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 all its own 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’re inclined to agree with that reputation, and our Mt. Vernon personal injury lawyers are proud to serve the area.

Personal injury lawyer in Mt. Vernon

For more than 40 years, our accident and injury attorneys have taken a stand 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 Veron personal injury lawyer on your side, 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.

The vast majority of the personal injuries in our state are caused by negligence on the part of an individual, a government, or a company. 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.

Man injured and needs to see a personal injury attorney in Mt. VernonUnfortunately, 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 like an overwhelming course of action, 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. Our job is to make sure that 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, is speeding, is driving under the influence, etc., and hits your vehicle, you could have a claim for damages.

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.

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.

Dog Bites and Attacks

Dogs may be man’s best friend, but sometimes that friendship can turn deadly. Attacks by a dangerous dog can be extremely damaging and sometimes fatal. It is the responsibility of pet owners to ensure that their animal does not cause harm to others.

The One-Bite Rule

States such as Texas have a “one-bite rule.” Under this rule, a person is typically not liable unless they knew or should have known that the dog was vicious. States with such rules typically require the liable party to be a “harborer” or “keeper” of the animal. A harborer is usually the person who is responsible for housing a dog, and the keeper is responsible for taking care of it.

In addition to being responsible for the dog, you often need to be aware of the dog’s vicious nature. Knowledge of this propensity is called “scienter.” It’s said that the first bite is free in a “one-bite” state. This is because, before the first attack, the harborer or keeper may not have been aware of the dangerous nature of the animal.

Strict Liability

Fortunately, Washington law takes dog bites more seriously. Owners may be strictly liable when their dog bites another person, regardless of whether the dog has been considered “vicious” in the past. This means that the one-bite rule typically does not apply, and you may be able to file suit against the owner, even if the dog has never bitten anyone else.

Dog bite laws can be confusing, but we can help. Our Mt. Vernon personal injury lawyers understand Washington dog bite laws. If you have been bitten or attacked by a dog, our Mt. Vernon personal injury attorneys and post-accident resources can help guide you through the process of pursuing your claim.

Post-Accident Resources for Mount Vernon, WA

Personal injury claim in Mt. VernonAccidents can turn your whole world upside down. Whether you’re in pain, in 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 many resources for accident victims.

Medical Attention

Injuries might not be obvious right away. It is always a good idea to see a doctor after any kind of accident. A medical professional can identify latent health-related issues, and a documented doctor’s visit is often helpful if litigation becomes necessary down the road.

If your injuries do not seem urgent, it may be okay to visit your primary care provider in the near future. Otherwise, seek emergency medical attention from Skagit Valley Hospital or a nearby Emergency Department.

Emotional Support

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.

You might also consider professional counseling services. This link will help you access psychological or psychiatric care in the Mount Vernon area.

Know Before You Go: Traffic & Weather

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:

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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. Business owners are responsible for keeping 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?

Unfortunately, this question cannot be answered without examining the details of your case. Some claims are resolved 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 should I do following an injury?

The steps you take after an accident or injury can impact your future personal injury claim. You should always report the incident and seek timely medical assistance. If it’s a car accident, you should contact the police at the accident scene. If it’s a slip and fall, you should report it to the store manager or person in charge of the premises where you fell. Reporting will depend on individual circumstances. Be sure to get contact information for any witnesses and take scene photos if possible.

Calling our Mt. Vernon personal injury lawyers early on is also important. The sooner you call our office, the sooner we can start protecting your rights.

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 attorneys.

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 a 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 attorneys 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 Law Group 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 Lawyer

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