Business Details
32 Years
experience
Trusted Personal Injury and Workers' Compensation Lawyers in Spokane
Since 1994, Madel & Smith has provided aggressive legal representation for clients navigating workers' compensation and personal injury claims in Washington State. Our attorneys combine decades of experience with a client-focused approach, ensuring claimants receive proper medical care, fair compensation, and expert guidance through complex legal processes. We specialize in litigating cases before the Board of Industrial Insurance Appeals and Superior Courts while maintaining a commitment to personalized service and transparent communication.Our team's deep understanding of Washington's industrial insurance system allows us to effectively negotiate with claims managers and advocate for clients' rights to time-loss benefits, permanent disability awards, and third-party settlements.
Services
Workers' Compensation Claims
Personal Injury Representation
Catastrophic Injury Cases
Third-Party Liability Claims
Industrial Insurance Appeals
Details
- Year established: 1994
Highlights and features
- Combined 45+ years of experience in Washington workers' compensation law
- Successfully litigated complex cases before state appellate courts
- Free initial consultation with experienced legal professionals
- Contingency fee basis ensures no payment unless we win your case
- Established reputation through client referrals and professional networks
What people say
Highly recommend
Very helpful staff
Honest law firm
Very thorough
Successfully handled LEP
Services
Workers' Compensation Claims
We represent injured workers throughout Washington State in securing medical benefits, wage replacement, and disability awards. Our attorneys handle claims for occupational diseases, permanent partial disability, and vocational rehabilitation while challenging denied claims and unfair settlements. With deep knowledge of the Industrial Insurance Act, we advocate for clients' rights to proper medical treatment and fair compensation.
Personal Injury Representation
Our firm handles catastrophic injury cases from auto accidents, slip-and-falls, and medical malpractice. We pursue compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, and lost wages through insurance negotiations or courtroom litigation. Specializing in complex cases involving spinal injuries, traumatic brain injuries, and wrongful death, we work with medical experts to document damages and secure maximum settlements.
Third-Party Liability Claims
When workplace injuries involve third-party negligence, we pursue additional compensation beyond workers' compensation. This includes cases involving defective equipment manufacturers, negligent contractors, or motor vehicle accidents during employment. Our attorneys coordinate with industrial insurance claims while separately litigating third-party cases to recover full damages including pain and suffering.
People
Derek Madel
Partner
Licensed Washington attorney since 1994 with extensive workers' compensation litigation experience. Former Navy servicemember and Gonzaga Law graduate who successfully argued precedent-setting disability cases before Washington appellate courts.
Kyle Smith
Partner
Washington-licensed attorney with 15+ years of experience handling workers' compensation and personal injury claims. Gonzaga Law graduate and former NCAA wrestler who specializes in complex industrial insurance claims and third-party liability cases.
John Kirsten
Paralegal
Certified paralegal with 25+ years of experience supporting workers' compensation cases. Graduated from Spokane Community College in 1998 and provides essential case management and documentation expertise to the legal team.
Diana Peckham
Office Manager
Experienced legal administrator with 35+ years in Spokane law firms. Manages office operations and client communications while maintaining notary certification to support legal documentation processes.
Questions
What should I do immediately after a workplace injury?
Seek medical attention, report the injury to your employer within 7 days, and contact our office for immediate legal guidance to protect your workers' compensation rights.
How are attorney fees structured for workers' comp cases?
We work on a contingency fee basis - no payment unless we successfully recover benefits for you. Fees are typically 15% of awarded compensation.
Can I appeal a denied workers' compensation claim?
Yes. We can help file an appeal with the Board of Industrial Insurance Appeals within 60 days of receiving the denial decision from L&I.
What constitutes a catastrophic injury claim?
Catastrophic injuries include spinal cord damage, traumatic brain injuries, amputations, and severe burns requiring extensive medical treatment and permanent lifestyle adjustments.
How long do I have to file a personal injury lawsuit?
Washington's statute of limitations is 3 years for most personal injury cases. However, specific circumstances may alter this timeframe - consult our attorneys promptly.
