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Rodney Kenneth Nelson

Rodney Kenneth Nelson

Abeyta Nelson Injury Law
  • Personal Injury, Products Liability
  • Washington
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Biography

Rod Nelson was raised in the Yakima Valley and chose to return to Central Washington after graduating magna cum laude from the University of Washington in 1975, and from the University of Washington School of Law in 1978 in the top 10% of his class. Nelson began his law practice in Alaska in 1978 before returning in 1979 to practice in Washington State.

As a volunteer attorney for the Yakima County Volunteer Attorney Services, Nelson was recognized as "Volunteer Attorney of the Year" in 2009, and has served as Judge Pro Tem for Yakima County Superior Court. He is a past member of the Washington State Trial Lawyers Board of Governors and past president of the Yakima County Bar Association. He is AV-rated by Martindale Hubbell, and has been named a "Top 100 Super Lawyer" and Super Lawyer by Washington Law & Politics nearly every year since 2001. According to AVVO, an independent online lawyer rating service, he is one of the top rated attorneys in Yakima County.

Nelson is a personal injury lawyer focusing on auto accidents, products liability, workplace and nursing home injuries. His current practice emphasis is wildland fire claims. He was the lead plaintiff’s counsel in litigation for the 2012 Taylor Bridge Fire near Cle Elum, Washington, which resulted in a 60 million dollar settlement for fire victims. Rod is a published legal author and frequent lecturer. He prides himself in giving friendly, personal service to his clients.

When he is not practicing law, Nelson spends his free time skiing or climbing mountains. Nelson's ascents include Cho Oyu Mountain in the Himalayas, the sixth highest peak in the world; Huascaran, the fourth highest peak in the Peruvian Andes; the North Ridge of the Grand Teton; Mt. Rainier's Liberty Ridge; and Yosemite's El Capitan and Half Dome. Nelson also has a black belt in Shudokan Karate.

Practice Areas
Personal Injury
Animal & Dog Bites, Brain Injury, Car Accidents, Construction Accidents, Motorcycle Accidents, Premises Liability, Truck Accidents, Wrongful Death
Products Liability
Drugs & Medical Devices, Motor Vehicle Defects, Toxic Torts
Additional Practice Areas
  • Car Accidents
  • Wildland Fire
Fees
  • Free Consultation
  • Contingent Fees
    33%
Jurisdictions Admitted to Practice
Washington
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Languages
  • English: Spoken, Written
Professional Experience
Attorney/Partner
Abeyta Nelson Injury Law
- Current
Education
University of Washington School of Law
J.D. (1978)
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Honors: Top 10% of class; Moot Court Honor Board
University of Washington School of Law Logo
University of Washington
B.A. (1975)
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Honors: magna cum laude
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Awards
Super Lawyer
Washington Law & Politics Magazine
Rod Nelson was honored for 13 consecutive years as a Super Lawyer, from 2001 to 2014. Only 5 percent of the more than 30,000 attorneys in the state are designated Super Lawyers based on votes from their peers and judges and review by a blue-ribbon selection panel.
Volunteer Pro Bono Attorney of the Year
Yakima County Volunteer Attorney Services
Professional Associations
American Association for Justice
Member
Current
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Children's Wishes and Dreams
Board Member
- Current
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Yakima County Superior Court
Judge Pro Tem
- Current
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Washington State Bar  # 9587
Member
- Current
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Montessori School of Yakima
Board Member
-
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Yakima County Bar Association
President
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Washington State Trial Lawyers Association
Board of Governors
-
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Publications
Articles & Publications
WSAJ's Motor Vehicle Litigation Deskbook, 2nd Edition
Washington State Association for Justice
Websites & Blogs
Website
Abeyta Nelson Injury Law Website
Blog
Abeyta Nelson Injury Law Blog
Contact & Map
Yakima Office
1102 W. Yakima Ave
Yakima, WA 98902
Telephone: (509) 575-1588
Ellensburg Office
605 N Main Street, Suite 1
Ellensburg, WA 98926
Telephone: (509) 925-1588
Sunnyside Office
2590 Yakima Valley Highway, Suite 2
Sunnyside, WA 98944
Telephone: (509) 839-1588
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