Experienced Mt. Vernon Personal Injury Attorneys Fighting for the People
Not to be confused with the famous Mount Vernon estate in our nation’s capital, Mount Vernon is a thriving town in Washington State.
Home to more than 30,000 people, Mount Vernon is a community defined by hard work, distinguished history, and friendly citizens. There’s no wonder that it frequently ranks among the best small cities in America.
We agree with that reputation, and our Mt. Vernon personal injury lawyers proud serve the area.
For more than 40 years, our accident and injury attorneys in Mount Vernon have advocated for injured people and their rights to compensation. We recognize that the system doesn’t always treat accident victims fairly.
But with a powerful Mount Vernon personal injury lawyer, you can hold defendants accountable for their legal obligations.
Our team has recovered millions of dollars for accident victims in Mt Vernon. Let us help you, too.
Negligent individuals, businesses, and government agencies cause the majority of the personal injuries in our state. In other words, the at-fault party caused the injury by behaving irresponsibly, failing to act carefully, or otherwise violating the law.
In those cases, the state requires the defendants to adequately compensate the victims for their losses, which might include:
- Hospital bills,
- Additional medical costs,
- Lost income while out of work,
- Physical pain and suffering,
- Emotional distress,
- Property damage,
- Loss of love and support (in the case of wrongful death),and
- More.
Unfortunately, insurance companies act in their own self-interest first.This means that victims rarely get the money they deserve, unless they hire a law firm to represent them.
Taking legal action can seem overwhelming, though. We understand. That’s why we have designed our firm to make things as easy on you as possible.
When you hire a Mount Vernon personal injury attorney at Brett McCandlis Brown & Conner, you can focus on your own life while we deal with the daily stress of litigation. We’ll keep you in the loop and in command, but you aren’t going to have to fight this battle by yourself.
We’re here to pave a clear path toward compensation, always with the goal of maximizing the value of your claim. Ultimately, your case is about so much more than a dollar amount – it’s about justice. We work to ensure your recovery is a true reflection of the justice you’re owed, no matter what type of personal injury claim you have.
Most Common Types of Personal Injury Claims in Mt. Vernon
Our Mt. Vernon personal injury attorneys can represent you for numerous types of accidents. Some of the most common types of claims we handle include the following.
Car Accidents
Car accidents happen every day all around the country. When someone runs a red light, speeds, drives under the influence, and crashes into your vehicle, you could have a claim for damages.
Even low-speed collisions can lead to serious medical issues, including neck, back, and head injuries. We work with people injured in crashes along I-5, College Way, and Skagit County.
Truck Accidents
The size and weight of large trucks can have catastrophic results in the event of an injury. In many cases, multiple vehicles are also involved, leading to more casualties. People get hurt when truck drivers and companies fail to follow specific safety rules. We know how to investigate commercial vehicle crashes and gather the evidence to build a strong claim.
Slip and Falls
No one assumes when they leave their house they might slip and fall. However, falls are very common. Falls can result in severe to catastrophic injuries. In some situations, a property owner or business owner could be liable for your damages if a hazardous condition caused your fall.
Defective Products
When you purchase a product, you expect it to work as designed. Unfortunately, some products have a defect that results in harm. This defect often occurs during the design or manufacturing phase. Defective products are wide-ranging—everything from children’s toys and home appliances to automobiles and medical devices. Companies that release unsafe products into the market can be held accountable when they cause harm.
Dog Bites and Attacks
Dogs may be loyal companions, but they can still cause serious harm when not under control. Attacks by a dangerous dog can lead to infection, nerve damage, or disfigurement—especially in children. Washington law holds dog owners strictly liable in most bite cases, regardless of the animal’s past behavior. We understand these laws and can explain how they apply to your situation.
Pedestrian Accidents
Pedestrians face real risks when drivers fail to yield or pay attention. Many crashes happen in crosswalks, parking lots, or near schools and shopping centers. Injuries in these cases can be severe, especially when the vehicle is moving at high speed or the victim is elderly. We help pedestrians injured by drivers pursue compensation for their medical bills and other related costs.
Bicycle Accidents
Bicyclists share the road with vehicles but often lack physical protection during crashes. Drivers who swerve, open doors into bike lanes, or ignore cyclists at intersections put riders in danger. We represent injured cyclists and work to recover compensation for broken bones, head injuries, and damaged equipment. These cases often involve traffic law violations that point clearly to the driver’s carelessness.
Construction Injuries
Mount Vernon continues to grow, and construction projects bring risks for workers and bystanders. Falling tools, unsafe scaffolding, or poorly maintained equipment can cause serious harm. Some claims involve third-party contractors, equipment manufacturers, or property owners, not just employers. We know how to investigate these incidents and determine who should be held responsible.
How Washington’s Comparative Fault Law Affects Your Personal Injury Claim
Some injury claims involve more than one party. You may wonder what happens if someone claims you share part of the blame. Washington law follows a pure comparative fault rule. That means you can still recover compensation, even if you’re partially responsible, whether by 10% or 90%.
Your percentage of responsibility will reduce the amount you receive. For example, if a court finds that you were 20% at fault and your total damages were $100,000, you could still receive $80,000.
Insurance companies often use this law to reduce payouts. They may argue that you caused more of the incident than you did. A personal injury lawyer who knows how to challenge these claims can protect the value of your case.
Our team gathers information from investigators, medical providers, and witnesses to show what occurred and how to assign responsibility. We know how Washington juries think, and we prepare each case with that in mind.
Post-Accident Resources for Mount Vernon, WA
Accidents can turn your whole world upside down. Whether you’re in pain, grief, or simply staring at a pile of bills and wondering how you’ll pay them, please know that you are not alone.
People find themselves in these situations every day. Negligence is all too common, and injuries are a fact of life.
Fortunately, in addition to our services – which are available without any upfront costs (we only get paid if you do) – Skagit County and The City of Mount Vernon offer several resources that may support you in the days and weeks after an injury.
Medical Care in Mount Vernon
Not all injuries show up right away. Even if you don’t feel pain immediately, doctors may detect internal injuries or signs of trauma. If the injury doesn’t feel urgent, you can start with your regular physician.
Otherwise, seek emergency medical attention from Skagit Valley Hospital or a nearby emergency department. These facilities can also provide visit summaries, test results, and follow-up instructions that may help support your claim.
Counseling and Mental Health Services
For many clients, one of the biggest challenges is simply grappling with the sense of loss that accompanies serious injuries or a death in the family. We’ve dealt with truly heartbreaking cases here. That’s why we emphasize compassion, sensitivity, and respect in all of our client interactions.
Mount Vernon offers access to licensed therapists and counselors. This link will help you access psychological or psychiatric care in the Mount Vernon area.
Police Reports
If your injury involves a crash, public hazard, or conflict, having an official report helps. The Mount Vernon Police Department accepts walk-in requests and provides reports online. If your case requires a lawsuit, it may be filed at the Skagit County Courthouse.
Traffic and Weather Information
Busy traffic or inclement weather can significantly increase the risk of collision on Washington roadways. We urge drivers and pedestrians to evaluate current and projected conditions before hitting the road. Fortunately, the State of Washington offers several invaluable resources:
- Washington State Department of Transportation’s official highway weather updates;
- Washington State Department of Transportation’s traffic website; and The Washington 511 phone system.
Transportation for Medical Appointments
If you can’t drive or don’t have access to a vehicle, Skagit Transit offers dial-a-ride services for medical visits. We can also help you connect with providers who assist with non-emergency transport in the area.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How Do I Know If I Have a Personal Injury Case?
In Mount Vernon, people get hurt in places they pass through every day—merging onto I-5, walking into a store on College Way, or parking outside a business on Riverside Drive. Not every injury leads to a case, but some incidents raise serious concerns.
You may have a valid claim when:
- Someone failed to take reasonable safety measures,
- You needed medical care because of the incident, or
- You missed work or paid for treatment out of pocket.
- That might involve a distracted driver, a business that ignored a spill, or a hazard left in public view. These are preventable situations, and when someone acts carelessly, others can get hurt.
A Mount Vernon personal injury attorney can review the facts and help determine whether the law supports a claim. Whether the incident happened on the road, on private property, or in a public space, we can examine what went wrong and explain how to respond.
What Should You Do When Injured in an Accident?
When a regular day takes an unexpected turn because of someone’s carelessness, your decisions afterward matter. When being rear-ended, it helps to document what happened while the details stay fresh.
Even simple actions early on can affect how a claim develops. A personal injury attorney can take it from there, but here’s what you can do in the meantime:
- Take photos of the location, your injuries, and any damage;
- Get names and contact details for any witnesses;
- Keep all medical records, receipts, and treatment summaries;
- Avoid giving a recorded statement without speaking to a personal injury lawyer; and
- Attend every follow-up appointment your doctor recommends.
These records help show what took place, how you were affected, and why your claim has value under Washington law. You don’t need to gather everything alone, but the more documentation you collect now, the easier it becomes to tell your side of the story later.
Do I Need an Accident Lawyer for a Minor Injury?
Some injuries seem small at first—a sore neck, a bruised leg—nothing urgent. But over time, they can require treatment, lead to missed work, or create long-term pain that gets worse rather than better. You may already have signed paperwork or settled too early when that happens.
An experienced accident lawyer can help you assess the claim before anything gets finalized. Even in minor injury cases, it helps to know your rights. You don’t need to take calls from the other driver’s insurance company or agree to a low estimate just to be done with it.
Our firm offers consultations for anyone in Mount Vernon injured due to someone else’s carelessness. If you’re unsure what to do, start with a review. We’ll go over the details with you and give you a straight answer about whether legal representation makes sense in your situation.
What Are My Options If My Injury Was Work-related?
Work-related injuries are generally regulated under the Washington state workers’ compensation system. A workers’ compensation claim carries both advantages and disadvantages compared to ordinary personal injury claims. In some cases, however, you can escape workers’ compensation restrictions and file an ordinary personal injury lawsuit against your employer or a third party.
Can I File a Claim for an Injury I Suffered As a Customer at a Business?
It is likely that you can, if you were injured by a dangerous condition on the property – you fell down a flight of stairs when a handrail collapsed, for example. Property owners have a duty to keep their premises safe for the public.
What’s the difference between a personal injury claim and a wrongful death claim?
A personal injury claim is what you file if you survive the accident. A wrongful death claim is filed under the Washington Wrongful Death Act by eligible parties (primarily the spouse, children, and personal representative) if the victim dies. Compensation for a wrongful death claim can be quite substantial.
How Long Will It Take to Resolve My Case?
We need to review the details of your case to estimate how long it may take. Some claims settle within a few weeks, while others take years to resolve. Settlements generally take less time to reach than courtroom verdicts, which is one of the reasons why we prefer them.
What Is Medical Malpractice?
A healthcare provider, such as a doctor, commits medical malpractice by failing to meet a professional standard of care and harming a patient. Although not every medical error amounts to malpractice, doctors are required to meet very high standards of care.
What Is the Statute of Limitations for Personal Injury Claims in Mt. Vernon?
Every type of personal injury claim is subject to various legal deadlines, including the statute of limitations. If you have not reached a settlement before a particular time frame, the law requires you to file a lawsuit before you can continue pursuing compensation.
In many cases, the deadline is three years after the accident. However, this is not absolute. Some factors might extend the filing time, while others could decrease it. Don’t jeopardize your potential compensation; speak with one of our experienced Mt Vernon personal injury attorneys.
What Compensation Can a Personal Injury Lawyer Help Recover?
Injury claims often involve more than hospital bills or car repairs. When another party causes harm, Washington law gives you the right to seek compensation that reflects everything you’ve lost.
Our personal injury attorneys examine every part of your claim—physical, financial, and emotional. You may recover compensation for:
- Emergency and long-term medical care,
- Time missed at work,
- Reduced ability to earn income,
- Pain and suffering,
- Physical limitations or disfigurement,
- Loss of enjoyment in everyday activities,
- Loss of companionship in wrongful death cases, and
- Property damage.
Many people don’t realize how quickly costs pile up. Insurance companies may offer quick settlements that fail to match what the claim is actually worth. A personal injury lawyer can review the facts, calculate damages properly, and help ensure you don’t accept less than the law allows.
How Much Is the Average Personal Injury Compensation in Cases Like Mine?
Potential compensation in a claim will depend on a variety of factors, including your injuries, liability, damages, and available insurance coverage. There’s no average compensation amount that we can share. Rather than focus on average settlements, find out what your case is worth. Your attorney can walk you through what types of compensation you’re eligible for and what your case value is.
How Can an Injury Attorney in Mount Vernon Help My Case?
There are numerous reasons to consider hiring a lawyer to represent you in a personal injury claim. You need a legal advocate on your side who can look out for your interests. Your attorney will gather evidence and documentation, speak with witnesses, and conduct an independent investigation.
When you have legal representation, you don’t need to worry about speaking with the defendant’s insurance company or attorneys. There’s no worry about missing the statute of limitations either. Your attorney will make sure a lawsuit is filed timely.Speak with our personal injury lawyers, Paula McCandlis, David Brown, or Matt Conner, to learn more.
Who Are Your Personal Injury Lawyers at Brett McCandlis Brown & Conner?
At Brett McCandlis Brown & Conner, our team of dedicated personal injury attorneys in Mount Vernon has built a reputation for fighting relentlessly on behalf of our clients. With a focus on personal injury and wrongful death cases, attorneys Paula McCandlis, David Brown, and Matt Conner bring over four decades of combined experience to the table. Each ensures that every client receives the personalized and effective representation they deserve.
Paula McCandlis: A Champion for Justice
With over 20 years dedicated to fighting for her clients, Paula McCandlis has significantly impacted the legal field. Her journey began in 1993, working behind the scenes for attorneys in various disciplines before realizing her true calling was in law. At Gonzaga University School of Law, she excelled in representing low-income clients, handling cases that ranged from social security appeals to wrongful termination and criminal matters, often leading to not-guilty verdicts.
Upon graduation, Paula opened her own law firm, tackling complex cases across criminal law, family law, and beyond. Her move to partner with Dean Brett in 2011 marked a return to personal injury cases.
Paula’s unique approach involves deeply understanding her clients’ experiences and translating their pain and suffering into language that demands justice and compensation. Her dedication extends beyond the courtroom as she has served as a Superior Court Commissioner and part-time judge, further solidifying her commitment to the legal system and her community.
David Brown: A Practical Approach to Law
David Brown’s path to becoming a lawyer is grounded in his blue-collar roots. Growing up with a family dedicated to teaching and working for the phone company and spending five years climbing telephone poles, David knows the value of hard-earned money. This background shapes his perspective on personal injury law, driving his determination to protect regular people from being shortchanged by insurance companies after an accident.
David’s approach to personal injury law is straightforward and client-centered. He believes in demystifying the legal process for his clients, ensuring they understand the laws applicable to their cases. By sitting down and explaining the legal options available, David empowers his clients to take charge, making informed decisions that best suit their needs.
For David, effective legal representation is not just about achieving great results; it’s about ensuring clients feel informed and satisfied with the outcome of their case. He commits to spending time with each client, discussing the intricacies of the law candidly and clearly. This approach reflects David’s belief that everyone deserves to understand and feel confident about their legal actions, especially when recovering from injury caused by negligence.
Matt Conner: From Economics to Advocacy
Matt Conner’s unique career trajectory from an economist to a distinguished personal injury lawyer showcases his comprehensive understanding of financial compensation strategies. His background in economics and real estate, combined with a Magna Cum Laude law degree from Seattle University School of Law, provides him with a robust foundation to secure maximum compensation for his clients.
Opting to join the Brett McCandlis Brown & Conner over corporate law opportunities, Matt dedicated his skills to helping individuals navigate the aftermath of injuries. Matt has successfully handled a wide array of cases, from multiparty litigation against major entities to personal injury claims involving gun violence, sexual and police misconduct, car accidents, traumatic brain injuries, and wrongful death. His ability to fight against any opponent—insurance companies, corporations, or municipalities—ensures his clients are well-represented in their pursuit of justice.
Beyond his tenacity in the courtroom, Matt’s true strength lies in his compassion. Understanding that clients schedule a consultation during their most challenging times, Matt focuses on their legal and emotional well-being.
Free Consultation with Mount Vernon Personal Injury Attorney
Have you been injured, and now you have bills to pay? Are you grappling with the loss of someone whom you loved dearly? Did someone else’s negligence play a role? Don’t let insurance companies decide how much your claim is worth. You have rights, and you get a say.
Our highly-skilled legal team in the Mt. Vernon area also handles other legal services for people seriously injured in a variety of ways, including:
Reach out to Paula, Dave, Matt, and Dean. We’re here for you, and we want to fight for you. Call our injury lawyers at 800-925-1875 and ask for a free consultation today.
Our office in Mount Vernon, WA
- Address: 720 S Main St #213, Mt Vernon, WA 98273
- Open hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30am – 5:00pm
- Phone number: 360-395-2135
- Map Directions
