Hello. I am a personal injury and auto accident lawyer in Seattle. I practice law primarily in western Washington State. I have represented injured people and their families for more than 32 years. I have been described as a tenacious trial litigator, who passionately represents those injured by negligent people, defective products, and uncaring corporations.
I have the unique experience and background of initially beginning my career as an insurance defense lawyer with law firms in Washington DC, Los Angeles, and Seattle, where I represented insurance companies and corporate defendants in personal injury lawsuits for 6 years. Thus, unlike the majority of personal injury attorneys, I actually worked as a defense lawyer on the same kinds of cases I now bring against defendants. This rare combination of knowing how insurance companies defend cases, and having extensive, first-hand experience in defending those very cases, proves to be an invaluable asset to my clients in the everyday litigation practice.
I have recovered millions of dollars for my clients over the years, both in trial verdicts and in negotiated settlements. I am AV Rated by Martindale Hubbell and listed as a Best Lawyer in America. I am most proud of my client reviews, which attest to the high-level representation and attention I pour into each case - often resulting in successfully resolving cases before trial through artful negotiation and aggressive representation. Much of my personal injury practice is centered on representing injured bicyclists and pedestrians. I am an avid cyclist and have logged thousands of miles cycling all over the world. Because of my high visibility as an elite endurance athlete, I am well regarded in the Washington triathlon and cycling communities. I am an active member of many bicycle clubs and I compete regularly in triathlon, cycling, and running races all over the world.
With gas prices rising and a concern for greener lifestyles, pedestrian and bicycle injury accidents – some serious and sadly fatal – are in the headlines as more people are choosing to walk or bike rather than drive. Some accidents are a result of negligence on behalf of the motor vehicle driver. Others result from poorly marked crosswalks and signage. And some are the result of a bicycle design or manufacturing flaw. One of my recent cases involved a design flaw of the aluminum bicycle frame that caused catastrophic injury to the rider.
In addition to specializing in Washington state auto and insurance law, I also represent people who are injured or killed as a result of medical malpractice and hospital mistakes. I also represent victims of trip or slip and fall injuries at apartments, stores, or other venues. Further, I have considerable experience in handling lawsuits that arise out of animal-inflicted injuries, such as serious dog bites. Moreover, I have successfully represented clients who are hurt at daycare centers, and by police misconduct, nursing home negligence, and other situations in which children, adults, or the elderly are harmed by someone's failure to exercise reasonable care.
I have litigated and resolved large medical negligence and product defect cases. “I brings a triathlete's passion to every case I work on”. “Just as I break down my training routine into achievable steps, I do the same when preparing for trial. The discipline I use in this approach ensures nothing is overlooked.”
I am regularly selected to act as arbitrator in the superior courts of western Washington pursuant to the Mandatory Arbitration program of multiple counties of the state. In the capacity of arbitrator, I sit to evaluate a wide variety of personal injury and
wrongful death lawsuits in an attempt to efficiently resolve cases to avoid the necessity of ongoing litigation, lengthy jury trials, and expensive appeals.
Outside of the office, In 2011, Mike competed in the Ironman Triathlon World Championships in Kona, Hawaii. It was his 10th successful appearance. In the 2010 event, Michael won his first age group world championship (50-54) and in 2011 he placed 2nd in the AG.
I am licensed to practice in State and Federal Courts in Washington, California, Colorado and the District of Columbia. I have served as chair of the Washington State Attorneys for Justice (WSAJ) roundtable/personal injury section. I am an Eagle member of WSAJ and a member of the American Association of Justice (AAJ).
I grew up on Mercer Island. I received my Juris Doctorate from Syracuse University School of Law in 1987. I earned my undergraduate degree from the University of Washington in 1983. I have 3 children and a fat Labrador retriever.
“To me, a lawyer is basically the person that knows the rules of the country. We're all throwing the dice, playing the game, moving our pieces around the board, but if there is a problem the lawyer is the only person who has read the inside of the top of the box.”
- Jerry Seinfeld
