First Slide

What do our clients say about us?

Slide 2

“Deciding to work with Ruiz & Smart was probably one of the best decisions of my life.”

Slide 3

“I move forward in life with peace of mind, knowing the incredible work of Ruiz & Smart secured me justice.”

Slide 4

“After unsuccessful attempts at resolving a workplace sexual harassment complaint in-house, I sought help from Ruiz & Smart.”

Slide 5

“Their collective experience and legal knowledge resulted in much-needed relief and a settlement before trial.”

Slide 6

“I am beyond grateful to have found such a competent and caring team to represent me. I highly recommend and would not hesitate to utilize their services again.”

Slide 7

“The team is passionate about fighting for justice and will not back down from holding people or companies accountable.”

Slide 8

“I went from feeling defeated to feeling empowered. They didn’t back down in fighting for justice and they completely changed my life.”

About our 2023 ad campaign

We’re dedicating our Washington State Bar Association BAR NEWS ads to sharing each of our team members’ “why”. Why have we chosen this profession? Why do we represent our clients? Why do we fight?

This month we’re featuring Paige Lewis. Paige has been a part of our team since before Ruiz & Smart existed—for 25 years! She is an incredible paralegal, and she is beloved by clients.

We hope you’ll keep visiting our website to learn about more of our team members’ “why” as the year marches on.

Read About Our “Why”

Ad: What's Your Why, on yellow background. States: "In 2023, we're doing something a little different in the BAR NEWS. Our ads this year will have team members sharing their why."

Reach out to Ruiz & Smart

Whether you’re dealing with an unfair insurance company or an abusive employer, or you or a loved one have suffered a major injury or loss, we understand the first step of calling a law firm can be one of the hardest.

We encourage you to call (206) 203-9100 or fill out our contact form to get in touch. Chances are Chris Jarman will connect back with you as soon as possible.

Contact Form

Our Practice Areas

Wrongful Death, Personal INjury

Automobile accidents

Motorcycle accident

Premises liability

Medical malpractice

Catastrophic injuries

Train derailments

Insurance Recovery and Bad Faith

Homeowners and renters insurance claims

Automobile insurance claims

Health insurance claims

Business losses including liability claims

Life insurance claims

Short-term and long-term disability insurance claims

Employment-Related Claims

Employment discrimination

Unlawful termination

Disability discrimination claims

Whistleblower claims

Retaliation claims

Terminations in violation of public policy

Blue graphic. The words Insurance Bad Faith are superimposed on a home.

EXPLAINER

What is insurance bad faith?

By Ruiz & Smart

“Insurance bad faith” describes when an insurance company underpays, delays, fails to communicate, or otherwise disadvantages an insured. Insurance bad faith is illegal, and the law creates several ways for policyholders to hold insurance companies accountable in court.

Read more about what it is and what you can do about it.

Photograph of four Ruiz & Smart team members discussing a case. Two team members have computers. One has a book. The fourth is looking at notes. There is a Rubik's cube near the center of the table.

How We Measure Our Impact

50+

Million Dollars RECOVERED

Our attorneys have recovered millions of dollars for clients. We’ve achieved six-, seven-, and eight-figure recoveries against all types of defendants.

200+

Housing Units Restored

At a time of severe housing insecurity, our cases have recovered monetary amounts needed to repair and rebuild structures and allow families to return to their homes.

500+

Copies of IFCA BooK SOLD

Attorney Isaac Ruiz wrote a definitive legal guide on the groundbreaking Insurance Fair Conduct Act (IFCA)—a resource utilized by attorneys across Washington.

Photograph of Kayti Knudsen. Kayti is wearing a teal suit jacket and is standing in front of a stone-clad wall.

NEWS

New Insurance Law Deskbook Announced

By Ruiz & Smart

Congratulations to Ruiz & Smart attorney Kayti Knudsen, who co-edited the inaugural Washington Insurance Law Deskbook, which was recently released by the Washington State Association for Justice (WSAJ). The firm is proud of Kayti and grateful to all contributors to this incredible resource.

The firm is also proud that three of its attorneys—Kayti, McKean Evans, and Isaac Ruiz—contributed chapters to the deskbook.

Learn about our results for clients.

American Family Insurance, Fire Loss Claim in Enumclaw, WA

We went toe-to-toe against American Family, obtained three summary-judgment rulings, and obtained a favorable settlement for a family—who were able to move back into their home.

Health Care Authority, Claim for Spinal Cord Stimulation

We obtained a ruling from the Superior Court holding that the law establishing the Health Technology Clinical Committee (HTCC) was unconstitutional and obtained life-critical medical treatment.

State Farm Insurance, Underinsured Motorist (UIM) Claim in Eastern Washington

We partnered with co-counsel from Eastern Washington and obtained an excellent result after State Farm tried to underpay a UIM claim. Our client was hurt in a major rear-end crash.

Bartell Drugs, Injury Caused by Security Guard

We obtained a favorable settlement for an elder who was knocked over by a security guard. Our client was an innocent bystander when an alleged shoplifter was attempting to flee.

Farmers Insurance, Covenant Judgment Case affirmed by Supreme Court

We were among the team representing the plaintiff in Bird v. Best Plumbing, which culminated in a supreme court victory for insurance policyholders and a favorable settlement. The case had its origins in a claim involving a release of contaminated water.

WAFLA, Sexual Harassment and Retaliation against WAFLA (WASH. FARM LABOR ASSOCIATION)

We sued an agricultural human-resources provider and obtained a favorable settlement for our client. The case involved allegations against the employer’s chief executive officer (CEO). The case ended with a settlement.

Medical Malpractice, Wrong-Side Surgery

We obtained an excellent result for a kidney cancer patient whose surgeon removed the wrong side ureter.

Police Accountability Reform

Attorney Isaac Ruiz served as co-chair of the Seattle Community Police Commission (CPC) and played a role in the adoption of landmark police accountability reform.