Stritmatter Law

10/01/2026

Please join us in congratulating Stritmatter Law attorney Furhad Sultani on receiving the Washington State Association for Justice New Lawyer “Ready to Soar” Award! 🏆

This recognition celebrates rising attorneys making their mark in Washington’s legal community, and we couldn’t be prouder to see Furhad honored.

A well-earned moment for an exceptional lawyer and colleague.

Congratulations, Furhad! The sky is the limit. ❤️

09/30/2026

The Stritmatter Law team is showing up in full force this week for the Washington State Association for Justice Convention! If you spot us around Vancouver, come say hello — we’d love to connect.

Happy convention, everyone! ⚖️

09/21/2026

A tabletop fire pit may LOOK harmless...

But under the wrong conditions, refueling one can turn a small flame into an explosive burst of fire in seconds.

In our latest article, Stritmatter Law Partner Lisa Benedetti explains the hidden danger of “flame jetting,” the safety warnings and recalls surrounding these products, and what consumers should know before lighting one.

Because something designed to create a little atmosphere shouldn’t put your family, guests, or home at risk.

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on LinkedInBy Lisa BenedettiPartnerTabletop fire pits (also referred to as fireplaces, fire bowls, firepots, or flamepots) are often marketed as an easy way to add atmosphere to a patio, dining table, or living space. These products may also be called. Many c...

09/08/2026

A child’s fall from an apartment window can happen in seconds. The consequences can last a lifetime.

In our latest article, Stritmatter Law Senior Partner Ray Kahler explains how window fall prevention measures can protect children. And when landlords and property owners may be held responsible for failing to address unsafe windows.

Because preventing tragedy should always come before assigning responsibility.

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on LinkedInBy Ray KahlerSenior PartnerThe danger of young children falling from upper-story apartment windows has been recognized for decades.  The Consumer Product Safety Commission estimates that 25 children age 10 and younger die each year as a result of ...

09/04/2026

A powerhouse joins Stritmatter Law! 💪 Welcome, Elizabeth Hanley, our newest equity partner. “I am incredibly proud to join a firm with an 80-year history of standing up for people harmed by powerful governments, institutions, and corporations—and of making law that shapes and protects people’s rights today.”

Elizabeth is a past President of the Washington State Association for Justice and the President Elect of the American Association for Justice Council of Presidents.

Recently she was appointed by Governor Bob Ferguson to the Tort Study Commission. → Elizabeth is also a state Supreme Court appointee to the Washington Pattern Jury Instructions Committee and a member of Damages Attorneys Roundtable.

Welcome to Stritmatter Law, Elizabeth.

We’re excited for what’s ahead! 🎉 ⚖️

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on LinkedInBy Stritmatter LawElizabeth Hanley has joined the nationally renowned plaintiff firm Stritmatter Law as an equity partner effective September 1, 2026. Elizabeth is a past President of the Washington Association for Justice and the President Elect o...

09/01/2026

🎉 Elizabeth Hanley officially joins Stritmatter Law today as an equity partner — and we are VERY excited about this one.

Twenty-one years ago, Karen Koehler became the first female partner at Stritmatter Law. Two years ago, Gemma Zanowski joined her.

Today, Elizabeth Hanley makes three.

Karen. Gemma. Elizabeth. Now THAT is a trifecta. 🔥

Elizabeth brings 20 years of experience, serious leadership chops in the plaintiff bar, and what Karen describes as “empathetic, impassioned, aggressive advocacy.”

In other words: she fits right in around here.

And because apparently that isn’t enough, she also climbs mountains, competes in triathlons, and plays classical music. We’ll try to keep up.

We’re so happy you’re here, Elizabeth. ❤️

Help us give her a big Stritmatter welcome!

08/26/2026

Before you trust a nursing home with someone you love, ask these 9 questions.

Our experience handling nursing home abuse and neglect cases has shown us that some of the most important warning signs can be uncovered before admission — if you know what to ask.

Here are 9 questions every family should ask:

1.) How are new residents evaluated — and when?
2.) How do you prevent falls?
3.) How do you protect residents with dementia or memory impairment?
4.) What is your staffing level on nights and weekends?
5.) What training do staff receive?
6.) How do you investigate and report incidents?
7.) Have you been cited for abuse, neglect, or serious safety violations?
8.) What are your policies on resident rights and family access?
9.) What insurance do you carry?

Don’t just ask whether a nursing home is safe. Ask them to show you how they keep residents safe.

Read the full guide from Stritmatter Law. 👇

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on LinkedInBy Gemma ZanowskiSenior PartnerChoosing a nursing home, assisted living facility, or memory care facility for a loved one is one of the most important decisions a family will ever make. Marketing brochures often promise safety, attentive care, and....

08/24/2026

Many find the Tegman doctrine complex, but it centers on apportioning fault for damages. Learn how RCW 4.22.070 requires fault to be divided among all responsible parties, defining fault as negligent or reckless acts. This applies even when intentional acts are involved, as seen in the Welch case, where damages must be segregated from those caused solely by intentional tortfeasors.

08/21/2026

Understanding how state licensing failures can impact liability in cases involving intentional torts. We explore the crucial element of proximate cause and how a negligent defendant's actions can be the first link in a causal chain, potentially affecting the extent of damages awarded.

08/20/2026

The jury faced a tough question: how to divide damages between the foster father's intentional abuse and the state's potential negligence. For one child, most blame fell on the foster father. For another, the state's negligence played a much larger role, even with less time spent in care.