A Personal Injury and Wrongful Death Law Firm for the People of Cheney and all of Washington

Cheney, Washington is much more than an anonymous suburb of Spokane. Its 12,000 residents enjoy a low crime rate, a reasonable cost of living, and an abundance of educational resources. Indeed, the people of Cheney are counted among the nation’s most educated, with nearly 15 percent of adults holding a graduate or professional degree. Fairchild Air Force Base sits a few miles outside of city limits and serves as the town’s largest employer.

Although its population swells by about half when Eastern Washington University is in session, Cheney is much more than just a “college town.” In addition to annual festivals such as the Cheney Rodeo Days and nature preserves such as the Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge and the Columbia Plateau Trail State Park, Cheney offers visitors and residents alike a host of outdoor activities. Skiing, whitewater rafting, hiking, and kayaking are among the most popular. For those who seek attractions further afield, Spokane International Airport is just 15 minutes away, and Interstate 90 can take you as far as Seattle or even Boston.

Paradise Lost?

Despite its small-town charm, relaxing atmosphere, and natural beauty, hidden dangers lurk in Cheney just as they do everywhere else. From truck crashes on I-90 to skiing accidents on local slopes, accidents can happen suddenly and can carry lifelong consequences. When the unexpected happens, your life can be turned upside down both emotionally and financially.  It adds insult to injury to discover that the accident that sent you to the hospital or took the life of a loved one could have been avoided but for the carelessness or wrongful act of someone else.

Doing Something About It

Our Cheney personal injury lawyers at have been helping clients in your situation for over four decades now. Our long track record of success, both in court and at the negotiating table, speaks for itself. Moreover, the legal expertise of our personal injury attorneys has been honored by independent law firm ratings and organizations on numerous occasions. We practice in the following areas, among others:

We are prepared to provide you with truly comprehensive services – we will consult with your healthcare provider to handle your medical expenses, come up with a plan to keep money coming in while you recover from your injuries, handle the insurance claims process for you, and, if necessary, fight it out in court for you. Contact us today at 1-800-925-1875 or fill out our online contact form so that we can schedule a free consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I recover for emotional trauma?

Yes, you can, as long as you suffered a tangible physical injury. If you are filing a wrongful death claim, the deceased victim’s injuries will be sufficient to qualify you to claim damages for emotional trauma (known in legal parlance as “non-economic damages”). “Pain and suffering,” for example, is designed to compensate you for physical suffering, while “mental anguish” is designed to compensate you for the psychological suffering you might experience if, for example, a catastrophic injury left you unable to walk again.

It is extremely common in a lawsuit or a settlement for the amount awarded for non-economic damages to far exceed the combined amount awarded for economic damages such as medical bills and lost work time.

Should I file a lawsuit or settle out of court?

There is no simple answer to this question; every case is different. Although the vast majority of personal injury claims (upwards of 90 percent) are ultimately resolved through out-of-court settlements, many of these settlements are reached in the midst of a court battle. Parties are permitted to settle at any time during a pending lawsuit, and courts typically encourage this. In most claims, both sides are reluctant to go to court because juries have a reputation for being highly unpredictable. Nevertheless, filing a lawsuit is often a good way to pressure an insurance company to raise its settlement offer.

My child was injured in an accident. Should he or she file a lawsuit in his or her own name?

In Washington, a minor (under 18) is not allowed to proceed with a lawsuit in his or her own name. Instead, the court will appoint a guardian to proceed with the lawsuit on the minor’s behalf. Normally, of course, the court will appoint one of the child’s parents as the guardian. This is not always the result, however – in cases where the parents and the child have opposing interests, the court will probably appoint a third-party guardian. Once a guardian is appointed, the lawsuit will proceed in much the same manner as if the guardian was filing a lawsuit over his or her own injuries.

What If I’m Bitten by a Dog?

Just like in most small towns across the United States, sometimes people get bitten by dogs. It happens often enough in Cheney. There are many dog owners in Cheney. Most dogs are great pets to have. But being attacked by a dog can be a frightening and traumatic experience. Some dog attacks can be quite violent. Unfortunately, some breeds of dogs have a reputation for being aggressive. Also, some owners aren’t very responsible dog owners and don’t train their dogs properly, nor do they keep control of their pets properly. According to one study, there are over four million dog bites in the United States every year.

If you were one of these victims, you’re entitled to compensation for your injuries. The best way to fight for your rights is to contact the Cheney dog bite lawyers. We will use our knowledge, skills, and resources to help you get the full and fair compensation you deserve. The law in Washington state holds dog owners responsible for any injuries their dogs cause, even if it was the first time their dog ever bite someone. But the first step in holding them responsible is to contact the Cheney dog bite attorneys at Brett McCandlis Brown & Conner PLLC.

Cheney, WA is in Spokane County, which controls the animal and pet municipal code for the county. Chapter 5 of the municipal code states that animals that attack, bite, or physically threaten a person or other animal without provocation may be deemed “dangerous” and subject to special care restrictions. That’s why it’s very important to always report dog bites to the animal control officer. In some instances, the dog could have a history of attacks.

If you or a loved one has been injured, contact our Cheney Personal Injury Lawyers today for a free consultation!