Washington Injury Attorney Blog

The Seattle Post Intelligencer reports that the Oregon State Judiciary Committee has approved Senate Bill 311 which allows juries to award victims who sue the State or local government for damages caused by government negligence to a larger award.

Senate Bill 311 was brought about after a 2007 Oregon Supreme Court ruling found that a $200,000 damage award for medical malpractice was insufficient to care for a boy who suffered a traumatic brain injury at Oregon Health and Science University.

Senate Bill 311 proposes that damage caps will increase $100,000 a year to a maximum of $1.5 million. In addition, awards will no longer distinguish between economic and non economic damages (commonly known as pain and suffering).

The article says that cities, counties, school boards and special districts are not affected by Senate Bill 311.

This information is brought to you by Washington Injury Attorney blog, a service of The Farber law Group. We represent people who have suffered serious injuries due to another person's negligence. We also represent families in wrongful death suits when a family member has been killed due to negligence. With offices in Seattle and Bellevue, we have more than 30 years experience representing victims with serious injuries.

Contact The Farber Law Group today for a free and confidential case evaluation. You can phone us at 1-800-244-9087, fill out our contact form or e-mailattorney@hgfarber.com

Even Washington Governor Christine Gregoire was called to serve jury duty. Gov. Gregoire served on Monday at Thurston County Superior Court. She was called for a criminal case involving theft, forgery and bail jumping.

Gov. Gregoire was in the prospective juror pool but she was not called to serve and she went back to work in the governor's office after she was dismissed.

It is good to see the Governor performing her civic duty.

People are called to serve for jury at random based upon voter registration and driver's license in Washington State. Once you've been selected, you are mailed a questionnaire that makes sure you are eligible to serve. To be eligible you must be 18, a citizen, a resident in the county you've been called to serve in and you must be able to speak and communicate in English. If you have a felony conviction, you must have had your civil rights restored.

RCW 2.36.170 states that if you have been summoned to appear you must or you may be found guilty of a misdemeanor.

In Washington State, most jurors are paid $10.00 per day.

This information is provided by Washington Injury Attorney a service of The Farber Law Group. We represent people who have been seriously injured due to another person's negligence. We handle malpractice cases, construction accident cases, nursing home neglect cases and motor vehicle accident cases.

Contact The Farber Law Group for a free and confidential review of your case.