Carpenter & Zuckerman Carpenter & Zuckerman
Personal Injury Attorneys

Winning Cases
Since 1920

Yakima Personal Injury Attorneys

Over $2 Billion Recovered in Preventable Accident Claims

Preventable injuries can upend your life and wreak havoc on your physical, financial, and emotional health. Fortunately, there are legal pathways available that allow victims like you to secure the compensation you need from those at fault. However, you’ll need to be prepared to fight to recover what you deserve.

Carpenter & Zuckerman is a nationally renowned Yakima personal injury law firm committed to helping clients level the playing field with powerful corporations and insurance carriers. Since 1995, our team of 40 battle-tested trial lawyers has helped countless victims and families fight for justice and recover more than $2 billion in verdicts and settlements.

Whether you or someone you love was injured by a negligent motorist, medical professional, property owner, or defective product, we want to fight for the compensation you deserve. Our Yakima personal injury attorneys proudly serve clients across the Yakima Valley and the state of Washington, offer FREE consultations, and collect no fee unless we win. 

Our Yakima office is located at:
The Tower
402 E Yakima Ave Suite 750 
Yakima, WA 98901

Contact us online or call (509) 978-6287 to discuss how we can help you.

$131 Million Dram Shop Liability
Our client was injured in a car accident caused by a driver who was over-served at a restaurant/bar.
  • $6.5 Million Assault
  • $3.7 Million Medical Malpractice
  • $1.2 Million Spinal Injury

Why Choose Carpenter & Zuckerman?

CZ is an award-winning plaintiffs’ personal injury practice with a reputation for taking on corporate interests and insurance companies in the fight for justice. With a team of 40 trial lawyers, we’ve handled the toughest cases and have amassed a record of remarkable victories for our clients.

Our firm has recovered more than $2 billion in compensation for injured victims and families across Washington and beyond. Some of our notable victories and areas of success include:

  • A $131 million recovery for a car accident victim injured by a drunk driver who was overserved by a bar/restaurant. 
  • A $29.25 million recovery against State Farm for a brain injury victim, secured after the policy was open. 
  • Numerous verdicts and settlements involving brain injuries, spine injuries, and other catastrophic injuries with compensatory awards ranging from $6 to $30 million. 

Cases Handled by Your Personal Injury Lawyer Yakima

CZ leverages the experience of a talented trial team to provide award-winning counsel in a range of personal injury cases. Our attorneys have handled cases in courts across Washington and have prevailed in hotly contested actions against powerful opponents. 

We also have extensive experience litigating claims that are common in the region, such as premises actions involving slips and falls on ice, auto accidents that occur on Interstate 82, Interstate 90, U.S Route 12, U.S. Route 97, and other major thoroughfares, commercial vehicle accidents involving trucks and agricultural or farming equipment, and more. In all the claims we've handled, our dedication to clients, their families, and their futures has made a remarkable difference. 

We handle a wide variety of preventable accidents and injuries, including:

Our approach is client-centered, emphasizing compassion and support throughout the legal process. We take pride in our thoughtful and strategic planning, which allows us to prepare thoroughly from the start. By anticipating challenges and meticulously constructing your legal argument, we strive for the best possible outcomes.

We understand how daunting it can be to face large entities, and we are committed to balancing the scales of justice in favor of the injured. By leveraging our extensive resources, we ensure no stone is left unturned in your pursuit of rightful compensation.

We're not just here to represent you legally; we aim to provide peace of mind by dealing with insurance companies, gathering evidence, and negotiating strongly on your behalf, without losing sight of your individual needs and expectations.

  • Maximum Compensation
    Maximum Compensation
  • Depth of Experience
    Depth of Experience
  • Free Consultations
    Free Consultations

What Damages Can Personal Injury Victims Recover?

Washington law provides mechanisms for personal injury victims to recover various types of losses and does not impose a statutory cap on any damages. While the value of each case is always unique, victims may be able to recover compensation for:

Economic damages, which cover monetary losses directly related to the injury. These are tangible and often have specific dollar amounts tied to them.

  • Medical Expenses: These encompass emergency care, hospitalization, surgery costs, medication, rehabilitation, and ongoing medical treatments due to the injury.
  • Lost Wages: If the injury forces you out of work, you can recover lost income for the period you're unable to perform your job.
  • Loss of Earning Capacity: When injuries impair your ability to earn in the same capacity as before the accident, compensation for this long-term financial loss may be granted.
  • Property Damage: If your personal property was damaged as part of the incident, the costs to repair or replace the property are recoverable.

Non-Economic damages compensate for the non-monetary aspects of harm suffered and include losses related to:

  • Pain and Suffering: This accounts for the physical pain and emotional distress you experienced due to the injury.
  • Mental Anguish: Compensation may be available for psychological impacts such as anxiety, depression, and loss of enjoyment of life.
  • Disfigurement and Permanent Disability: In cases of severe injuries leading to scarring or permanent disabilities, victims can seek damages for these life-altering conditions.

Understanding the full scope of potential damages is crucial for maximizing recovery. Economic damages offer a tangible way to quantify financial loss, but non-economic damages recognize the profound personal impact of injury. In severe cases, understanding punitive damages, which aim to punish gross negligence, can also be crucial, though they are rare.

Engaging with legal counsel helps ensure a comprehensive assessment and pursuit of all possible compensation avenues. It's important to document everything related to the injury meticulously, including medical records, employment impacts, and daily challenges, enhancing the accuracy of your claim.

Frequently Asked Questions About Personal Injury Claims in Yakima

What Is the First Step After a Personal Injury in Yakima?

After experiencing a personal injury in Yakima, your first step should be to seek immediate medical attention. Even if the injury seems minor, obtaining a professional evaluation is crucial for both your health and your legal rights. Once your immediate health needs are addressed, it is important to document the incident. Take photographs, gather witness statements, and keep a detailed record of events, medical visits, and any correspondence related to the injury. This evidence will be critical for any legal proceedings. Contact a personal injury attorney Yakima promptly to discuss your situation. Many firms, including ours, offer free consultations to evaluate your case. By contacting a lawyer quickly, you can ensure that all vital information is preserved, and your rights are protected.

How Long Do I Have to File a Personal Injury Claim in Washington?

In Washington, the statute of limitations for most personal injury claims is three years from the date of the injury or accident. This means you have a three-year window to initiate legal action. However, this period can vary depending on the specifics of your case, and certain circumstances might shorten or extend this timeframe. Therefore, it is essential to consult a personal injury attorney Yakima as soon as possible to ensure all deadlines are met. Filing promptly not only preserves your legal rights but also aids in collecting timely and accurate evidence to strengthen your case.

How Does Comparative Negligence Affect My Claim in Yakima?

Washington follows the rule of comparative negligence, which means that if you are found partially at fault for the accident, your compensation may be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are awarded $100,000 but are found to be 20% at fault, your compensation would be reduced by $20,000. This makes it important to build a strong case to minimize attributed fault percentage. Consulting with a knowledgeable attorney who understands the nuances of Yakima's legal landscape is advisable to ensure your interests are effectively represented.

What Happens During an Initial Consultation With a Personal Injury Attorney?

During an initial consultation with a personal injury attorney, you can expect to discuss the details of your accident and injuries. The attorney will ask questions to better understand the circumstances of your case and assess its viability. Bring all relevant documentation, such as medical records, police reports, and any evidence you have gathered. The consultation is a chance for you to ask questions about your legal rights and options, and it’s typically free and without obligation. The goal is to provide you with clarity on the next steps and help you decide whether you want to proceed with legal action.

Trust a Proven Yakima Personal Injury Firm

With a proven track record and a highly respected team of advocates, Carpenter & Zuckerman has become the trusted choice for injured victims and families across the Yakima Valley and surrounding region. 

Whether you’ve been hurt in a car accident, suffered harm on someone else’s property, or need to explore your options for holding a negligent party accountable for your loved one’s untimely death, we want to help. Our attorneys offer FREE and completely confidential consultations and handle cases on a contingency basis, which means there is no fee unless a recovery is made in your Carpenter & Zuckerman.

To speak with a Yakima personal injury lawyer about your rights and options, call (509) 978-6287.

The Opinions That Matter Most

    “Lance showed great compassion toward my health and well-being.” - Scott C.
    “Siempre responden rápido y se mantienen en contacto durante todo el proceso.” - Anelia D.