What happened to you isn’t fair.
let’s make sure what
happens next is.
Everything can change in an instant.
A crash. An injury. A sudden loss. The aftermath can be overwhelming—physically, emotionally, financially, and legally.
At Kathryn Herrmann, PLLC, we bring clarity and calm. We step in early—taking charge of the legal process, protecting your rights, and making sure nothing gets missed. You focus on healing—we'll handle the rest.
what we do
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![Car accident victim in Tacoma]()
Auto & Pedestrian
Whether it’s a low-speed collision or a life-changing crash, we handle cases involving cars, trucks, motorcycles, bikes, and pedestrians. Most clients aren’t looking for a lawsuit—they just want their life back. We help make that happen.
You focus on healing. We’ll take care of the rest.
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![a man fell and hurt his knee]()
Slip, Trip & Fall
Falls often look simple, but the legal side rarely is. Property owners may dodge responsibility, and insurers tend to downplay injuries. We investigate what really happened, determine if safety standards were ignored, and build strong liability cases—whether it happened in a store, on a sidewalk, or at someone’s home.
From sprains to surgeries, we’ve seen it all. If we can resolve your case fairly without filing suit, we will. But if the other side refuses to pay what’s reasonable, we’re ready to go to court.
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![Aggressive dog baring teeth and biting]()
Animal Attacks
Animal attacks can cause serious physical injuries and lasting emotional trauma. We handle cases where a dog, cat, or other animal caused harm due to an owner’s failure to control them—whether in a public space, private home, or somewhere in between.
These cases often involve people who know each other—neighbors, friends, even family. We handle them with care and professionalism, but we don’t shy away from filing suit when necessary.
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![Driving Tacoma's 705 highway at night]()
Highway & Road Design
Road design defects can cause multi-vehicle crashes, life-altering injuries, and even death. We handle complex claims involving missing barriers, dangerous intersections, poor drainage, bad signage, and other roadway failures.
These cases often involve government agencies, strict deadlines, and the need for immediate investigation and expert support. We move quickly to investigate and pursue accountability—no matter how complex the case or how powerful the defendant.
about us
We don’t believe in legal jargon, scare tactics, or empty promises. We believe in helping good people navigate some of the hardest moments of their lives — with clarity, strategy, and respect.
At Kathryn Herrmann, PLLC, we focus exclusively on personal injury law. That means we understand the toll an accident can take — not just physically, but emotionally, financially, and legally. You’re not here because you want to file a lawsuit. You’re here because someone else’s carelessness disrupted your life — and now you’re left with pain, bills, and questions about what comes next.
That’s where we come in.
Based in Tacoma, we serve clients across Western Washington — including Pierce, King, Thurston, and Kitsap counties. Whether your case involves a vehicle collision on I-5, a fall at your local grocery store, or something more complex, we guide you through the process with care, clarity, and calm.
We take the time to explain your options, answer your questions, and build a case that’s designed to get the results you deserve — not just the fastest payout. You’ll never be left in the dark about what’s happening or why. We walk you through it, step by step.
With nearly 30 years of experience, I know that great outcomes start with the right people.
Our firm is small by design — just me and Shelly — so we stay focused, responsive, and fully involved in every case. I lead the legal strategy. Shelly runs things behind the scenes, keeping us organized, on schedule, and moving forward.
What sets us apart is how we care for our clients. We take the legal weight off their shoulders so they can focus on healing — physically, emotionally, and financially. We guide the process, handle the hard parts, and build trust every step of the way.
Entering the legal arena after an injury can feel overwhelming. We walk in beside our clients — prepared, strategic, and fully in their corner.
meet the team
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I’ve worked in personal injury law for nearly 30 years; in fact, I grew up in it. I started in this field as a teenager—first as a legal secretary and paralegal for my father—before becoming an attorney myself in 1995.
Since then, I’ve helped people navigate some of the most painful, confusing chapters of their lives with clarity, strategy, and steady guidance. My focus is simple: help people recover what they’ve lost—whether that’s stability, income, medical care, or peace of mind—after someone else’s negligence turns their life upside down. I don’t believe in gimmicks or scare tactics. I believe in helping clients understand their rights, make informed decisions, and pursue the compensation they deserve.
I come from four generations of attorneys. My grandfather helped create foundational insurance protections still used today. My father’s landmark case against the South Korean government and Korean Airlines after the KAL 007 tragedy was portrayed in the HBO movie Tailspin.
Our family’s history in the law is deep—but what drives me every day is helping this client, this case, this moment.
If you want a lawyer who will actually explain what’s happening, build a strategy that fits your situation, and walk with you through each step of the legal process—you’re in the right place.
kathryn herrmann
Recognition & Memberships:
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Shelly is the one you want in your corner when things get messy. With a career built in high-pressure environments, she brings calm, order, and precision to every case. Whether she’s tracking down medical records, coordinating with providers, or keeping adjusters in check, Shelly makes sure nothing falls through the cracks — and that clients always feel supported.
Before joining the firm, she managed corporate accounts at the birth of the cell phone industry, helping launch mobile communication for major businesses. Later, she transitioned to hospitality, supporting corporate clients at large hotel chains with her trademark focus and professionalism.
A proud Washington native, Shelly is fiercely independent, deeply loyal, and sharp as a tack. She’s been a trusted friend for decades and was the first person asked to help launch this firm — not just because she’s organized and responsible, but because she’s the kind of person who shows up, figures things out, and gets the job done.
Today, she’s mastering the art of pre-litigation case management and learning the ropes of paralegal work — all while keeping the office running smoothly. When she’s not at work, you’ll find her thrifting, hanging with her dogs, or spending time with her partner, Sean, daughter, and two much-adored grandchildren.
shelly beard
client testimonials
client testimonials
🧡 Love the service!
“I was referred to Ms. Herrmann by a friend who had used her services in the past. She made sure to explain my options and choices every step of the way and I feel like she is the reason I was not taken advantage of by the system. She was not only a great attorney but was also there for me at any time no matter what I needed. I would definitely recommend her services to anyone who needs help. I never once felt like a ‘number’ or just another customer to her or any of her staff. I am very grateful that I found her office in such a time of need.”
🌟 Kathryn’s integrity outshines all previous attorneys
“I was concerned about other injured parties in a multi-vehicle ccident in which I too was injured. Kathryn handled everything with the greatest of integrity. My basis for comparison is that I have worked for several attorneys over the years including a prosecutor in a major US city. Kathryn really gets the power of integrity. Whatever ‘it’ is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.”
🤝 She covers all of the possible problems.
“Ms. Herrmann is exactly what other clients have said about her. She covers all of the possible problems that might come up in the settlement process and explains the thinking of insurance companies. I have a good idea now, of what to expect, and what kind of expectations to have. It takes a unique mind to be able to have such a comprehensive understanding of her profession, and she has it. I am confident that I will be well represented.”
⚖️ Opposing counsel:
“I worked with Katherine as opposing counsel in a number of cases. She is very capable and knowledgeable in the practice of civil litigation. Katherine is ethical, well-prepared, and an advocate for her clients.”
We’re grateful for every client who’s trusted us to walk with them. If you’re wondering whether we’re the right team for you — let’s talk.
We’re here when you’re ready.
We know reaching out after an injury can feel overwhelming. That’s why we keep it simple. Fill out a few quick details, and we’ll get back to you within 24 hours — usually much sooner. Your message won’t get lost in a void. A real person (probably Shelly) will read it, and we’ll respond personally and promptly.
No pressure. No fee. Just answers and next steps.
Everything you share here is confidential. Reaching out doesn’t create an attorney-client relationship — but it’s the first step in seeing if we’re the right fit. We’ll treat it with care and respect.