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William Coats
also known as Bill Coats
About William
Biography
I’d like to tell you a story about why I help people who have claims against insurance companies. Its 1991 and I’m a law student living out-of-state when my mom calls to tell me she’s been burglarized. She is scared and upset. Fortunately nothing sentimental is stolen. I naively tell mom that her homeowners insurance will compensate her for the things that were taken.
It turns out that the claim process is more upsetting for mom than the break in. They make her jump through all kinds of unnecessary hoops and try to low ball her on the value of the claim. The insurance company, who she has been with for over 20 years, treats her like she did something wrong.
I do everything I can to help, but at this time I don’t really know how insurance companies work and what can be done to make them to treat mom fairly. We feel helpless at the company’s “take it or leave it” attitude.
Over the past 20 years, I have learned how to level the playing field for people like my mom. In the courthouse, insurance companies have to answer to a jury, not shareholders. While most cases do not go to trial, you need the leverage of a trial to make them treat you fairly.
If you have been injured through no fault of your own and are facing an insurance company alone, please give me a call. I’d be glad to help.
Practice Areas
3
Practice Areas
Fees and Rates
Cost
Contingency
20%-40%
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in Washington for 31 years
State: Washington
Acquired: 1994
No misconduct found
Licensed in Oregon for 16 years
State: Oregon
Acquired: 2009
No misconduct found
Location
Bill Coats Law PLLC
114 W. Magnolia St., Suite 400-172, Bellingham, WA, 98225
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William Coats's Reviews
Showing 1 - 5 of 11 client reviews from Avvo
Posted by Larry | May 11, 2017 | Consulted Attorney
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
Searching for the best attorney to assist with your personal injury claim? Look no further.
If you are searching for the best attorney to assist with your personal injury claim, look no further. Bill Coats is the one. My experience is slightly different than most reviewers because I was able to settle my claim on my own. But for more than 18 months, Bill provided professional guidance ...
Posted by Kurt | December 1, 2016 | Consulted Attorney
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
Thoughtful consultation
We came in for a consultation and Bill was extremely helpful. He took time with us, answering any questions we had, giving us excellent advice. This was our first experience with a lawyer and we would highly recommend his services. Thank you.
Posted by Mark | April 28, 2016 | Consulted Attorney
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
Bill Coats is a standup guy and a first class attorney...
This is a review of the first consultation. I called on the phone and a paralegal took notes on my case. Then an appointment was made. At the meeting Bill asked a lot of great questions. Took the time to talk out the case. Made specific suggestions to proceed forward. Highly knowledgeable and recomme...
Posted by Nannette | March 13, 2016 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Highly Recommended
In 2012, I was rear-ended on the Guide Meridian by someone who was texting. I tried to negotiate my own case, but, the insurance adjuster made it difficult to settle, so I hired Bill Coats. Bill and his paralegal always returned my calls, kept me updated, answered my emails, everything. I always...
Posted by Amariah | July 30, 2014
Above and beyond my expectations
I will be forever thankful for Bill and his team, they helped me in a time when I felt completely hopeless and made me feel like I wasn't alone. They're hard work and dedication paid off greatly and thanks to their help, I can finally get my life back on track. Thank you so much.
William Coats's Lawyer Endorsements
"Bill Coats is an outstanding lawyer. He cares about his clients and works hard to protect their rights. We have worked together on cases and have also confered on difficult cases. I have always been impressed with how hard Bill works and how well he represents his clients. I highly recommend him to anyone who has been injured and needs help."
"I endorse this lawyer's work. Bill and I worked on a trial together a few years ago and he's smart, hard working, and honest. A great trial lawyer."
"Bill is a hard-working, experienced lawyer who cares about his clients and getting the best results possible for them. I strongly endorse Bill."
"I endorse William. He is a highly skilled attorney that is well respected in the legal community."
"I have known Bill for than 25 years. He is an excellent attorney who always represents his clients with passion and integrity. I highly recommend him."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"Bill and I have worked together on a number of matters. He is always looking out for the best interests of his clients. I would not hesitate to recommend him to anyone."
"Bill has an excellent reputation in Bellingham and throughout Whatcom County. I heartily endorse his work."
"Bill Coats is a top-notch lawyer. If you are his client, you can rest assured that you are in good hands. I would not hesitate to refer clients to him."
"I endorse this lawyer. Bill is a true professional. He has a tremendous amount of knowledge in civil litigation, specifically personal injury matters."
"Bill was a city public defender back when I was a city prosecutor. We often opposed each other in trial. Bill is a sharp, well prepared, and hard working trial attorney who cares for his clients. Now that I'm in private practice, I routinely refer my clients to him when they have a personal injury issue. I know that Bill will take good care his clients, and I highly recommend him to anyone."
"Bill is a smart and compassionate lawyer. I'd hire him."
Thomas Fryer
Criminal defense lawyer
Douglas Soderland
Personal injury lawyer
Joseph Pendergast
Personal injury lawyer
Timothy Reid
Litigation lawyer
Douglas Hyldahl
Criminal defense lawyer
Charles Paglialunga
Personal injury lawyer
James Harris
Personal injury lawyer
Experience
Honors
2014
Million Dollar Advocate, Million Dollar Advocates Forum
2014
Multi-Million Dollar Advocate, Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum
2007
Rising Star, Super Lawyers
Work Experience
2014 - Present
Managing Partner, Bill Coats Law
2010 - 2014
Partner, Brett Murphy Coats Knapp McCandlis & Brown
2006 - 2010
Partner, Brett & Coats Personal Injury Attorneys
2003 - 2006
Attorney, Brett & Daugert
2001 - 2003
Assistant Attorney General, Washington State Attorney General's Office
1995 - 2001
Trial Lawyer, Whatcom County Public Defender's Office
Associations
2014 - Present
Whatcom County Judicial Evaluation CommitteeMember
2003 - Present
Washington State Association for JusticeEagle Member
2000 - Present
American Association for JusticeMember
1995 - Present
Washington State Association for JusticeMember
1995 - Present
Whatcom County Bar AssociationMember
2009 - 2011
Washington State Association for JusticeBoard of Governors
Sample of Legal Cases
Client's injuries require retirement and large lost wages claim
$525,000
Two separate accidents result in complicated negotiations
$745,000
Collision with farm equipment on a foggy night
$825,000
Helping our client get the medical treatment she needs
$234,466.00 recovered
Holding insurance companies accountable
Secured $130,000 recovery
Finding the experts necessary to prove our case.
$115K for injury from umbrella
Thorough investigation leads to insurance coverage
Largest single-eye injury settlement in state
Finding insurance coverage
$180K from employer's insurance
Helping with medical bills
$545K settlement
Listening to our client's side of the story
Received full $200K insurance settlement
Education
1994
Tulane University Law School
JD - Juris Doctor, graduated with honors
1991
University of Washington -Seattle
Bachelor of Arts
Speaking Engagements
2010
Electronic Discovery and Live Depositions
Preparing your client for a deposition
2009
WSAJ Legal Education Seminars
Early Years of Litigation Practice
Publications
2014
Whatcom County Bar Association Newsletter
In Defense of Jury Trials
2013
1993
Tulane Maritime Law Journal
Towing the line on damages for purely emotional injuries cognizable under the Jones Act: Plaisance v. Texaco, Inc.
Languages
English
Activity
Legal Answers
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