Excellent Advice and Compassion

Cynthia and Kristin,

Thank you both for all your excellent advice and compassion. I am hoping to get back on my bike when the weather warms up.

 

I was struck by a car while riding my bike on 9/29/2020.

I contacted Thomas, Coon, Newton and Frost and they handled everything. They guided me thru the process and got me a settlement that took care of my medical bills and also left a significant amount left over for me. I am going to use the extra money to go ride in Europe (Alpe d'huez, Mont Ventoux, Col de Tourmalet, etc.), which has always been a dream of mine. They do a terrific job. I hope I never need their services again, but if I do find myself in a position where I need them, I know they will be exceptional. I highly recommend the firm.

I had a really great experience working with Chris Thomas and his associates/assistants.

They were always kind, proactive, and responsive. My case was settled in a timely manner and I was totally satisfied with the outcome. I hope I never need legal representation again for a personal injury case, but if I do, I won't hesitate to contact them. I highly recommend Chris and his firm!

Working with Thomas, Coon, Newton & Frost has been relieving.

That is the only word I can find that explains my experience.

After a potentially life-ending accident, everyone on their team was supportive, respectful and thorough. I was worried about many things after being struck by a car, but none of those were regarding my representation. I'm not sure how I would have managed without them. I can't say enough about the professionalism, kindness and  diligence of these good folks.

I consider myself lucky to be healthy, lucky to have amazing people in my life, and lucky to have chosen Chris Thomas and his team to help me get my life back to normal.

I was referred to TCNF for a Personal Injury claim and can honestly say that you will not find a more caring, honest and hard working team

to assist in settling your legal grievance.  Cynthia Newton and Chris Thomas made the whole experience remarkably easy to understand even for a first timer like me with the legal process.  Informative, professional and compassionate only begins to explain all they brought to the table.  Their work was always explained in terms that I could follow and was done swiftly.  You will not be disappointed in their sincerity and expertise.

I would like to let you know how much I appreciate the superb job that Cynthia Newton and Chris Thomas have done.

They represented me with amazing professionalism in my bike accident case. Despite the insurance company's claim, they proved that the accident happened due to my opposing party's fault. They had a very difficult task at hand since there was no police report, and it was several months after my accident when I was advised to see your law firm, where the best bike accident attorneys are in Portland.

Cynthia was ready to take my very difficult case, that resulted a settlement with the insurance company. Cynthia always informed me, explained what to expect, that helped me understand her job. I met Chris for the first time at the deposition. I was amazed by his series of elegant questions that helped to prove that the insurance company's statements were wrong.

Cynthia and Chris are not only excellent attorneys, but also very kind and lovely people. Additionally, both are dedicated bikers.

Finally, I should appreciate Rebecca Cassady's and Kristin Kidd's "background" job by doing the administration and gathering tons of health insurance information about my healing progress, which amount to a 7 inch tall stack of paper. Thank you so much all of your excellent job again,

Thank you so much for all of your excellent work again.

We traveled from Utah for a two week bicycling vacation in Oregon.

As an RV mirror struck my arm it shattered my left humerus and causing my wife to crash too with numerous injuries.  Upon returning home a friend knew this firm and reputation for handling bike v auto accidents.  We researched this law firm and on our first phone call late on a Friday afternoon, Jim Coon took the time to explain Oregon bike (friendly) law some legislated by their firm; and how his firm could help us through the insurance claim - alleviating our concerns for the claim so we could focus on healing (year long process).  The claim involved two insurance companies and a mountain of medical which his staff assisted in managing throughout the nearly two year process.  They were able to bring about the settlement we were expecting and manage our fiduciary responsibilities in the closure of the case.  Sadly we never personally met our team because they deserve a HUGE hug from these Utahan's.

I had heard that Ray was excellent at law for cyclists and I only wanted to be concerned with my health and well-being, so we picked him.

The staff understood my problems and the advice always seemed to move my case in a better direction. All questions I had during my case were answered quickly and in a very timely fashion. I would recommend anyone in a cycling legal case to Ray.

I practiced personal injury law in Portland for most of my nearly forty-one-year career.

In 2012 I was retained by a 31-year-old husband and father of two who had been catastrophically injured - including being permanently blinded in both eyes - when he was run over by a piece of construction equipment in a work accident in Clark County, Washington.  In on-the-job accidents, a worker may not sue his employer for negligence and this was one of those cases where any case against other contractors on the job would be expensive, legally complex and technically challenging.  I decided, after conducting many hours of research and investigation, that a case could be made but it would be a long and expensive undertaking.  While continuing to work on the case, I began looking for help from another firm.  I talked with a number of lawyers but each of them thought that the case would be too expensive and difficult to take on. Then a trial lawyer friend of mine recommended Ray Thomas and his firm. I had known Ray for many years and called him up and gave him an overview of the case. He was aware of the difficulties but felt the case had merit, so he and his partner Cynthia Newton filed a Freedom of Information action and obtained access to all of the thousands of pages of documents for the construction project. The documents revealed that the other contractors on the job site had failed to provide a job site plan for safe movement of equipment and traffic, despite the fact that run over, backing and pinch point injuries and deaths are extreme dangers for workers on jobs like this one. Their partner, Jim Coon, filed the personal injury and loss of consortium lawsuit in both Oregon and Washington, and he fought to obtain the necessary legal rulings to go forward with the case. After many depositions and other preparation for trial, the case was finally settled shortly before trial, in February 2017, in a confidential settlement that included satisfaction of a large Washington Labor and Industries lien.

I believe that the work done by Ray, Jim, Cynthia and their staff was pivotal to obtaining an excellent result for our client, and also delivered the important message that job traffic control safety is important. Without their strong work it is unlikely that such favorable results would have been obtained.

Ray’s reference reached as far away as Kansas.

An attorney family member connected me to a local Portland lawyer that suggested Ray Thomas was the authority on bicycle accidents. I was completely unfamiliar with processing everything related to my accident, insurance, property damage, health, and recovery.  Ray and his staff, including Kayla and Charley, guided me through every step in a thoughtful and comprehensive manner.  I was never caught unaware. Questions were answered accurately and promptly!  Requests that were made of me were reasonable, fully explained, and patient. I do not have a single reservation recommending you to friends and family in the future. I wouldn't hesitate to contact you personally if ever the need would arise.

A former co-worker, who is experienced with work with visually impaired pedestrians highly recommend Ray.

As being a visually impaired and hit by a motor vehicle, I sought out someone with expertise and compassion on my behalf. Ray and his staff understood my legal problems, provided me with expert legal advice and they were always available to answer my questions in a timely manner. I would recommend others to Ray and his firm.

Your firm came highly recommended

given your work in, with, and on behalf of the bicycling community. Both Ray and his staff did an excellent job providing expert legal advice. Throughout the process, Ray conveyed each step with clarity, patience, and reassurance. All of my questions (of which there were many) were answered in a timely manner. I would most certainly recommended Ray to others seeking legal representation.

At the time of my accident, I rode regularly with the cycling club Portland Velo.

Ray had previously represented a case for another club member and he was strongly recommended to me by the cycling club leaders.  When I researched Ray online, I saw that he was active in Oregon cycling law, and a cyclist himself.  It was time to meet. When asked if Ray and his staff were able to understand my legal problems and provide expert legal advice, yes. In my case, it was really about understanding the nuances of automobile insurance.  And surprising to me, it was less about the insurance of the driver of the vehicle that struck me and more about my own auto insurance coverage as relates to cycling. I would add that due to his vast experience, Ray's insights go well beyond pure legal advice.  I had a complicated recovery and received conflicting guidance from my doctors as to some treatment options.  Ray has 'seen it all' and could relate prior cases with a variety of treatment paths for me to discuss with my physicians.  Personally, this expertise was equally if not more valuable to me than the insurance settlement. In general, Ray and his team did a fine job of responding to my questions throughout my two year case.  It did seem that periodically they 'got busy' with other cases, and it helped for me to follow up.  But I attributed this to a smaller firm with a high level of personal involvement from the partners. I strongly recommend Ray and his staff.  They are "good people" who care about their clients and the work they do on the clients behalf.

A trusted friend who is an attorney highly recommended Ray to me.

The staff and Ray were helpful, thorough advocates and guides.  I felt an important sense of reassurance and relief my case was well tended to by expert professionals. They were responsive and supportive in a timely fashion and I would strongly recommend Ray (and his firm), not only for his valued tenure as an attorney, but his own personal connection and experience as a veteran bicyclist, which most certainly reinforced my trust level and belief I was in good hands.

I decided to hire Ray as my lawyer

after I heard that you were the leading firm fighting for the rights of cyclists and were an integral part of helping to create and modify laws as needed for cycling rights. Ray and his staff understood legal problems and were able to provide expert legal advice way more than we knew was possible. I'm not a litigious person but when attacked into a life threatening situation you learn how important the work is that you all do. Every single day Ray and his staff were available to answer my questions in a timely way. I have recommended people over the years who are looking for a lawyer to represent their legal rights and will continue to do so.

The reason I called was because of Ray Thomas' blog on Bike Portland.

I love that you are bicyclists and that's part of  your outline.   I am very happy with Jim Coon, Amanda, & Rebecca.

You were all very incredible to work with!

Amanda is stellar and I am so appreciative of her and everyone else who made an unfortunate and challenging situation SO much better.

I am so glad

that a member of the Bicycle Transportation Alliance referred me to Swanson, Thomas, Coon & Newton. I felt so much relief after the first time I met Cynthia and Kristin. Thank you.

Cynthia,

thank you so much for handling my case in an efficient and extremely competent manner. It was a real pleasure working with you all.

Cynthia Newton helped me

get proper medical attention when I needed it in the form I needed, chiro/massage. You helped me deal with the complexity of bills and insurance companies. I could have never gotten through this without the three of you! I am very thankful and very much in awe that the fee came to so little, and that I will be able to either fix or repair my bicycle.

Thank you!

Cynthia Newton was recommended

to me and I would recommend her to anyone who needed an amazing attorney and Kristin Kidd, her paralegal, rocks!

Cynthia and Amanda

were a critical part of putting my life back together. I don’t know what I would have done without their help.

As I’m Japanese

I’ve never thought of doing this and having a favorable result. It is because of your great support. Thank you very much indeed. To Amanda-san, I always appreciate your prompt reply and support. I am working at the law firm, but I have never done such things, so I wanted to clarify several things. Always, always, always Amanda-san replied me back promptly and helped me out. Thank you indeed. Hope it won’t happen again like this, but I will definitely ask you guys to help me out again.

I love the people at this firm.

I felt like they had known me forever by the way I was taken care of.

In an instant my life changed.

My name is Jeff; an electrician by trade. What I thought to be just another ordinary work day changed in a split second. While working near the top portion of my eight foot ladder, a careless forklift driver backed through my ladder. The impact threw me onto the roof portion of the fork lift, then onto the cement floor dislocating my shoulder. While at the hospital, x-rays showed the seriousness of my injuries. It would take shoulder surgery along with extensive therapy to discover a partial permanent injury to my shoulder, one that would take my career as an electrician away. At fifty-five years old I was permanently injured, scared, frustrated, and out of work. What now? What was I going to do?

By the grace of God my path crossed with Cynthia Newton an attorney with Swanson, Thomas, Coon & Newton, Attorneys at Law. Cynthia became my voice in a very difficult and vulnerable time in my life. Cynthia’s knowledge of the law along with her calm demeanor helped me and my wife through the frustration and mental fatigue of a lawsuit such as this. The attorneys that helped me with this accident were the reason I was able to win a fair settlement. Chris Frost handled the Worker’s Compensation portion of this lawsuit. Chris has knowledge of law that would impress anyone; her attention to detail while keeping me up to date with any changes made a difference with this case and made both my wife and I feel as comfortable as anyone can feel that is going through something like this. Kristin Kidd and Rosemary Anderson are two of the best paralegals a law office could have. Both helped me with questions and details again giving me peace of mind. Ray Thomas’s legal savvy and presence was an enormous influence with settling this case. My wife and I were very happy with the agreed settlement that we were able to receive. We would have never been able to receive what we did without the help from this fabulous legal team. When a person chooses the law firm of Swanson, Thomas, Coon & Newton they receive a complete team of professionals that are dedicated to their clients. I hope I never need to hire another attorney, but if the need should arise, I will use Swanson, Thomas, Coon & Newton again simply because my belief is that they are the best of the best.