Jeff Kreutz is a partner at Tamaki Law with nearly thirty years of trial experience focused on injury, abuse, and negligence cases. Originally from Richland, Washington, Jeff attended Columbia Basin College on a basketball scholarship, earned an English degree from Brigham Young University, and received his J.D. from Seattle University. After more than a decade as an insurance defense attorney, he shifted his practice in 2013 to exclusively represent injured plaintiffs and victims of abuse, bringing unique insight into insurance litigation strategies.Jeff is admitted to all Washington state courts and the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Washington, and has successfully advocated before the Washington State Court of Appeals and the Supreme Court. He has been recognized as a Rising Star by Super Lawyers and is a committed community leader who provides pro bono legal services to several nonprofits. Jeff also coaches youth sports, is fluent in Spanish, and actively supports numerous charitable organizations in the Tri-Cities area.
Awards:
Selected to Super Lawyers Rising Stars: 2004, 2006 – 2009, 8.4 (Excellent) Avvo Rating, Martindale-Hubbell® Distinguished Award, 10.0 Justia Lawyer Rating, Best Lawyer / Attorney” in the Tri‑City Herald’s People’s Choice Awards – 2020-2025.
Sample of Legal Cases:
$2,000,000 foster care sex-abuse settlement vs. State of Washington (record-breaking)
Jeff served as counsel for “V.O.,” a young woman who was sexually abused for years in a foster home where prior abuse complaints had already been made. The lawsuit alleged the state failed to act on multiple reports and left her in a dangerous placement. The State of Washington agreed to pay $2,000,000 to settle the case before trial, described in the news as a record-breaking sex abuse settlement.
$1,500,000 wrongful death settlement against an off-duty WSP Trooper and a local bar
Jeff represented a client who was killed by an intoxicated off-duty WSP Trooper. Jeff sued the trooper and a local restaurant where the trooper had been drinking alcohol prior to the collision.
$1,300,000 motor vehicle collision settlement
Jeff represented a client who was rendered a paraplegic following a motorcycle vs. vehicle collision.
$2,500,000 pedestrian vs. car settlement vs. Richland School District
Jeff served as counsel for a young woman who suffered significant injuries when the school bus she exited failed to take proper precautions to ensure she could cross the road safely.
$500,000 settlement in cow vs. client case
Jeff represented a client who was attacked by a cow that escaped from its owner’s property, causing severe orthopedic injuries.
$1,000,000+ child sex-abuse settlement vs. Kennewick School District
Jeff represented multiple former Kennewick High School students who were sexually abused by a former teacher/wrestling coach.
