Serious Results
forSerious Injuries
Top Rated Attorney
Portland Personal Injury Attorney
Marc A. Johnston is a highly rated, successful and approachable Portland personal injury attorney. Marc's job is standing up and seeking justice and compensation for individuals and families who have been seriously hurt or killed by negligence or recklessness. Marc is a lawyer for the people, representing individuals and their families against dangerous drivers, reckless corporations, negligent physicians, and other individuals and institutions who maim, injure and kill Oregonians. Over the course of his career, Marc has handled thousands of injury and death cases in Portland, and throughout the State of Oregon, with diligence, success and great compassion for his clients—who always come first to him and his law firm — the Johnston Law Firm. The Johnston Law Firm treats its clients like family, and pays special attention to your case so you can focus on yourself, your recovery, and your loved ones during difficult times. Consultations are always free, and the Johnston Law Firm only accepts payment after justice and compensation has been received from the insurance company or the negligent party.
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JOHNSTON LAW FIRM
Testimonials
"I can't say enough good about this team of people! The help I received was immeasurable! Andrea was so incredibly responsive with my needs and questions. She would go as far as contacting me after hours.I hope I never go through another accident like I did, but if I did this would be the team I would call. I can't say enough good here. I am incredibly grateful and thankful! Their compassion was beyond what I would have ever expected! Thank you again Marc and Andrea! The dream team!"
“These are the best people for your case, just get them! I was involved in a serious case where someone died and I was left with serious injuries, Marc and Hypatia managed everything flawlessly and managed to get a serious offer out of the insurance company. Insurance companies play dirty and fight hard to save every cent they can, you need someone on your side who knows the system and can fight harder for you. This law firm will do that. Choosing a good attorney makes all the difference when it comes to getting them to pay, I don't think Marc and Hypatia could have done a better job, they kept expenses extremely low on my end as well. They really are fantastic people! Ty both for everything!!!”
“Marc & Hypatia are the ultimate dream team. I was rear ended and suffer from several injuries as a result. Their knowledge, experience, and compassion for their clients is impeccable. Hypatia maintained regular communication so I knew what to expect every step of the way, and their priority was ensuring I was receiving the best care. Without them, I don’t believe the insurance company would have settled at the amount they did and am now able to continue my care without having to worry about mounting bills. I am so grateful to have found them!!”
“I was in a car accident August 2019. After researching, I came across Johnston Law Firm having a lot of positive feedback. I contacted them and from the beginning through the end they were always quick at responding and knowledgeable about what was going on. Being an on going recovery, medical bills were also ongoing. Being from a smaller town, I was unable to get the specialty help I needed. No insurance made it impossible to see the specialists. Andrea with Johnston was there for me all the way helping me with things like setting up accident liens so the Dr's wouldn't hound me for their money. We all know how fun medical bills are. When It was time to get the case settled, Johnston law firm acted quickly and timely. Andrea was amazing to work with the whole time. I live in another state than the accident occurred so I initially thought this was gonna pose a problem. It wasn't at all a problem because they made it easy and commuted through email and phone calls. It was great to put a voice to the face last week when I met Andrea. Thanks for everything!”
“I was in a bad car accident on my birthday. I just had lunch with my adult children for my birthday. On the way home I was hit by another car, hard hit and knocked me out. It was a terrible ordeal afterwords I was in such shock I didn’t know what to do so a friend of mine told me to call Marc Johnson, best decision I’ve ever made. Andrea is the paralegal who handled the case. I must give her a 5 star rating. She was so on top of my case. She would email me on a Saturday if she needed any questions I just can’t say enough about her she is top notch Marc is really lucky to have her...as far as Marc goes top notch, awesome, smart, very very smart did a beautiful job, got me all the money I wanted to get some stem cells and get back in shape, so thank you Johnson Law Firm and Andrea. You two are the best in Portland.”
“I was rear-ended by a driver who was at fault, due to inattention. (My vehicle was stopped at the time of impact.) I sustained multiple injuries requiring three surgeries, months of various medical treatments and ultimately was left with permanent nerve damage in my back. Marc and his team were incredible! It took almost two years of navigating the process, but they walked me through every step and throughout it all, Marc and his team were communicative, worked hard for me and finally I received a settlement that was two or three times more than I expected. I cannot stress enough how great Marc and his team were. 10/10!!”
“We hired Mr. Johnston after my husband and I were in a hit and run car accident. Mr.Johnston was incredibly thorough and caring while getting us a fair settlement from our insurance company with minimal pressure during our healing process. I know that we would not have been able to get the same outcome without Marc and his team. We really appreciated having someone who truly cared about us, on our side every step of the way. I would highly recommend the Johnston Law Firm to anyone in need of personal injury representation.”
Meet Johnston Law Firm:
A Portland Injury Firm
You Can Trust
Johnston Law Firm, P.C. is a respected Northwest litigation law firm based in Portland, Oregon. With years of experience and the accolades and reputation that speak to his success, Marc Johnston is a lawyer you can trust. When you choose our law firm to assist you in your personal injury case, our services go well beyond the typical 9-5; we do more than just the “basics” to improve your case’s chances of success. We treat you like family and, when you choose the Johnston Law Firm, we aim to become your law firm for life.
We’ll be available to answer your questions when you need us, including on weekends and after hours. We can also answer other questions that you have related to the accident and your future, like how to deal with hospital bills and how to let your employer know that you won’t be able to come into work as you heal. We’ll also advise you on how to engage with an insurance adjuster and how to prepare for court if your case goes to litigation.
TESTIMONIALS
Client Stories
Personal Injury
What is
Personal Injury Law?
Also known as tort law, personal injury law covers many different types of negligence claims. Negligence is the legal term for carelessness. Under tort law, when a motorist is careless, or a store owner acts negligently, they can be held liable for paying financial compensation, known as damages, to accident victims. There are many different types of accidents caused by negligence under tort law but some of the most common are defective products, premises liability, car accidents, pedestrian accidents, bicycle accidents, and medical malpractice.
Due to the fact that most personal injury cases rest on the theory of negligence, victims must prove who the liable, or at-fault, party is. This is not always as straightforward as it seems. A Portland personal injury lawyer can determine who is liable for paying compensation, and for obtaining the full compensation you are due.
Elements of Proof in Personal Injury Cases
Simply claiming that you were injured in an accident and that someone else was to blame is not enough when filing a personal injury claim. You must also prove the facts of your case. In negligence cases, there are four specific elements of your case you must establish. These are as follows:
- Duty of care: Everyone owes other people a duty of care, which means acting in a safe and reasonable manner to ensure that no one becomes hurt. The duty a liable party had to another person depends on the specific facts of a case. For example, drivers have a general duty of care to operate their vehicle in a safe manner so they do not cause an accident that results in serious injuries. However, doctors, surgeons, and other healthcare professionals have a much higher duty of care to their patients.
- Breach: When someone acts negligently, or carelessly, they breach their duty of care. Proving the negligent act that caused the accident is often one of the most challenging aspects of any personal injury claim. Speaking to a lawyer who can prove the negligent act is often necessary for accident victims to obtain the full and fair settlement they deserve.
- Causation: When proving causation, you must show that the negligent act caused your accident. For example, while running a stop sign is against the law that can result in criminal penalties, a civil lawsuit is not practical if no one was hurt. On the other hand, if you can show that another driver ran a stop sign, crashing into you and causing serious injuries, you have a much better chance of a successful outcome.
- Damages: The purpose of any personal injury claim is to restore you as wholly as possible to the person you were before the accident. For this reason, you must fully prove your damages, or your losses. This is the only way to obtain fair compensation for those losses. If you did not suffer any physical, mental, or financial injuries during an accident, you likely do not have a claim.
Although the four elements of proof in a personal injury claim seem straightforward, they are very difficult to prove. A Portland personal injury lawyer will have the experience and expertise to prove each element so you obtain the full and fair damages you are entitled to.
Damages Available in Personal Injury Claims
If you can successfully prove that you were injured due to another person’s negligence, there are many different types of damages you can claim. The most common types of damages available in personal injury cases are as follows:
- Past medical expenses, such as those for hospitalizations, surgeries, and emergency room visits
- Future medical bills, including those for pain management and ongoing physical therapy
- Wages, bonuses, and benefits lost if you could not return to work
- Diminished earning capacity if you cannot return to the same line of work and earn a similar wage in the future
- Pain and suffering
- Reduced quality of life
- Loss of support and companionship
- Any other out-of-pocket expense or physical, mental, or financial loss you sustained
In rare cases, the courts may also award punitive damages in a personal injury claim. This compensation is not meant to make you whole or compensate you for your losses. Instead, they are meant to punish the at-fault party and deter them from acting with such negligence in the future. Punitive damages are not always awarded. In order to obtain punitive damages, you must show the liable party acted with gross negligence or a wanton disregard for other people’s safety.
Injury Claims
Time Limit
on Personal Injury Claims
You may have the right to claim full damages for your losses but if you wait too long to file, you will lose that right. The statute of limitations in Oregon personal injury cases is two years from the date of the accident. If you do not file your claim within this time, the insurance company and the court will throw out your case and you will not receive any compensation in the future.
There are some exceptions to the statute of limitations, but they are limited. Some, such as the discovery rule, may extend the time limit. Others, though, such as claims filed against a government entity, may shorten it. A Portland injury lawyer can review the facts of your case and file your claim on time. It is critical, however, that you contact a lawyer as soon as possible after any accident.
Proudly Serving Portland, Salem, Eugene, and Surrounding Communities
Why Work with a Portland Injury Lawyer?
Many people who are injured due to another person’s negligence do not think they need the help of a Portland injury lawyer. For example, after a minor car accident, an injured individual may not think they need legal advice. However, anyone who is hurt due to another person’s carelessness should always schedule a free consultation with an attorney who can provide legal advice. There are many benefits that come with having legal representation and they include:
- Protect your rights: Without the help of a personal injury lawyer, you may inadvertently do or say something that impacts your rights. An attorney can communicate with anyone involved in your case on your behalf and advise on the important steps to take after any accident.
- Overcome complex issues: There are many complex issues that can arise in a personal injury claim. Determining who is at fault is not always easy, and the other side may make unfair and untrue claims that you held some responsibility for the accident. A lawyer will know how to overcome these complex issues, and any others that may arise in your case.
- An understanding of the law: Many people are unaware of the personal injury laws that govern accident cases. For example, many people do not know that there is a time limit on these claims while others do not fully understand the premises liability laws that govern slip and falls, assault due to negligent security, and other accidents that occur on other people’s property. An injury lawyer will know about all of the most important laws and advise on how they apply to your case.
- Network of investigators and experts: The more complex the facts of an accident are, the more the incident will need to be investigated. Expert testimony may also be necessary. Most accident victims do not have a network of investigators and experts, but a lawyer will have already developed relationships with professionals they can reach out to.
- Trial representation, if necessary: Although the vast majority of personal injury cases settle outside of court, that is not always the case. In rare instances, going to trial is the only way to obtain the maximum damages necessary. A Portland personal injury lawyer will have the knowledge and skill to represent you and give you the best chance of a favorable outcome.
Legal fees are a concern that keep many people from working with an injury attorney. Fortunately, most personal injury lawyers offer free consultations and work on a contingency basis, so they do not get paid unless you win your case.
What to Do After Any Accident
Accidents happen in a second and victims do not expect them to occur. In the moments afterward, it is natural to feel frustrated, angry, and confused about what to do next. The steps you take now though, are of critical importance to your personal injury claim and can either help or hurt it. Depending on the type of accident you were in, the steps to take include:
- Call the police if your injuries were caused by a traffic accident.
- Fill out an incident report if you were hurt on the property of a business and ask for a copy at the time you fill it out.
- Exchange your name, contact, and insurance information with anyone else involved.
- Take photographs of the surrounding area, damage to any property, your injuries, and any other relevant information.
- Locate eyewitnesses and exchange your name and contact with them.
- Seek medical attention as soon as possible after the accident and tell any physician who treats you how you sustained your injuries.
- Contact a Portland personal injury lawyer who can advise you of your legal rights and help you obtain the full compensation you deserve.
Practice Areas
Attorney Marc A. Johnston has a great deal of experience across a wide array of practice areas. We here at Johnston
Law Firm, P.C. provide legal advice and representation to residents in communities throughout Oregon
and Washington with many concerns.
Serve
Dedicated
to Serving You
We are a different kind of law firm — one that is dedicated to serving you. We are committed to providing each of our clients with the personal care and attention they deserve in all of our practice areas and more. Some cases are best settled, and some are best taken to a jury. We have dedicated our careers to being prepared for both. We welcome the opportunity to take our clients’ cases to a jury when the need arises. The fact that we are willing to take every case to a jury if necessary increases our credibility and the value of your case.
Attorney Marc Johnston is devoted to providing each client with the best possible legal experience and results. We do not cut corners or make sacrifices in our service to you. Our philosophy of service begins with your best interests, ensuring you and your family are protected, and that our counsel and representation can help guide your future to a brighter path.
Awards that Matter
At the Johnston Law Firm, we are proud of our awards and the groups we are affiliated with because we know that our results and reputation matter to our clients.
Our
Cutting
Edge
Approach
Our firm is passionate about continued legal education, membership and legal institutes. But, even more importantly, we are committed to taking a cutting edge approach to personal injury law. One of the ways we do this is through focus groups and mock trials. Focus groups are incredible, and when done right, they provide incomparable insight into our legal strategies that only a jury would be able to provide. Some of the benefits of focus groups include:
- Providing a practice field
- Guiding discovery
- Revealing strengths and weaknesses
- Helping to fine tune strategy
When everything is on the line, the details matter and we’ve been able to see exceptional results for our clients by testing our approach using focus groups. This approach helps us choose the right words and visuals to effectively communicate the level of pain and suffering you have been through. Should your case go to trial, nothing will make your lawyer trial ready like a well executed focus group or mock trial.
Our Pledge To You
- Work on your case with the same diligence and drive as we would bring to a case for a member of our own family, Listening intently and providing compassionate legal support.
- Create a personalized case strategy.
- Choose the right experts to bring in.
- Conduct a thorough investigation of your case.
- Ensure that your damages are properly calculated so we can get you the maximum possible compensation.
- Go above and beyond to make sure you feel heard, understood and that your needs are met beyond the case.
MEET
THE JOHNSTON LAW FIRM
About Our
Founding Attorney
Marc A. Johnston represents clients who have suffered personal injury at no fault of their own. For more than a decade, attorney Johnston has represented injured victims with passion and skill who have been involved in auto accidents, bicycle accidents, pedestrian accidents and crosswalk injuries and other serious accidents in Portland and the surrounding areas.
Contact Us for a FREE Consultation
If you have been seriously injured at no fault of your own, please contact us using the form.
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