Similar personal injury attorneys in Washington
Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Each case is unique and depends on its own facts.
About William P. Lightfoot
William P. Lightfoot has practiced as a workers' compensation attorney in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area for nearly four decades, litigating multi-million dollar cases. He negotiates settlement agreements, represents clients in arbitrations, mediations, and at trial, and manages cases from intake through resolution. He represents people with serious injuries, including wrongful death, brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, and broken bones. Washingtonian Magazine wrote that few personal injury lawyers are more effective at winning big judgments for their clients.
Cases he has litigated have changed practices among plumbers, manufacturers, and health practitioners, and Safe Kids recognized him for litigation that improved child safety related to hot water burns. Appellate cases he has litigated have changed District of Columbia law on closing arguments and statute of limitations. The D.C. Trial Lawyers Association named him Trial Lawyer of the Year, and Martindale Hubbell, Super Lawyers, Best Lawyers, and Avvo have recognized his work. The American Association for Justice gave him its highest award for legal education, and he teaches law to lawyers each year.
He is a member of the American Association of Justice, American Bar Association, Washington Bar Association, D.C. Trial Lawyers Association, American College of Trial Lawyers, American Law Institute, Leadership Washington, and Sigma Pi Phi Epsilon Boule. He served two terms as a District of Columbia Councilmember At-Large, chaired four mayoral campaigns, and serves on the D.C. Judicial Tenure and Disabilities Commission. He is a graduate of Howard University and Washington University School of Law.
Proven verdicts and settlements
DeAngelo Green, a 32-year-old maintenance technician, was killed shortly before noon on March 9, 2018 when a DC Fire and EMS engine on an emergency run reached about 54 miles an hour in a 30 mile an hour zone and went through a red light at 12th Street and Rhode Island Avenue NE, striking his car as he crossed on a green light. A first jury found the firefighter grossly negligent but also found Green contributorily negligent, so the verdict went to the District; the trial judge then held that instruction was wrong, entered judgment for the estate on liability, and ordered a new trial on damages alone. On February 22, 2024, the damages jury returned seven itemized awards to Green's widow and his six children totaling $13,574,680.95. The District appealed, and the DC Court of Appeals heard argument in December 2025 with the case still under advisement.
Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Each case is unique and depends on its own facts.
Practice areas
Education
Other attorneys at Lightfoot Law
View firm →
Proven verdicts and settlements from other Washington firms
Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Each case is unique and depends on its own facts.