Davis Law Group Press Room

Recent Press Releases

March 11, 2010 - Grieving Families Have A New Legal Resource (Book Release)
September 29, 2009 - Grieving Mother Sues Seattle Children's Hospital for the Wrongful Death of her Son (Press Release)
March 27, 2009 - When The Dog Bites (Book Release)
November 17, 2008 - Little Kids, Big Accidents (Book Release)
August 27, 2007 - The Ten Biggest Mistakes That Can Wreck Your Washington Accident Case  (Book Release)
August 24, 2007 - W.A. Botting Company Sued for Wrongful Death of 41 year-old Mother of Four (Press Release)

Davis Law Group Media Contact
Mischelle Weedman-Davis
206-727-4000 x102
mischelle@davislawgroupseattle.com

Seattle Attorney Chris Davis Meets The Press

Some of the cases we handle at Davis Law Group receive media attention.  If you are a client with a newsworthy accident story, you may be approached by the press.  But your statements may have an impact on your legal case and/or shape the public’s perception of the case (which may be important).  Sometimes a client’s statements can be taken out of context and possibly damage the case.   Furthermore, choosing the right time to talk to the press may also play a key role in your case strategy.  This is why it is extremely important that you first consult with Mr. Davis and/or his staff about potential media coverage. 

Below are a few examples of cases handled by our office that have received media attention.

Car & Truck Accidents

• DLG Settles Allstate Appeal for $390,000 - Last Offer Before Trial $25,000
  Jan 09, 2009

  SEATTLE, WA -- Seattle attorney Christopher Davis of the Davis Law Group announced today that he settled an auto accident case on appeal with Allstate Insurance Company.  The other driver had a $25,000 policy which Davis demanded before trial.  Allstate refused.
  
  Davis' client received a cervical herniated disc injury in the accident.  Her medical expenses totaled $23,000.  But Allstate refused to tender its $25,000 policy forcing Davis to try the case before a jury.  The trial lasted 5 days.  The jury returned a verdict of $379,000.  Allstate immediately appealed, causing a delay of nearly 2 more years.
  
  In the end, Davis' client agreed to accept $390,000 from Allstate to be done with the case and avoid further risk had the appellate court ruled in Allstate's favor. 
  
  This case is one of several that Davis has taken to trial against Allstate for its scorched-earth litigation tactics.  Allstate has a reputation of intentionally denying legitimate claims, and then forcing accident victims to hire attorneys and go through years of litigation just to recover reasonable compensation for injuries that are often serious and undisputed among the doctors involved.
  
  Davis Law Group specializes in personal injury claims and litigation.  DLG founder, Seattle attorney Chris Davis, has successfully resolved more than 2000 accident cases over the last 15 years.  Mr. Davis was named a Super Lawyer by Washington Law & Politics magazine, and also a Rising Star attorney by other attorneys in Washington.  Please call Mr. Davis and/or the staff at Davis Law Group at 206-727-4000 to discuss your accident injury claim. - 1 - 10

Wrongful Death

• Seattle Attorney Chris Davis Rejects $1 Million Offer to Settle Wrongful Death Case
  Jun 24, 2008
  SEATTLE, WA.   Seattle attorney Chris Davis, who specializes in cases involving wrongful death and catastrophic injury claims, recently turned down a $1 Million settlement offer from the insurance company of a local business that is being sued for the wrongful death of a mother of four children.
   
  The case is still in litigation so many specific details of the case are not being disclosed at this time.  But the death occurred when a corporation's employee fell asleep at the wheel, went off the road and t-boned another vehicle at a high rate of speed.  The other driver, a 41 year old woman, died at the scene.  The woman left 4 surviving children, including three minors who had to be split up to live with different relatives. 
   
  A few months after a lawsuit was filed against the other driver and the corporation employer, the corporation's insurance company offered to settle the case for the entire automobile policy limit of $1 Million.  But Mr. Davis was very suspicious that the company might have also carried another insurance policy to cover catastrophic injury claims.  The offer was therefore rejected with the consent of the estate's personal representative.  Then during discovery Mr. Davis' suspicions were confirmed after he learned that the corporation also carried a $10 Million umbrella policy.  There is now insurance coverage of $11 Million available for this catastrophic loss.  The discovery of the $10 Million umbrella policy would never have occurred had the initial $1 Million offer been accepted.  The case is scheduled for trial in early 2009.
   
  Mr. Davis has been practicing law for 15 years.  He has written and given lectures about wrongful death claims in Washington State.  The Davis Law Group has litigated and settled many wrongful death claims over the past several years.
  
  - 2 - 10

Press Releases

• PRESS RELEASE: Grieving Families Have A New Legal Resource
  Mar 10, 2010

  New Book Helps People Understand the Wrongful Death Laws in Washington State

  March 10, 2010—Seattle, WA – Seattle attorney Christopher M. Davis has authored a new book to help families of wrongful death victims understand their legal rights.  Wrongful Death in Washington State: The Essential Guide To Wrongful Death Law in Washington State will help families navigate the legal process when a loved one has been killed due to negligence.
  
  In 2008, the U.S. Department of Transportation reported that the highway wrongful death count was at 37,261 nationwide.  The U.S. Department of Justice has reported that 90 percent of all lawsuits involving medical malpractice, most commonly prescription errors, have involved a wrongful death or a permanent disability caused by negligence.
  
  “No amount of money will ever make up for the loss of a loved one,” said Davis.  “But our civil justice system recognizes that a wrongful death can impose severe emotional and financial consequences on the surviving family members and that monetary compensation may be the only way to achieve justice.”
  
  Wrongful Death In Washington State sensitively addresses common issues and questions that may arise after the death of a loved one.  It offers an overview of the wrongful death laws and the litigation process; explains how to start a probate action; offers suggestions on how to deal with medical and funeral bills; describes how to make sure that the surviving children and family members are fairly compensated; and outlines the necessary legal steps involved in a wrongful death lawsuit.
  
  “The loss of a loved one is everyone’s worst nightmare,” said Davis.  “Working from the premise that ‘knowledge is power’, I hope the book will help educate the public and improve their ability to protect family’s rights and ultimately achieve justice case.”
  
  Wrongful Death In Washington State is the fourth book in a series written by Davis and designed educate the public on issues related to injury accident cases.  The other three books in the series are The Ten Biggest Mistakes That Can Wreck Your Washington Accident Case, When The Dog Bites: The Essential Guide To Dog Bite Law In Washington State and Little Kids, Big Accidents: What Every Parent Should Know About Children & Accidents. 
  
  Wrongful Death In Washington State is available both in hardcopy and as an ebook for $19.95 at Amazon.com.  As a public service to citizens in Washington State, Mr. Davis will provide a free copy of the book to the families of wrongful death victims for a limited time.  Visit www.DavisLawGroupSeattle.com for more information.
  
  
  ###
  
  

  PRESS KIT
  Book Release - Wrongful Death In Washingon State
  
  About Christopher M. Davis, Author & Seattle Wrongful Death Attorney
  Book Cover Art - Wrongful Death In Washington State
  Book Fact Sheet & Chapter Outline - Wrongful Death In Washington State
  Book Reviews - Wrongful Death In Washington State
  Wrongful Death Statistics
  
  Book Details
  Price: $19.95
  Available: Amazon.com
  Language: English
  ISBN: 987-0-578-04969-4
  
  Contact Information
  Mischelle Weedman-Davis
  Davis Law Group, P.S.
  2101 Fourth Avenue, Suite 630
  Seattle, WA 98121
  206-727-4000  x102
  Mischelle (at) DavisLawGroupSeattle.com
  - 3 - 10

• PRESS RELEASE: Grieving Mother Sues Seattle Children’s Hospital for the Wrongful Death of Son
  Sep 28, 2009

  Fifteen year-old old boy dies from massive overdose of narcotic pain medication following a routine dental procedure.
  
  September 29, 2009, Seattle, WA –Seattle attorney Christopher Davis has filed a lawsuit in King County Superior Court against Seattle Children’s Hospital and Barbara L. Sheller, DDS for the wrongful death of Michael Patrick Blankenship.  Michael underwent a routine teeth extraction and cleaning procedure at the hospital on March 9, 2009. Upon discharge, Michael was prescribed the narcotic drug Fentanyl.  He was found dead the following morning.  The King County Medical Examiner has determined that Michael died from an accidental drug overdose.

  
  The lawsuit is being brought by the Michael’s mother, Tammy Jarbo-Blankenship, and Michael’s twelve year-old brother. According to the complaint, Seattle Children’s Hospital and its doctors were negligent and reckless by failing to maintain and/or follow appropriate safeguards for the proper and accurate prescription of the powerful pain medication. The complaint also asserts that there were numerous factors present that would have shown any careful medical provider that Michael was not a suitable candidate for the drug, and that he certainly never should have been given the highest dosage available.  
   
  According to the drug manufacturer and medication reference books, a Fentanyl pain patch should only be given to opioid-tolerant patients (i.e., those who may have cancer or chronic pain, and who have been taking narcotic medication over a long period of time).   Michael was not an opioid-tolerant patient.  He had no history of long-term narcotic use, as was clearly stated in his medical chart.  Michael was also prescribed the highest dosage of the drug made by the drug manufacturer.
  
   
  “We have hired nationally recognized medical experts to examine the facts of this case,” Attorney Chris Davis says.  “All of them state that Michael never should have been given the drug and that the physician who prescribed it, Barbara L. Sheller, DDS, likely had not even bothered to check to see if the drug and dosage was appropriate and safe.  One expert went so far to say that he has never seen a more egregious and indefensible case of malpractice in 26 years of consulting on medical negligence cases.”
  
  The Institute for Medicine has determined that more than 98,000 patients die every year as a result of medical mistakes.  A 2004 study by HealthGrades, a healthcare quality company, concluded that this number is much higher – at least 195,000 people die every year as a result of preventable hospital errors.  As a comparison, about 40,000 people die every year in car accidents according to the Center for Disease Control.
  
   
  The complaint also states that Michael’s younger brother was present when his older brother was declared dead and then carried out of the home in a body bag. The younger brother and Michael’s mother are seeking unspecified damages for wrongful death, severe grief and emotional distress.
  
  “I cannot even begin to describe the pain and sorrow that I feel for the death of my dear son,” Tammy Jarbo Blankenship says.  “Michael’s needless death has devastated my entire family, and has especially impacted my youngest boy who still refuses to live in our home where Michael was found dead.  And knowing how egregious and preventable the mistake was just makes our grief and suffering that much more unbearable.” 
   
  The lawsuit was filed in King County Superior Court in Seattle, WA on September 21, 2009 (Cause No. 09-2-34248-2 SEA).  The lawsuit names Seattle Children’s Hospital and the physicians who were involved with Michael’s treatment, Barbara L. Scheller, DDS and her assistant Soultana Chatzopoulos, DDS.  
     
  ###
  
  About Attorney Christopher M. Davis
  Christopher M. Davis has been a licensed attorney in the state of Washington since 1993 and is the founder of the Davis Law Group.  He is the author of several books about injury law including Little Kids, Big Accidents which focuses solely on the legal remedies for accident and medical malpractice cases involving children. You can learn more about Chris Davis and the Davis Law Group by visiting www.DavisLawGroupSeattle.com.
  
  
  Background Story
   
  Q&A - Circumstances of Michael's Death
   
  Obituary
   
  DURAGESIC® Fentanyl Transdermal System - Pharmaceutical Manufacturer Information
   
  Q&A - DURAGESIC® Fentanyl Transdermal System
  
  Media Contact:
  Mischelle Weedman-Davis
  Davis Law Group, P.S.
  Office: 206-727-4000 x102

   
  - 4 - 10

• PRESS RELEASE: The Ten Biggest Mistakes That Can Wreck Your Washington Accident Case
  May 17, 2009

  FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

  August 27, 2007, Seattle, WA - Davis Law Group, P.S. is pleased to announce that experienced personal injury attorney Christopher Michael Davis has authored a book entitled, "The Ten Biggest Mistakes That Can Wreck Your Washington Accident Case."  The book is intended to help accident victims who have been injured in Washington State.  The book addresses various aspects of the insurance claims and civil litigation processes that are common in personal injury cases.  

  The book covers a wide array of accident claims topics such as, "What is a Personal Injury or Accident Case", "How Do You Determine the Value of a Personal Injury Case", and "Do you really need an attorney?"  The book also details how to work with a claims adjustor, medical treatment considerations, and the different avenues of the legal process such as mandatory arbitration.  The book includes fifteen chapters spanning some 91 pages.   

  "I"ve encountered too many situations where a person injured in an accident was taken advantage of by the insurance company.  Many times the accident victim will make some serious mistakes before they seek legal counsel that can often damage the claim down the road," said Davis.  

  Davis says that he also wrote the book to provide accident victims with accurate information about the claims and legal process.  For instance, the book addresses common myths associated with accident claims and it offers an inside look at claims adjustor negotiation tactics.    

  The book has been published by Word Association Press and is available for $16.95 at Amazon.com.  As a public service, and for a limited time only, accident victims in Washington will receive a free copy of the book.  Go to www.WashingtonAccidentBook.com.  

  About Christopher M. Davis
  Christopher M. Davis has been a licensed attorney in the state of Washington since 1993.  He has tried dozens of personal injury cases to verdict and has successfully handled and resolved hundreds of accident claims.  In 2006, Mr. Davis was named a "Rising Star Attorney" by Washington Law & Politics (WLP) magazine.  In 2007, WLP named Mr. Davis a "Super Lawyer" for his expertise and success in litigating personal injury claims.  You can learn more about Christopher Davis and the Davis Law Group by visiting www.InjuryTrialLawyer.com.  

  Book Details
  Paperback: 91 pages
  Publisher: Word Association (August 15, 2007)
  Cover Price: $16.95
  Language: English
  ISBN-10: 1595711953
  ISBN-13: 978-1595711953

  - 5 - 10

• PRESS RELEASE - New Book Helps Parents Protect Their Children
  May 17, 2009

  New Book Helps Parents Protect Their Children
  Seattle Attorney Chris Davis’ New Book, 'Little Kids, Big Accidents,'
  Helps Parents Understand the Settlement & Legal Process Involving Injured Children

  FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
  
  November 17th, 2008, Seattle, WA – Seattle attorney and father, Christopher M. Davis, has authored a new book written to help parents protect the legal rights of their children injured in preventable accidents.  The book, Little Kids, Big Accidents, discusses a topic that is every parent’s worst nightmare – what to do when your child has been hurt in an accident.  The book is designed to help parents navigate the legal process and discusses cases ranging from playground accidents to medical malpractice, and dog bites to wrongful death. 

   “As a lawyer, and a father, some of the most tragic and heart-wrenching cases I see are those involving children,” says Davis.  “When a child has been seriously injured, the parents are often both angry and sad, sometimes filled with guilt, and basically overwhelmed with the legal and insurance claims process that may ensue.”

   Nationally hundreds of thousands of children are injured each year in preventable accidents.  For example, the National Center for Statistics and Analysis reports that nearly 250,000 children are injured every year in car accidents.  And according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention of the more than 1 million dog bites reported each year approximately 60% involve children. 

   In Little Kids, Big Accidents, Davis offers basic facts about typical accident claims involving children; defines the legal and settlement process for child injury claims; gives tips on dealing with insurance companies; offers insight into how child injury claims are valued; and discusses common questions and legal issues that are often present in cases involving children, as well as the common pitfalls and traps to avoid.  Davis also helps parents understand the pros and cons of hiring an attorney to represent their child. 

   "Attorneys who genuinely care about their clients and have the necessary expertise are hard to find, but easy to spot,” says San Francisco lawyer Vaughan de Kirby about Davis.  “In writing Little Kids, Big Accidents, Mr. Davis leaves no doubt that he is such an attorney.” Mr. de Kirby states, “Armed with experience, knowledge and compassion, Mr. Davis has created a book that will guide parents through the frightening and confusing process of seeking fair redress for their children’s injuries."

  Virginia attorney Sandra Rohrstaff said, “This book is the most valuable tool a parent could ask for in the awful event that a child is injured by someone else.  It is comprehensive – a real ‘soup to nuts’ look at the process from beginning to end.  Here are the questions to ask, the traps to avoid, and the tools to get you and your family through the scariest thing a parent can endure.  Every parent who reads this book will be better prepared to help their own child.”

  “I wrote this book to create awareness about children and injury accidents so that parents and family members can take appropriate precautions to avoid them,” says Davis.  “And to offer some knowledge and comfort to those parents who find themselves in the awful position of having a child who has been seriously injured due to someone’s negligence or carelessness.”

  The book is published by Word Association Press and is available for $19.95 at Amazon.com.  As a public service to citizens in Washington State, for a limited time, a free copies are available through www.ChildAccidentBook.com.

   ###

  About Christopher M. Davis
  Christopher M. Davis has been a licensed attorney in the state of Washington since 1993 and is the founder of the Davis Law Group, P.S..  He has tried dozens of personal injury cases to verdict and has successfully handled and resolved hundreds of accident claims, many of which involve children.  Mr. Davis has been recognized as a “Rising Star Attorney” and a “Super Lawyer” in consecutive years by the legal publication Washington Law & Politics.  He has also been listed by WLP in ‘Who’s Who in Personal Injury Law’ (The top 40 PI attorneys in Washington). In 2007, Mr. Davis was appointed to the Board of Governors of the Washington State Trial Lawyers Association.  In 2008, Mr. Davis was recognized as a lawyer in the “Top 100 Trial Lawyers in Washington State” by the American Trial Lawyers Association. You can learn more about Chris Davis and the Davis Law Group by visiting www.DavisLawGroupSeattle.com.

  Book Details:
  Price: $19.95
  Available: Amazon.com
  Paperback: 103 pages
  Publisher: Word Association Publishers
  Language: English
  ISBN-10: 15957-13344
  ISBN-13: 978-15957-13346

  Contact Information:
  Mischelle Weedman-Davis
  Davis Law Group, P.S.
  2101 Fourth Avenue, Suite 630
  Seattle, WA 98121
   206-727-4000   x102
  mischelle@injurytriallawyer.com

  - 6 - 10

• PRESS RELEASE: Dog Attack Victims Have A New Legal Resource
  Mar 30, 2009

   

  Dog Attack Victims Have A New Legal Resource

  ‘When The Dog Bites’ By Seattle Attorney Chris Davis Helps People Understand the Legal Process For Dog Bite Cases
  

  FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
  

  March 30, 2009—Seattle, WA – Seattle attorney and dog owner, Christopher M. Davis, has authored a new book written to help dog bite victims understand their legal rights.  When The Dog Bites: The Essential Guide To Dog Bite Claims In Washington is designed to help dog bite victims and their families navigate the legal process when they, or a loved one, have been seriously injured by a dog. 

  According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention there are more than one million dog bites reported annually and it is estimated that a greater number of attacks go unreported every year.  The CDC says that approximately 60% of all dog bite victims are children.   

  “Serious dog attacks will not end until more dog owners start to take responsibility and properly train and contain their animals, especially dangerous breeds such as Rottweilers and pit bulls,” said Davis.  “I wrote the book because victims of dog attacks need a good resource to help them understand their legal rights, learn how to get their medical bills paid, and hold the dog owner responsible.” 

  In When The Dog Bites, Davis offers basic facts about dog bites; defines the legal and settlement process for animal attack cases; gives tips on communicating with insurance companies when dealing with medical costs; offers insight into how to determine the value of a dog bite claim; and discusses common questions and legal issues that are often present in dog bite cases.  Davis also helps dog bite victims understand the pros and cons of hiring an attorney. 

  “In the last few years my office has seen a huge increase in the number of dog bite victims looking for legal help”, said Davis. “Working from the premise that ‘knowledge is power,’ I hope the book will help educate the public and improve their ability to protect victim’s rights and ultimately achieve justice case.”  

  When The Dog Bites is the third book in a series written by Davis and designed educate the public on issues related to injury accident cases.  The other two books in the series are The Ten Biggest Mistakes That Can Wreck Your Washington Accident Case and Little Kids, Big Accidents: What Every Parent Should Know About Children & Accidents.  

  When The Dog Bites is published by Word Association Press and is available both in hardcopy and as an ebook for $19.95 at Amazon.com.  As a public service to citizens in Washington State Mr. Davis will provide a free copy of the book to dog bite victims or their families for a limited time.  Visit www.DavisLawGroupSeattle.com for more information.

  ###

  About Christopher M. Davis

  Christopher M. Davis has been recognized by respected media sources as an injury law expert appearing on CNN’s Anderson Cooper 360 and other news programs.  He has been a licensed attorney in the state of Washington since 1993 and is the founder of the Davis Law Group.  He has tried dozens of personal injury cases to verdict and has successfully handled and resolved hundreds of accident claims, many involving children.  Mr. Davis has been recognized as a “Rising Star Attorney” and a “Super Lawyer” in consecutive years by the legal publication Washington Law & Politics (WLP).  He has also been listed in WLP’s ‘Who’s Who in Personal Injury Law’ (The top 40 PI attorneys in Washington). In 2007, Mr. Davis was appointed to the Board of Governors of the Washington State Trial Lawyers Association.  In 2008 and 2009, Mr. Davis was recognized as one of the “Top 100 Trial Lawyers in Washington State” by the American Trial Lawyers Association. You can learn more about Chris Davis and the Davis Law Group by visiting www.DavisLawGroupSeattle.com.

  Book Details
  Price: $19.95
  Available: Amazon.com
  Publisher: Word Association Publishers
  Language: English
  ASIN: B001O9C4NC
  ISBN: 978-159571-352-0

  
  Contact Information
  Mischelle Weedman-Davis
  Davis Law Group, P.S.
  2101 Fourth Avenue, Suite 630
  Seattle, WA 98121
  206-727-4000  x102
  Mischelle@DavisLawGroupSeattle.com

  - 7 - 10

• PRESS RELEASE: Drunk driving auto accident case settles for $350,000.
  Jan 12, 2008

  For Immediate Release
  January 12, 2008

  SEATTLE, WA - Seattle Attorney Chris Davis of the personal injury law firm Davis Law Group, P.S., has announced that his office recently settled a drunk driving auto accident case that occurred in Redmond, Washington back in January 2005.  The drunk driver* has agreed to a settlement of $350,000 for personal injuries inflicted on Mr. Davis' client.*

  The accident occurred when the drunk driver was returning home after consuming drinks at the Lucky 7 tavern located in Kirkland, Washington.  The drunk driver admitted to consuming at least 4 drinks but possibly 5 over a 2 hour period.  The drunk driver lost control of his vehicle and then crossed into the oncoming lane where he struck a vehicle traveling in the opposite direction.  Mr. Davis' client, a 25 year-old man, was driving this vehicle.  Witnesses reported that the drunk driver was traveling as fast as 50-60 mph in a 25 mph zone. 

  The Redmond Police Department responded to the scene.  Police officers could immediately determine that the driver was impaired.  He was arrested at the scene.  Later the driver blew a 0.159 BAC (breath-alcohol content).  The legal limit is 0.08 BAC.

  Mr. Davis' client complained of neck and back pain.  He also hit his head in the collision and lost consciousness for several seconds upon impact.  The victim had persistent low back pain which ultimately led to surgery.  A lumbar MRI showed three herniated discs in the victim's low back.  Mr. Davis' client incurred approximately $35,000 for medical treatment related to his low back.

  The drunk driver's insurance company Progressive Insurance Company refused to tender the drunk driver's insurance policy limits of $250,000 to settle the case when asked by Mr. Davis early on in the case.

  Rather than risk an "excess verdict" at trial (i.e., a verdict that exceeds the amount of insurance available), the drunk driver agreed to confess judgment against him in the amount of $350,000.  The drunk driver also agreed to assign his rights and remedies against his own insurance company to Mr. Davis' client.  

  Mr. Davis has indicated he will begin proceedings to collect the entire $350,000 judgment amount against the drunk driver's insurance company.  The drunk driver's insurance company may have violated the law by failing to protect its own insured when it refused to settle the case for policy limits. 

  Mr. Davis has suggested that Progressive Insurance Company may have violated the recently enacted Insurance Fair Conduct Act (formerly known as Referendum 67) by engaging in "unreasonable" conduct harmful to its own insured.  The Act allows treble damages at the discretion of the court as well as attorney fees.  The Insurance Fair Conduct Act was approved by Washington State votes last November.

  *Certain names have been withheld to protect the privacy of individuals involved.

  - 8 - 10

• PRESS RELEASE: W.A. Botting Company Sued for Wrongful Death of 41 year-old Mother of Four
  Nov 29, 2007

  Seattle, WA., August 24, 2007 - Christopher M. Davis of Davis Law Group, P.S., the attorney representing the family of Sandra K. Johnson, age 41, who died in a car accident on May 25, 2007, announces today that he has filed a wrongful death action against WA Botting Company of Woodinville. The suit was filed in King County Superior Court (case# 07-2-26904-5KNT) on behalf of Ms. Johnson?s estate and her four children. Ms. Johnson?s mother, Beverly Hein, 65, also joined the lawsuit.

  Johnson was killed while stopped in her car waiting for traffic to clear on Auburn Way South. A W.A. Botting employee, John M. Starr, was driving a company vehicle on Auburn Way South. Starr drove his vehicle off the roadway and crashed into Johnson's vehicle at a high rate of speed. The lawsuit alleges that Ms. Johnson was stopped in her car and had no opportunity to avoid the collision. Johnson, a mother of four, died at the scene.

  The Auburn Police Department investigated the accident. Starr reportedly told police that he had previously pulled a double-shift for Botting and then fell asleep at the wheel while driving home. The investigation has been turned over to the King County Prosecuting Attorney's Office for review of possible criminal charges.

  Johnson worked as a caregiver for Catholic Community Services in Tacoma. She is survived by her children, Dustin (age 5), Zachary (age 6), Shyla (age 14) and Crystal Peterson (age 20).

  "The whole family has been devastated by the loss. The children are distraught as you can imagine. They miss their mother terribly," said Mr. Davis. "What is also upsetting is that the children may have to be split up to live with different caretakers," says Davis.

  The lawsuit claims unspecified damages for future lost income and services, as well as damages on behalf of the children for the loss of their mother. Any funds recovered on behalf of the children will be placed in trust and administered through a court-appointed guardian.

  - 9 - 10

Media Appearances

• Seattle Children's Hospital Lawsuit - KING5 News - Sept 29,2009
  Sep 29, 2009

  Seattle attorney Chris Davis appeared on KING5 News to discuss the a lawsuit against Seattle Children's Hospital for the wrongful death of a child.
  
  - 10 - 10

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