5.86 Million to a Washington man injured in a head-on collision. The client suffered a fractured leg, various contusions and a brain injury causing him to remain in a coma for several days following the accident. The seriousness of plaintiff’s brain injury was the central issue in the claim.
Defendant’s vehicle was insured by PEMCO with a policy limit of $1.25 Million. Plaintiff made a policy limit demand at mediation but it was rejected by the insurer. At the same time, PEMCO assured its driver that in the event of an excess verdict, it would pay “any amount awarded.”
Plaintiff’s attorney, Ed Harper of Kirkland, recognized that PEMCO’s assurance to its driver meant that there was no cap on potential recovery. He asked Rick Friedman of Friedman | Rubin to join him for the trial.
Friedman recognized that the difficulty with the case was getting the jury to recognize the seriousness of the client’s brain injury despite his retained intellectual capacity and communicative skills. At the same time, it was necessary to counter the defense strategy which sought to blame the client.
Friedman’s strategy was straightforward. In addition to the medical and psychological experts, the focus at trial would be the testimony of friends, family, and others, who could shed light on the client’s mental deficits. In-depth interviews of parents, friends and others revealed telling examples of his mental abilities before and after the accident. These stories supported the expert testimony indicating that while the client substantially retained his native intelligence, he now has great difficulty with memory, concentration, and multi-tasking.
Facing Harper and Friedman at trial caused PEMCO to re-evaluate its settlement position. Having previously rejected plaintiff’s $1.25 demand at mediation, PEMCO offered $2 Million as the trial got underway. As the trial proceeded, PEMCO upped its offer to $2.5 Million. These offers were considered but were allowed to expire as Harper and Friedman concentrated on delivering a better result. After a two week trial, the jury returned a fair verdict.
We Are Here to Help
Although our office does not handle all types of cases, we hope you will contact us regarding any legal issues you may encounter. We will answer your questions, or refer you to another quality and trustworthy attorney if we are unable to assist you.
