Johnston Law Firm, P.C.
Oregon’s Top Attorneys for Serious Cases
About Johnston Law Firm, P.C.
Johnston Law Firm Review – Oregon Personal Injury, Truck Accident, Catastrophic Injury & Wrongful Death Lawyers
Introduction
Johnston Law Firm, P.C., found online at Johnston-LawFirm.com, is a Portland, Oregon personal injury law firm focused on representing people and families affected by serious accidents, catastrophic injuries, wrongful death, medical negligence, workplace incidents, and insurance disputes.
Led by attorney Marc A. Johnston, the firm has developed a particularly strong identity around high-stakes personal injury litigation. Rather than operating as a general-practice law office handling unrelated matters such as divorce, criminal defense, immigration, or estate planning, Johnston Law Firm concentrates its resources on helping people who have been seriously injured or whose family members have died because of negligence or reckless conduct.
The firm's services cover a wide range of accident and injury cases, including car crashes, 18-wheeler and commercial truck accidents, motorcycle crashes, bicycle and pedestrian accidents, industrial injuries, traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, medical malpractice, defective medical products, sexual abuse claims, wrongful death, and insurance denials.
One of the most distinctive characteristics of Johnston Law Firm is its emphasis on trial preparation. The firm says it prepares cases from the beginning as though they may eventually be presented to a jury. Its approach includes detailed investigations, expert involvement, focus groups, and mock trials designed to identify weaknesses and improve how a client's story and damages are presented.
For someone searching for an Oregon personal injury lawyer after a severe accident, Johnston Law Firm therefore positions itself less as a high-volume settlement practice and more as a litigation-focused firm for serious and complicated claims.
This Johnston Law Firm review examines the firm's major legal services, its approach to personal injury litigation, and the types of clients who may benefit most from its representation.
What Is Johnston Law Firm?
Johnston Law Firm is a Portland-based plaintiff-side personal injury law firm representing individuals and families throughout Oregon.
Its practice includes:
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Personal injury
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Car accidents
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18-wheeler and semi-truck accidents
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Commercial vehicle crashes
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Motorcycle accidents
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Bicycle accidents
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Pedestrian and crosswalk injuries
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Uber, Lyft, and taxi accidents
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Bus accidents
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Government vehicle crashes
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Drunk-driving accidents
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Catastrophic injuries
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Traumatic brain injuries
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Spinal cord injuries
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Paraplegia and quadriplegia
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Industrial and workplace accidents
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Medical malpractice
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Birth injuries
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Cerebral palsy cases
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Emergency room care failures
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Chiropractic malpractice
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Child injuries
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Sexual abuse claims
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Wrongful death
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Insurance disputes and wrongful insurance denials
The firm's central objective is to investigate serious injuries, identify responsible parties, calculate the full extent of damages, negotiate with insurers, and pursue litigation when settlement negotiations do not adequately resolve the claim.
Personal Injury Legal Services
Personal injury litigation forms the foundation of Johnston Law Firm's practice.
When someone is seriously injured because of another party's negligence, the financial consequences can continue for months, years, or even permanently.
An injured person may face medical expenses, rehabilitation, lost wages, reduced earning capacity, disability, and significant changes to everyday life.
Johnston Law Firm assists clients by investigating what happened and building evidence supporting the claim.
Its service can involve gathering accident evidence, reviewing medical records, interviewing witnesses, evaluating insurance coverage, selecting appropriate experts, calculating damages, negotiating with insurers, and preparing the case for mediation, arbitration, or trial.
The firm's focus on serious injuries means that it frequently handles cases where calculating future damages is just as important as documenting existing medical bills.
Catastrophic Injury Representation
Catastrophic injury is one of the defining areas of Johnston Law Firm's practice.
The firm specifically emphasizes cases where a person's entire future may be affected by the injury.
Examples can include:
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Traumatic brain injuries
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Spinal cord injuries
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Paralysis
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Paraplegia
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Quadriplegia
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Permanent physical disabilities
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Other severe injuries requiring lifelong care
These claims can be considerably more complicated than minor injury cases because the attorney must evaluate what the client may need many years into the future.
Potential damages can involve ongoing medical treatment, rehabilitation, assistive technology, home modifications, nursing assistance, reduced earning capacity, and loss of independence.
Johnston Law Firm's emphasis on catastrophic cases means its litigation process is designed around investigating and demonstrating these long-term consequences.
18-Wheeler and Commercial Truck Accidents
Commercial trucking accidents are another particularly important area for Johnston Law Firm.
The firm identifies complex trucking and commercial vehicle cases as one of its core strengths.
Semi-truck accidents can cause catastrophic injuries because of the enormous difference in size and weight between commercial trucks and passenger vehicles.
These claims can also involve multiple potentially responsible parties, including:
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Truck drivers
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Trucking companies
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Commercial vehicle owners
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Employers
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Maintenance providers
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Other companies involved in vehicle operations
Truck accident litigation can require detailed investigation of how the commercial vehicle was operated and how the trucking company managed its safety responsibilities.
Johnston Law Firm's reported case results include a $20 million tractor-trailer semi-truck matter and a $13.9 million 18-wheeler semi-truck case.
Past results do not guarantee what another client will recover, but these outcomes demonstrate the firm's experience handling substantial commercial trucking claims.
Car Accident Representation
Johnston Law Firm also represents people seriously injured in car accidents throughout Oregon.
Automobile crashes can result from:
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Distracted driving
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Speeding
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Reckless driving
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Failure to yield
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Drunk driving
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Unsafe turns
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Other negligent driving
The firm's attorneys can investigate police reports, photographs, witness statements, medical evidence, vehicle damage, and available insurance coverage.
A major part of the service involves dealing with insurance companies.
Insurance carriers may question responsibility for an accident, challenge the relationship between the collision and the injury, or dispute the amount of compensation being requested.
Johnston Law Firm handles these communications and develops evidence supporting the client's claim.
The firm reports a $1.4 million car accident result and a $1.3 million result involving a drunk-driving crash among its published case outcomes.
Motorcycle Accident Claims
Motorcycle riders are particularly vulnerable during collisions because they lack the structural protection provided by passenger vehicles.
Johnston Law Firm represents riders who suffer serious injuries in motorcycle accidents.
Potential injuries can include:
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Brain trauma
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Spinal injuries
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Fractures
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Internal injuries
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Permanent disability
The firm's attorneys work to establish how the collision occurred and document the full effect of the injuries.
Its published results include a $1.5 million motorcycle crash recovery.
Bicycle Accident Representation
Bicycle accident cases are another significant part of Johnston Law Firm's practice.
Portland and other Oregon communities have substantial cycling populations, making bicycle safety and cyclist injuries particularly relevant.
A collision between a bicycle and motor vehicle can result in devastating injuries even at relatively moderate speeds.
Johnston Law Firm investigates bicycle crashes involving negligent motorists and pursues compensation for medical treatment, lost earnings, disability, and other damages.
The firm reports multiple seven-figure bicycle accident outcomes, including $1.3 million and $1 million results.
Pedestrian and Crosswalk Accidents
Johnston Law Firm also represents pedestrians injured by vehicles.
Pedestrians have virtually no physical protection during a collision and can therefore suffer severe injuries.
Pedestrian cases can involve drivers who:
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Fail to yield
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Ignore crosswalks
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Drive while distracted
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Speed
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Drive while impaired
The firm's attorneys investigate the circumstances surrounding the collision and work to establish driver responsibility.
One published result involves a $1.3 million recovery for a pedestrian injured in a drunk-driving accident.
Rideshare and Taxi Accidents
Johnston Law Firm's motor-vehicle practice extends to crashes involving Uber, Lyft, and taxi drivers.
These cases can create complicated insurance issues because available coverage may depend on what the driver was doing at the time of the collision.
A rideshare driver may be waiting for a passenger, traveling to collect someone, or actively transporting a customer.
The firm's experience with insurance and personal injury litigation can be particularly useful when determining which policies apply.
Bus and Government Vehicle Accidents
The firm's practice also includes accidents involving buses and government vehicles.
Claims involving government entities can operate under different procedural requirements from ordinary personal injury lawsuits.
Strict deadlines or special notice requirements may apply.
Having an attorney evaluate these issues early can therefore be particularly important when a public agency or government-owned vehicle is involved.
Industrial and Workplace Injuries
Johnston Law Firm represents people injured in industrial and workplace accidents.
These cases can involve:
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Construction sites
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Industrial equipment
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Dangerous machinery
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Unsafe working environments
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Third-party negligence
A workplace accident may potentially involve legal issues beyond ordinary workers' compensation, particularly when someone other than the injured person's employer contributed to the accident.
The firm reports a $3 million result involving industrial/construction negligence and a $1.2 million result involving industrial and workplace negligence.
Medical Malpractice
Medical malpractice is another important component of Johnston Law Firm's services.
The firm handles claims involving:
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Medical negligence
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Hospital negligence
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Birth injuries
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Cerebral palsy
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Emergency room care failures
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Chiropractic malpractice
Medical malpractice litigation can be particularly complex because proving negligence often requires extensive review of medical records and expert testimony concerning accepted standards of care.
Johnston Law Firm reports a $1 million hospital negligence result among its published outcomes.
Birth Injury and Cerebral Palsy Cases
Birth injury litigation represents one of the firm's more specialized medical malpractice services.
A serious birth injury can affect a child and family for decades.
Cases may involve allegations concerning prenatal care, labor and delivery, emergency treatment, or other medical decisions.
When an injury results in cerebral palsy or another permanent condition, calculating damages may require evaluating lifelong medical treatment, therapy, education, assistive equipment, and caregiving needs.
Brain Injury Representation
Traumatic brain injury cases are specifically included within Johnston Law Firm's practice.
Brain injuries can produce cognitive, emotional, behavioral, and physical consequences that are not always immediately visible.
Victims may experience memory problems, concentration difficulties, personality changes, headaches, reduced ability to work, and loss of independence.
These claims often require careful medical documentation and expert evidence to explain the injury's long-term consequences.
Spinal Cord, Paraplegia and Quadriplegia Cases
Johnston Law Firm also represents clients suffering severe spinal cord injuries.
Its practice specifically includes paraplegic and quadriplegic injury cases.
These are among the most serious personal injury claims because the victim may require lifelong medical treatment and personal assistance.
Accurately calculating future medical costs and diminished earning ability is therefore a critical component of representation.
Wrongful Death Representation
Wrongful death is one of Johnston Law Firm's central practice areas.
The firm represents families whose loved ones have died because of negligent or reckless conduct.
Wrongful death claims can arise from:
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Truck accidents
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Car crashes
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Workplace incidents
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Medical negligence
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Dangerous products
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Other serious accidents
The firm's current positioning places particular emphasis on catastrophic injury and wrongful death cases rather than minor claims.
Wrongful death representation involves investigating the incident, identifying responsible parties, evaluating financial losses, and pursuing compensation available to the estate or qualifying family members under Oregon law.
Sexual Abuse Claims
Johnston Law Firm also represents victims of sexual abuse.
These cases can involve significant psychological and emotional harm as well as complicated questions regarding institutional responsibility and negligence.
The firm's personal injury practice therefore extends beyond conventional accident litigation to situations where intentional misconduct and institutional failures may have caused severe harm.
Insurance Denials and Bad Faith
One particularly notable component of Johnston Law Firm's practice involves insurance disputes.
The firm represents clients dealing with wrongful denials involving:
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Health insurance
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Life insurance
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Disability insurance
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Insurance bad faith
This experience can complement its personal injury work because virtually every serious accident claim involves insurance companies.
The firm's knowledge of insurance practices can help its attorneys anticipate how carriers may evaluate, challenge, or attempt to limit claims.
Trial Preparation and Mock Courtroom Strategy
One of the most distinctive characteristics of Johnston Law Firm is its trial-preparation process.
The firm emphasizes that it prepares cases from the beginning as though they may eventually reach a jury.
Its approach includes focus groups and mock trials.
These techniques can help attorneys:
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Identify weaknesses in a case
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Test legal arguments
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Evaluate evidence
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Improve discovery strategy
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Refine courtroom presentations
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Determine how potential jurors react to particular facts
This level of preparation can also influence settlement negotiations because the opposing insurance company knows that the firm is preparing for the possibility of trial rather than assuming every case will settle.
Mediation, Arbitration and Trial
Not every personal injury case needs to reach a jury.
Johnston Law Firm represents clients through multiple forms of dispute resolution, including:
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Settlement negotiations
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Mediation
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Arbitration
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Trial
The firm's philosophy is that some cases should settle while others should proceed to a jury.
Being prepared for both options allows the attorneys to recommend a strategy based on the client's circumstances rather than automatically choosing the fastest settlement.
Reported Case Results
Johnston Law Firm currently reports $125 million won in settlements and verdicts and 1,001 major injury and wrongful death cases won.
Selected results advertised by the firm include:
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$20 million – tractor-trailer semi-truck case
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$13.9 million – 18-wheeler semi-truck wreck
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$10.4 million – assault and bar negligence
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$3.5 million – DHS child abuse and negligence
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$3 million – industrial/construction negligence
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$1.5 million – motorcycle crash
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$1.4 million – car accident
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$1.3 million – drunk-driving pedestrian accident
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$1.3 million – bicycle accident
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$1.3 million – drunk-driving car crash
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$1.2 million – industrial and workplace negligence
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$1 million – hospital negligence
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$1 million – bicycle accident
These results show experience with substantial personal injury litigation, but previous verdicts and settlements do not guarantee a similar result in another case.
Free Consultations and Contingency Fees
Johnston Law Firm offers free consultations to prospective personal injury clients.
The firm also states that it accepts payment only after compensation has been recovered from the insurance company or negligent party.
This contingency-style arrangement can make representation accessible to people who may already be struggling with hospital bills, lost wages, and other financial consequences after an accident.
Clients should still carefully review their individual representation agreement to understand attorney fees, litigation expenses, and other financial terms.
Client-Focused Legal Service
Johnston Law Firm places considerable emphasis on personal service.
The firm says it aims to treat clients like family and provide assistance extending beyond conventional legal paperwork.
This may include helping clients understand:
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Hospital bills
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Insurance adjusters
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Employment issues after an accident
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What to expect from litigation
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How to prepare if a case proceeds to court
The firm also advertises availability outside normal business hours, including weekends and after-hours communication.
Serving Portland and Oregon
Johnston Law Firm is headquartered in downtown Portland at 200 SW Market Street, Suite 1900.
Its service areas extend throughout Oregon, including communities such as Portland, Beaverton, Eugene, Gresham, Hillsboro, Lake Oswego, Oregon City, Salem, Tigard, and surrounding areas.
This makes the firm relevant to people searching for serious personal injury representation throughout the state rather than only within central Portland.
Strengths of Johnston Law Firm
One of Johnston Law Firm's strongest characteristics is its concentration on serious cases.
The firm specifically emphasizes catastrophic injury, wrongful death, trucking, and commercial vehicle litigation.
Other notable strengths include:
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20+ years in Oregon courts
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$125 million in reported settlements and verdicts
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1,001 major injury and wrongful death cases won
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Significant commercial trucking experience
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Catastrophic injury representation
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Medical malpractice capabilities
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Industrial and workplace accident litigation
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Insurance denial and bad-faith experience
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Mock trials and focus groups
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Trial-ready preparation
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Free consultations
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Contingency-style representation
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Statewide Oregon service
Its reported multimillion-dollar truck accident results are particularly notable for prospective clients dealing with serious commercial vehicle cases.
Potential Limitations
Johnston Law Firm's specialization also creates some limitations.
It is primarily a serious personal injury and wrongful death practice. Someone seeking representation for criminal defense, divorce, immigration, bankruptcy, estate planning, tax matters, or ordinary business transactions would generally need another law firm.
The firm also emphasizes significant and catastrophic cases. Individuals with very minor injuries may therefore want to confirm whether their claim fits the firm's case-selection criteria.
Finally, its primary geographic focus is Oregon, so people with cases arising in other jurisdictions should confirm whether the firm can provide representation.
Who Should Consider Johnston Law Firm?
Johnston Law Firm may be particularly suitable for:
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Victims of serious Oregon car accidents
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People injured in 18-wheeler or commercial truck crashes
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Motorcycle accident victims
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Injured bicyclists
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Pedestrians struck in crosswalks
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Victims of drunk drivers
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People suffering catastrophic injuries
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Traumatic brain injury victims
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People with spinal cord injuries or paralysis
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Industrial and construction accident victims
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Medical malpractice patients
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Families dealing with serious birth injuries
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Sexual abuse victims pursuing civil claims
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Families pursuing wrongful death claims
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Policyholders dealing with serious insurance denials
The firm's narrow emphasis on catastrophic injuries and wrongful death may make it particularly relevant when the financial and medical consequences of an accident are substantial.
Final Verdict
Johnston Law Firm, P.C. is a Portland personal injury firm with a strong focus on catastrophic injuries, commercial trucking accidents, serious motor vehicle crashes, wrongful death, medical malpractice, and complex insurance disputes.
Its defining characteristic is its trial-focused approach. Rather than treating every personal injury claim primarily as a settlement negotiation, Johnston Law Firm says it prepares cases from the beginning for the possibility of trial. The use of focus groups, mock trials, detailed investigations, experts, and individualized litigation strategies reflects this philosophy.
The firm's reported results—including $20 million and $13.9 million commercial truck cases, a $10.4 million assault and bar-negligence case, and multimillion-dollar industrial and catastrophic injury recoveries—demonstrate experience with substantial claims. However, past results never guarantee what a future client will recover.
Johnston Law Firm also stands out for its combination of personal injury and insurance experience. Its work involving health, life, and disability insurance denials and bad-faith claims can provide useful insight when negotiating accident-related insurance disputes.
With more than 20 years of experience in Oregon courts, $125 million in reported settlements and verdicts, 1,001 major injury and wrongful death cases won, free consultations, and an emphasis on personalized service, Johnston Law Firm appears particularly well positioned for people facing serious or permanent consequences after preventable accidents.
Overall, someone searching for a Portland personal injury lawyer, Oregon truck accident attorney, 18-wheeler accident lawyer, catastrophic injury attorney, Oregon wrongful death lawyer, brain injury lawyer, spinal cord injury attorney, or Portland medical malpractice lawyer may find Johnston Law Firm especially relevant when the case involves substantial damages and requires detailed preparation for negotiations or trial.
Practice Areas
Key Attorneys & Partners
Marc A. Johnston
Principal & Owner / Personal Injury Attorney
Rob Kline
Attorney
Client Reviews
5 reviews"The Johnston law firm. Is the best firm I’ve ever heard of and personal worked with. They treat you as a family and client. But they treat you more so like family more than anything. Marc has help me gain some confidence back and find myself again since the beginning and there’s so much more I don’t know how to put into words.. The rest of his team can’t say enough about how helpful and guided me when Marc wasn’t around or available. The firm as a whole did such a great amazing job that it’s like god our fatherly lord sent and put them in this world for a reason. They work so well with people with intellectual disabilities and high functioning disabilities the best that I’ve personally seen and experienced. Walked me through the whole process like held my hand the whole time just as if I was learning how to walk. And they wouldn’t hang up or end conversation unless I understood and had my worries/ questions answered. I would highly recommend to anybody in and out of Portland. I am gonna use them again if something else come up again."
"The last three years following my daughter's car accident have been the toughest time of our lives. It was an incredibly long and exhausting journey, but I am so relieved that we finally reached the end, thanks to the amazing team at Johnston Law Firm. I especially want to thank Rob and Rosie from the bottom of my heart. They didn't just handle our case; they truly cared about us. They were so patient with us throughout every single step, and because we didn't know anything about the legal process, their guidance meant the world. Most importantly, they made sure my daughter could focus entirely on her recovery. Seeing her healthy and starting college now feels like a miracle. We even received a settlement that will fully support her college education, which is more than we could have ever hoped for They treated us like family, not just clients, and we trusted them completely. If you are ever in a difficult situation, I cannot recommend them enough. They are genuinely good people who will fight for you. Thank you so much, Rob and Rosie, for everything you’ve done for us"
"Johnston law firm- Kait went above and beyond to make me feel comfortable as well as told me all of my rights as she completed my intake. The amount of empathy she put forward was so calming.I would highly highly recommend Kait and Johnston law firm for any kind of injury accident. Because of their professionalism and their kindness and their willingness to listen to get you through a hard moment, I felt very much at ease, going through such a traumatic situation. Again I cannot express how much Kait helped me during this hard period in my life. Thank you Johnston Law and Representative Kait."
"I highly recommend Johnston Law Firm to anyone in need of a personal injury attorney. I was involved in an auto accident with complex liability issues and injuries that led to the loss of my employment. The attorneys were approachable, easy to work with, and consistently professional in a way that put me at ease. I want to give a special thank you to Liane, the paralegal who helped me through a complex case that lasted over two years. My family and I are deeply grateful for everything you did for us. Your professionalism, communication, and organizational skills stand out in a way I rarely encounter. I’m very pleased with the outcome of my case, and I don’t believe another firm could have achieved the same result."
"Johnston Law Firm represented me after a major injury. Because of a few layers of insurance issues, my case was complex and a lot to untangle. Jason handled everything from start to finish. Truly, I didn't have to do anything beyond review and sign off on paperwork. Jason and the team were knowledgeable and able to get a payout for me that was far beyond what I expected even after the firm's cut. They took a lot of stress out of the whole process. Fingers crossed I never need their help again, but I'll always recommend them to anyone who does."
Have experience with this firm?
Write a ReviewFrequently Asked Questions
You can afford to hire Johnston Law Firm. Why? Because you only pay when we win your case. Even when we win, our clients often walk away with more money in their pocket than any offers they were given by the insurance before hiring us.
If you or a loved one were injured, you may have a case. Give us a call and we’ll schedule a free consultation to review what happened and what we could do to help.
Our clients’ situations are unique, but all are devastating and overwhelming. When we take on your case, you become part of our family. We will protect and fight for you like family. We will bear the burden of communicating with the insurance, the courts, and obtaining the documents needed to build your case so you can focus on healing. We’ll keep you informed every step of the way, and we will always respect your wishes before proceeding to the next step your case.
Johnston Law Firm wants to make a difference in the lives of Oregonians that have been harmed in collisions with large trucks and commercial vehicles. And, simply put, this is our zone of genius. Our first goal is to restore our client’s well-being to the extent that is possible. We don’t just settle and move on to the next case. We prepare and are prepared to go to trial. And when we do negotiate a settlement, it is stronger for that willingness to go the distance.
Johnston Law Firm focuses exclusively on catastrophic injury, wrongful death. Also, trucking and commercial vehicle cases are our expertise. This narrow focus means every system in the firm is built around preparing and trying high-stakes cases in Oregon. Because we handle fewer but more significant cases, we invest more time, resources and trial preparation. This results in outcomes that no other firm in Oregon has achieved in the last three years.
Most firms prepare a case for settlement. We prepare every case for trial from day one. This includes early liability narrative development, potential jury sentiment analysis, visual aid production, and focus group testing, all well before mediation. This leads to consistently higher settlements and verdicts across Oregon.
We use deposition and trial techniques honed by years of trial experience and working alongside the top trucking and commercial vehicle personal injury litigators in the nation. For us, case development isn’t a march towards settlement. It’s a march toward restoration, and our tactics include in-depth deposition preparation, sentiment analysis, creating the most effective narrative about liability and damages, and trial readiness rehearsals in our full-scale in-office courtroom.
Our in-office courtroom is a full replica of a Multnomah County courtroom with identical size, layout, carpet, lights, and ceiling tiles. It is used weekly for witness preparation, video depositions, focus groups, mock trials and trial run rehearsals. This gives our clients a major advantage because our team practices in an environment identical to the courtroom.
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