James Gooding

Bar / Professional Activity

• U.S. District Court, Western District of Washington, 2007
• Member of the WSAJ Nursing Home and Elder Care section, and past Member of the WSBA Court Rules Committee and the WSAJ Trial News Editorial Board. 
• American Association for Justice (AAJ), Member
• Washington State Bar Association, 1994
• New York State Bar Association, 2002
• Appellate Division of the New York State Supreme Court, 2002
• Washington State Coordinator for the National Board of Legal Specialty Certification
• Member of the WSAJ Nursing Home and Elder Care section, 2011 - present
• New Jersery State Bar Association, 2002
• U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California, 1993
• Member of Ethics Committee, New York County Lawyers Association, 2003-2007
• Washington State Association for Justice (WSAJ), Eagle Member
• California State Bar Association, 1993
• U.S. State Court of Appeals, Ninth Circuit, 1993

Verdicts / Settlements (Case Results)

• $10 million settlement for a medical malpractice claim., 2025
• $8.775 million for a client permanently injured in a rear-end collision., 2025
• $2 million settlement for a client who experienced trauma due to intentional infliction of emotional distress., 2025
• $1.1 million settlement for a client injured in a rear-end collision., 2025
• $1.1 million settlement for a client injured in a rear-end collision., 2025
• $1 million settlement for a client injured in a t-bone collision., 2025
• $1 million settlement for a client who died from their injuries as a resident of a nursing home., 2025
• $1 million settlement for the wrongful death of a client abused at a nursing home., 2025
• $2 Million settlement for the wrongful death of a client caused by a T-bone car crash., 2024
• $1 Million recovery for a nursing home abuse and neglect client., 2024
• $500,000 recovery for a client involved in a motor vehicle collision., 2024
• $375,000 recovery for a maritime client whose fishing vessel sank due to negligence causing physical injuries and extreme PTSD., 2024
• $300,000 recovery for a client who was rear-ended and suffered migraine headaches, neck pain, shoulder pain and low back pain., 2024
• $300,000 recovery for a fisherman injured on the job., 2024
• $275,000 recovery for a nursing home abuse client., 2024
• $250,000 recovery for a client who was rear-ended suffering a slap tear that required surgery., 2024
• $250,000 recovery for bicyclist struck by a car exiting a parking lot., 2024
• $200,000 recovery for a client rear-ended suffering from neck injuries, concussion, and PTSD., 2024
• $135,000 recovery for a client who suffered a concussion and heart palpitations from a head-on collision., 2024
• $122,500 recovery for a client who suffered a back injury in a rear-end collision., 2024
• $100,000 recovery for a maritime client who broke his hand on a processor., 2024
• $1,535,000 settlement for a minor who suffered injuries on a playground., 2023
• $1,000,000 settlement for a minor who was injured in a trucking collision., 2023
• $1.75M settlement for the estate of a wrongful death client who was struck and killed by a motor vehicle., 2022
• $5M resolution for a person who was badly injured., 2022
• Has picked over 100 juries and tried over 75 cases.
• $1 million recovery for a child who was hit by a car resulting in PTSD., 2021
• $2.25 million recovery for a man who was involved in an explosion at a scrap yard, sustaining an injury to his pituitary glad., 2020
• $3.5 million recovery for a diver who was hit by a spool that fell of the barge he was working under., 2021
• $4.5 million recovery for a girl who was hit by a semitruck, sustaining liver damage., 2021
• $5 million recovery for the wife and children of an employee who died after falling down a manlift shaft at the Avis Parking garage in Seattle, WA., 2020
• $2.7M verdict vs. Fred Meyer for a customer who had a dolly dropped on her foot., 2020
• $1.5 million settlement for an elderly nursing home resident who was given the wrong medication (morphine), killing her. The nursing home hid their $1M and $500K insurance policies for over four years before finally being forced to pay, 2016
• $1 million settlement for the wrongful death of a seaman (confidential facts), 2016
• $1 million maritime settlement for a seaman who fell into an open fish hold, injuring his neck, back, wrist, and shoulder, requiring surgery, 2016
• $1.65 million settlement for a 54 year old woman who was rear-ended, causing cervical herniations and the need for a three-level cervical fusion. This is the largest reported cervical fusion settlement ever in the State of Washington, 2015
• $884,000 verdict in King County for a woman whose insurance company's pre-trial offer to her was zero, 2015
• $3.5 million settlement for 97 year old nursing home resident whose genitalia fell off due to untreated penile cancer. This is the largest reported nursing home settlement ever in the State of Washington, 2011
• $1.25 million settlement for woman who was hit on her bike by an SUV, fracturing her ankle. This is one of the largest reported recoveries for an ankle fracture ever in the State of Washington, 2010
• $1million policy limits settlement for a truck driver/passenger whose arm got crushed when the co-driver took a turn too fast, rolling the truck over onto the passenger side, 2012
• $1million policy limits settlement for the wrongful death of a 38 year old man due to tire failure on a van he was driving, 2012
• $870,000 verdict to a man who slipped on grease in the stairwell of his workplace, due to inadequate lighting, requiring surgery to his knee, 2007

Videos

• GLP Attorneys proudly pursues justice for our clients who have been injured at their place of work. We are pleased to share the story of the case of Gary Galstad, who we were able to help reach a large settlement after a harrowing maritime workplace accident., Journey to Justice: The Case of Gary Galstad, Maritime, 2025
• “What is nursing home abuse and neglect?” Nursing home abuse and neglect is one of the hidden dangers in America, impacting too many of our vulnerable loved ones. In this episode of #PersonalInjury101, Jim Gooding defines nursing home abuse and neglect., What is nursing home abuse and neglect?, Nursing Home, 2024
• “What laws cover nursing home abuse and neglect?” The Vulnerable Adult Statute is a powerful law which protects elders who have been victims of nursing home abuse and neglect. Understanding the laws protecting you and your loved ones can help you be prepared for the future if something happens. In this episode of #PersonalInjury101, Jim Gooding talks about what laws cover nursing home abuse and neglect., What laws cover nursing home abuse and neglect?, Nursing Home, 2024
• “What should I do if I suspect nursing home abuse and neglect are occurring?” Abuse and neglect in nursing homes can take many forms. Nursing homes providing substandard care can oftentimes result in injury or death. In this episode of #PersonalInjury101, Jim Gooding talks about what you should do if you suspect that nursing home abuse and neglect are occurring., What should I do if I suspect nursing home abuse and neglect are occurring?, Legal, 2024
• “Should I attempt to negotiate with the nursing home on my own?” When a loved one has been a victim of nursing home abuse and neglect, it can be daunting to negotiate with a nursing home on your own. This is why there are laws in Washington State that provide legal measures that can cover your attorney fees. In this episode of #PersonalInjury101, Jim Gooding talks about why you should not negotiate with the nursing home on your own and why it is best to seek out an attorney., Should I attempt to negotiate with the nursing home on my own?, Nursing Home, 2024
• “How long do I have to file a nursing home abuse or neglect lawsuit?” When deciding to file a nursing home abuse or neglect lawsuit, it is best to act sooner rather than later. The right attorney to help represent you in your case will ensure that you are supported properly. In this episode of #PersonalInjury101, Jim Gooding talks about when you should file a nursing home abuse or neglect lawsuit., How long do I have to file a nursing home abuse or neglect lawsuit?, Nursing Home, 2024
• “What are the signs of nursing home abuse and neglect?” Nursing home neglect can take many different forms from emotional to physical abuse. Nursing home professionals have a duty to their patients to provide a certain standard of care and quality of life. Unfortunately, sometimes they do not provide a suitable level of care., What are the signs of nursing home abuse and neglect?, Nursing Home, 2024
• “What should I look for when hiring a personal injury attorney for a nursing home abuse or neglect case?” It is important to look into the background of a personal injury attorney when you are looking to hire them to represent you in a nursing home abuse or neglect case. The personal injury attorney must be knowledgeable about the laws for these cases. In this episode of #PersonalInjury101, Jim Gooding talks about what you should look for when hiring a personal injury attorney for a nursing home abuse or neglect case., What should I look for when hiring a personal injury attorney for a nursing home abuse or neglect case?, Nursing Home, 2024
• Personal Injury 101: Nursing Home Abuse & Neglect, 2023

Special Licenses / Certifications

• Graduate, The Courage to Ask, Trial Lawyers College, October 2024, 2024
• ABOTA - inducted into the American Board of Trial Advocacy as an Associate, 2020
• Board Certified as a Civil Trial Advocate by the National Board of Trial Advocacy. This certification verifies that the attorney has tried over 20 cases to verdict, and attained a level of skill in the courtroom that has been verified by Judges and opposing counsel.

Pro bono / Community Service

• Pro Bono representation of people injured in the 9/11/01 World Trade Center attacks.
• Member of Trial Lawyers Care, an organization that provides pro bono legal services for victims of 9/11 and for the Oso landslide.

Honors

• Recognized as a Top 100 Super Lawyer by Washington Super Lawyers., Top 100 Super Lawyer - Washington State, 2014-2025 Super Lawyers, 2025
• An annual recognition program that honors companies in Washington state (especially around the Puget Sound region) for outstanding workplace culture and employee engagement. GLP Attorneys placed in the Top 5 of best places to work in the large company category., Washington’s Best Workplaces, Puget Sound Business Journal, 2025
• The Best of the PNW Contest, sponsored by The Seattle Times, is an annual reader-driven competition celebrating excellence across the Pacific Northwest. The contest recognizes outstanding businesses, organizations, and professionals in a wide range of categories—from legal services and healthcare to dining, entertainment, and community impact. Thousands of readers cast their votes to honor the people and companies that make the region exceptional. Being named a winner or finalist is a mark of distinction that reflects strong community trust, quality service, and a deep local presence., Best of the PNW, Seattle Times, 2025
• 2012-2025 Top 100 Washington State Trial Lawyers, Top 100 Washington State Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers, 2025
• Top 100 Jury Verdicts, TopVerdict.com - 2022, Top 100 Jury Verdicts, TopVerdict.com, 2022
• Top 100 Jury Verdicts, TopVerdict.com - 2020, Top 100 Jury Verdicts, TopVerdict.com, 2020
• Plaintiff's opening statement and closing argument from Phillips v. Bush Realty trial included in Winning Openings and Closings, Washington State Association for Justice, 2009, Winning Openings and Closings, Washington State Association for Justice, 2009
• Highest rating by AVVO - 10.0, 10.0 AVVO rating, Avvo.com, 2024
• Member, Member, Million Dollar Advocates Forum , Member, Million Dollar Advocates Forum, Million Dollar Advocates Forum, 2024
• Board Certified Civil Trial Specialist by the National Board of Legal Specialty Certification 2007 - present
• Opening statement and closing argument from Phillips v. Bush Realty trial included in Winning Openings and Closings, Washington State Association for Justice, 2009.

Educational Background

• Golden Gate University School of Law J.D., 1993
• University of California at Berkeley, California, B.A., Philosophy, 1990

Scholarly Lectures / Writings

• Republicans are expected to rescind the Biden administration's nursing home staffing rule before it takes effect. The rule, which mandates minimum staffing levels, has faced opposition from the nursing home industry, which argues it doesn't address current workforce challenges. Consumer advocates and public health experts fear that repealing the rule could harm both residents and workers. The rule was proposed in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, which saw over 200,000 nursing home deaths linked to staffing shortages. It requires nursing homes to provide a minimum of 3.48 hours of care per resident daily and ensure a registered nurse is on-site 24/7. Lawmakers in both the House and Senate introduced joint resolutions under the Congressional Review Act (CRA) to overturn the rule in the months after it was finalized. Despite bipartisan opposition, the rule is set to take effect for urban nursing homes in 2027 and for rural ones in 2029., Author, Republicans Seek to Overturn Biden's Nursing Home Staffing Rule, GLP Attorneys Blog, Nursing Home, 2025
• As the percentage of the U.S. population over the age of 65 increases rapidly, more and more focus will be placed on senior living, nursing homes, and long-term care facilities - and the conditions in them. Nursing home abuse and neglect is a very serious matter that impacts some of the most vulnerable among us. Thankfully, new technologies like web-enabled camera systems are poised to help families stay informed about their loved ones’ care, but these solutions require careful planning. A recent article in the New York Times intertwines personal horror stories of nursing homes with growing trends in assisted living state laws to examine why more families are making the decision to increase surveillance of their loved ones in these facilities., Author, The Latest Tool in Preventing Nursing Home Abuse: Video Monitoring, GLP Attorneys Blog, Nursing Home, 2025
• Jim’s article, “Using DSHS to Win Your Nursing Home Case,” discusses recent changes in Washington law requiring the Department of Social & Health Services (DSHS) to release full reports on nursing homes under investigation for abuse. DSHS is responsible for protecting vulnerable adults by investigating reports of abuse, neglect, financial exploitation, and other mistreatment in licensed care facilities. Previously, DSHS only had to share partial information, but a 2022 Court of Appeals ruling now mandates the release of comprehensive records, including surveyor notes, findings, and investigation documents, following a public disclosure request. This change in the law is especially helpful for nursing home abuse and neglect cases, as it allows attorneys to access crucial information that can strengthen their cases and hold negligent facilities accountable. Jim outlines how legal professionals can use these reports to better advocate for victims of abuse., Author, Using DSHS to Win Your Nursing Home Case, Washington State Association for Justice Trial News, Legal, Nursing Home, 2025
• The New York Times article “Your Parents Deserve More From Their Nursing Home” discusses new federal rules introduced by the Biden administration last year to establish minimum staffing standards in nursing homes. These changes, expected to save 13,000 lives annually, are now facing opposition. The Trump administration should support, not weaken, these reforms, as they are critical for improving care. The rules, finalized last April, are some of the most significant changes in nursing home care in decades. While they will increase operational costs for many facilities, the investment is crucial for better resident care., Author, Why Minimum Staffing Standards Are Essential for Better Nursing Home Care, GLP Attorneys Blog, Nursing Home, 2025
• Trusting a care facility to take care of a loved one is a daunting task, especially as many nursing homes have histories of neglecting residents. Caregivers in Idaho are required to follow a code of ethics set in place by the Idaho Department of Health and Wellness. However, not every caregiver conducts themselves ethically, and oftentimes can be perpetrators of elder abuse., Author, How to Report Nursing Home Abuse in Idaho, https://glpattorneys.com/news/how-to-report-nursing-home-abuse-in-idaho/, Nursing Home, 2025
• Author, “Implications of the Henderson Ruling: WA Supreme Court Addresses Racial Bias in Civic Court Proceedings”, GLP Attorneys Legal Update, November 2022, Author, Implications of the Henderson Ruling: WA Supreme Court Addresses Racial Bias in Civic Court Proceedings, GLP Attorneys Legal Update, Legal, 2022
• Author, “How to Win at Trial When Your Plaintiff is a Smoker”, Washington State Association for Justice Trial News, April 2020, Author, How to Win at Trial When Your Plaintiff is a Smoker, Washington State Association for Justice Trial News,, Legal, 2020
• Speaker at CLE: Trial Advocacy - Voir Dire, Speaker, Trial Advocacy CLE, WSBA, 2019
• Speaker, "Top 10 Trial Tips", Bridging the Gap, 2016, Speaker, Top 10 Trial Tips, Bridging the Gap, Legal, 2016
• A New Civil Cause of Action for Mandatory Reporters Who Fail to Report Suspected Neglect and Abuse, Co-author, WSAJ Trial News, 2016
• Finding Seven-figure Coverage in the "no-coverage" case, co-author, WSAJ Trial News, 2014
• Punitive Damages in Nursing Home (and other) Cases, WSAJ Trial News, 2013
• Presenter, “Voir Dire”, Washington State Bar Association Trial Advocacy Program, 2015 - 2020, Presenter, Voir Dire, Washington State Bar Association Trial Advocacy Program, Legal
• Age Doesn't Matter: the Vulnerable Adult Statute in Practice, WSAJ Trial News, 2011
• Speaker, "Fear during Voir Dire – Pitfalls and Pointers", University of Washington School of Law, 2008, Speaker, Fear during Voir Dire – Pitfalls and Pointers, University of Washington School of Law, Legal, 2008
• Turning the Tables: Forcing the Defendant to Submit to a Physical Exam and Reveal Other Relevant Medical Records, "Bill of Particulars" cover story, New York State Trial Lawyers Association, 2005
• Capitation as a Free-Standing Cause of Action in Medical Malpractice, ATLA Professional Negligence Reporter, 2004

• Aviation
• Construction
• Logging
• Maritime
• Nursing Home
• Trucking