Colleen Durkin Peterson

Colleen Durkin Peterson is a dedicated attorney who represents patients who have experienced medical negligence, vulnerable adults neglected and injured in nursing homes, and victims of toxic tort exposure. Her clients are individuals whose lives have been profoundly affected by preventable harm. For most, the consequences of such negligence are devastating, often resulting in permanent injuries, chronic pain, and substantial financial burdens. Their lives, as well as those of their families, are irreparably changed through no fault of their own. Many face the daunting challenge of relearning basic life skills or require round-the-clock care.

While Colleen cannot reverse the harm caused, she works tirelessly and strategically to secure justice for her clients. Whether it involves paralysis resulting from surgical errors, severe complications due to birth injury or untimely C-sections, disabilities caused by mishandled stroke cases, or the failure to diagnose and treat conditions in a timely manner, Colleen is committed to holding accountable those responsible.

Colleen’s passion for patient advocacy traces back to her early exposure to law through her father and uncle’s practice. As a child, she witnessed firsthand the profound impact that expert, compassionate legal counsel can have on individuals who endure severe injuries. Her father’s early advice continues to shape her approach to client care today:

“Get to know your client. Spend time with them in their home. Understand their family and friends so that you can truly appreciate the scope of their loss. This work is not just done behind a desk—it’s about engaging with the people whose lives have been shattered.”

Colleen’s unwavering commitment to medical malpractice law reflects her deep empathy for those who have suffered and her role as a patient advocate. She has taken her passion of fighting for justice, improving lives, and strengthening communities as a guide for her legal practice . As an aggressive advocate, she combines her legal expertise with her understanding of complex medical issues to secure the best possible outcomes for her clients.

Colleen approaches each case with a steadfast determination to master the intricacies of medical science, collaborating closely with medical experts, and compelling the defense to recognize the true value of their patients’ claims. In mediation, she is a skilled negotiator who has successfully resolved numerous complex medical malpractice and nursing home cases, often securing pre-trial settlements that meet or exceed her clients’ expectations. Colleen prioritizes transparent communication and keeps her clients fully informed throughout the litigation process, empowering them to make well-informed decisions.

• Washington State Association for Justice (WSAJ), President
• WSAJ, Board Member
• WSAJ Amicus Foundation, Board Member
• WSAJ Legislative Section, Vice President (2019-2022)
• WSAJ Diversity and Inclusion Task Force, Chair
• Gonzaga Law School Board of Advisors to the Dean, Member
• Gonzaga Law Board for Center of Civil and Human Rights, Member
• King County Bar Association
• Federal Bar Association, Western District of Washington

• $100 million verdict against chemical conglomerate Monsanto (now known as Pharmacia LLC) on behalf of 12 previous students and 3 adults frequently exposed to PCBs at Sky Valley Education Center.
• $165 million verdict against chemical conglomerate Monsanto spinoff company Pharmacia LLC on behalf of a group of former Sky Valley Education Center employees.
• $72 million verdict in PCB exposure case against Monsanto on behalf of two clients exposed to PCBs at Sky Valley Education Center.