Duncan B. Koler | Coeur D Alene Personal Injury Lawyer

• Member | California State Bar Association
• Member | Idaho State Bar Association

• Summa Cum Laude Graduate (#1 in Graduating Class of 219) California Western School of Law
  1984

• I represented a person who was injured by a piece of recreational equipment. Other attorneys were not interested in taking on the case, believing it would be too difficult. My client had a serious injury and needed two surgeries. I took on the case knowing that I would be taking on multiple defendants and their Big Firm attorneys. I knew they would do their best to bury me with paperwork and decided the best defense to that was a strong offense. I kept all three opposing attorney firms on their heels until the case settled, before significant costs were incurred, netting the client significant funds and getting all of her medical bills paid. • A former injury client contacted me. His wife was \"\"sold a bill of goods\"\" regarding the conditions of her employment. It was a miserable place to work and she resigned. Her employer sued her for thousands of dollars claiming she did not fulfill her employment contract. The potential financial consequences could have been devastating to my client and her family. I took the case on a pro bono basis because I was outraged by the conduct of the employer. I went on the offense and got the case dismissed. • For all of my injury clients, I go out of my way to help them understand how the system works, and do what is needed so that they are protected from the many legal and insurance-related pitfalls that exist. Most people do not know how to make sure their medical bills get paid so that they do not go to collections while they wait for a settlement. Representing a client is not just about getting them a good end result, it\'s also about protecting them from adverse consequences until the case resolves. To get the best results, you have to know the law, know how insurance works, you have to be diligent, and you have to proactively deal with the issues. But you also have to be accessible and have good communication with your client.

First, you have to know what you are doing. Law school only teaches you the basics. I tried to squeeze every bit of knowledge I could out of my law school experience and graduated summa cum laude, first in my class. Next, gaining experience was the goal. I went to work as judicial clerk for United States District Court Judge Rudi M. Brewster. In my opinion, there is no better job to get as a young attorney. In that job I gained exposure to the high standards of attorneys in federal practice, performed research, made decision recommendations (sometimes accepted) to the judge, and learned how things work in the legal \"real world.\" My judicial clerkship taught me how to analyze a case from both sides, instead of as an advocate for one side. After leaving the court I was recruited to join the San Diego law firm of Dyer, Brewer & Walton. Our firm had primarily a federal court practice and specialized in maritime and insurance law. I learned how to win, both at the trial and in appellate court. I made partner after four years. From there, I formed my own law firm - Koler, Kumpf & Prows, where I managed nine attorneys and their support staff. In 1997 I moved from San Diego to Coeur d\'Alene, Idaho to start a family, and started anew as a solo practitioner. Over the next 20 years I carefully built my practice, focusing on representing persons who were wrongfully injured, and using my knowledge gained from earlier practice defending against personal injury claims. I have gained a reputation for diligence, skill and integrity. This has allowed me to build a successful referral-based practice. I do not advertise and don\'t like attorney billboards.

Experience, knowledge and genuine interest in helping the client, evidenced by the communication skills and performance of the attorney.

Local knowledge can help in most places, and can be essential in others. If you represent a client in a place unfamiliar to you, you better get the lay of the land. A good attorney knows how to gain the necessary information and neutralize home court advantage when presenting a case away from home. It sometimes helps to have local counsel vouch for the visiting attorney.

After getting the facts, I can identify for the client any pressing issues, discuss the likely strengths and weaknesses of the case and tell the client whether the case is worth pursuing further. I can also provide information about myself, and my approach to representing clients and handling their claims. I enjoy talking with people and helping when I can. A big part of that is making the client feel at ease in a situation they never wanted to be in, and inspiring confidence that they will be well represented. This starts with the first phone call between lawyer and client.

The basic facts surrounding the case, personal contact information, and insurance information for both sides.

I have over 30 years of experience, and have been very successful building a referral-based practice. Besides the results I get, I think my clients most appreciate my one-on-one, partnership approach to representing them. When a client calls, they either get me promptly on the phone or receive a prompt return call. They do not have to go through a secretary and two paralegals to get me. I communicate with my clients by phone and email regularly, so that they always know what is going on with their case, why, and what the next step(s) will be. I view my role as one of partnership with my clients. I understand they come to me for my knowledge and expertise. I provide that, give clients my advice on the pros and cons, and help them make the decisions that suit them best.

Working on a person-to-person basis to help solve big problems, with honesty and integrity.

Raising a good family, staying healthy and enjoying the outdoors, being friendly and kind to others, being a good Christian and playing music.

Yes. I have been active with our schools, support our local music community and often help in community fund-raisers.