Ellensburg, WA

Terry P. Abeyta

Although practicing in the most conservative area of the state, Terry P. Abeyta has earned recognition as one of the top plaintiff’s personal injury attorneys in Washington. He recovered $6.9 million on a bleacher fall case (the largest settlement in the history of Yakima County), $6.25 million on a car-truck crash (the largest settlement in the history of Franklin County), $4.1 million on a car crash case (the largest settlement in the history of Kittitas County), $3.5 million on a school playground case, the highest settlements in the history of Grant County ($2.5 million), Klickitat County ($2.5 million) and Stevens County ($1.3 million). In addition, Terry achieved the largest recovery on an uninsured motorist case in Yakima County history, the largest jury verdict on a cervical soft-tissue case in Yakima County, and obtained a $700,000 settlement for the children of a 39-year-old Native American man who committed suicide in the Yakima Tribal Jail. Terry has tried 50 jury trials and arbitrated hundreds of cases. Terry was the first plaintiff’s attorney from Central Washington chosen for The Best Lawyers in America, the first in Central Washington named to the Super Lawyer list, has been named a Super Lawyer every year since 1999, and has been named to Lawdragon’s 500 Leading Plaintiffs’ Lawyers in America. The National Association of Distinguished Counsel has included Terry in their Nation’s Top One Percent of Attorneys list. From 2022-2024, Terry was named Plaintiff’s Personal Injury Lawyer of the Year for Central Washington by The Best Lawyers in America. Terry is a member of Damages Attorney Round Table, a small, exclusive invitation-only group of the top personal injury lawyers in Washington state. He is past president of the Washington Chapter of the American Board of Trial Advocates, has served in many leadership roles for the Washington State Association for Justice, and is a past president of the Yakima County Bar Association. He has received WSAJ’s Alvin Anderson award for outstanding contribution to building WSAJ’s Eagle membership. Terry was born and raised in Yakima, Washington. He graduated at the top of his class from Yakima Valley College, at the top of his class from Whitman College, and in the top 15 percent of his class at University of Washington School of Law. He worked his way through college as a newspaper reporter for the Yakima-Herald Republic, Walla Walla Union-Bulletin (owned by the Seattle Times), and the Seattle Post-Intelligencer. In his non-lawyer life, Terry enjoys spending time with his family, playing tennis, working out, playing guitar, listening to music, hiking, gardening, and trying to keep up with the activities of his eight grandchildren. He’s blessed that all of them live in Yakima.

David P. Abeyta

David P. Abeyta is a second-generation personal injury lawyer and a partner at Abeyta Nelson Injury Law. He works in the areas of plaintiffs’ personal injury and wrongful death claims, including auto accidents, workplace injuries, and school injuries. David is a life-long resident of Yakima, Washington. After graduating from West Valley High School, David went on to study at Washington State University and graduated in 2005 with a degree in Political Science. He continued his education at the California Western School of Law, graduating in 2009. David joined Abeyta Nelson Injury Law in March 2010. David is a member of the Washington State Bar Association, the Washington State Association for Justice (WSAJ), and the American Association for Justice. He serves on the Washington State Association for Justice Board of Governors. David was awarded the “Ready to Soar” New Lawyer Award by WSAJ in 2014. From 2016-2023, David was named a Rising Star by Super Lawyers Magazine, an award given to only 2.5% of lawyers in the state of Washington who are under the age of 40 or in practice for less than 10 years. In 2024, David was named a Super Lawyer. David is active in the community, serving on the board of directors for the Yakima Valley Community Foundation for nine years. He served as co-chair of the Pillars Campaign for United Way, and was also named a Campaign Volunteer of the Year. David is proud father to Beauchene, Penelope, and Margaux. In his free time, David enjoys skiing in the winter, hiking in the summer, watching his children play sports, and going to concerts year-round.

Zach Herschensohn

Zach Herschensohn is the founding attorney of Herschensohn Law in Washington State. His practice handles various personal injury cases throughout the state and elsewhere. The firm has gained a reputation for securing just compensation for clients. His negotiation and litigation skills have even led to recovering multi-million dollar settlements for plaintiffs. He has been a litigator since 2003, practicing personal injury law in Washington State and the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington. He has advocated for seamen, construction workers, victims of medical negligence, car accidents, premises liability, and sexual abuse. He has served clients in Washington, Oregon, California, Indiana, and Alaska. He earned his BA in Communication Theory with a minor in Environmental Science from Western Washington University in 1997 and his JD from St. John’s University School of Law in 2002. He has 20 years of experience.

Meet Justin, the compassionate and dedicated founder of Elsner Law Firm. After graduating cum laude from Seattle University School of Law, Justin quickly made a name for himself in the legal community. As a member of both the Washington State Bar Association and the Western District of the Federal Court, he possesses the expertise and knowledge needed to navigate even the most complex legal challenges. Justin was introduced to the world of law through his father and gained invaluable critical thinking skills that would later define his approach to client advocacy. It was a life-changing car crash during Justin’s high school years that solidified his interest in the legal field. Feeling lost and unsure of how to proceed, he turned to a personal injury attorney for guidance. Witnessing firsthand the impact of professional legal support, Justin was inspired to dedicate his career to helping others navigate the insurance industry and avoid being taken advantage of. Justin’s entrepreneurial spirit also played a significant role in his path. From a young age, he had a keen interest in running his own business, and when he established Elsner Law Firm right after law school in 2007, he quickly discovered his passion for personal injury litigation. Today, he takes great pride in providing expert guidance to clients facing difficult circumstances, ensuring they receive the fair compensation they deserve. Outside the office, Justin’s dedication extends to various pursuits. Whether competing in triathlons, racing his car at the iconic Pacific Highway with Proformance racing school, or enjoying a round of golf, he embraces life’s adventures to the fullest. But above all, he cherishes spending quality time with his family and staying up to date with the latest news. With Justin and the Elsner Law Firm team by your side, you can trust that you’re in the caring hands of professionals who understand the challenges you face. Their transparent and empathetic approach, combined with their proven track record, ensures you receive the support and expert guidance you need during your time of need. Rest assured, Justin and his team are committed to your well-being and success every step of the way.

Rodney K. Nelson

Rod Nelson grew up in Selah, Washington. He graduated magna cum laude from the University of Washington in 1975, followed by graduating from the University of Washington School of Law in the top 10% of his class. He began his law practice in Alaska in 1978 before returning in 1979 to practice in Central Washington. Rod was named Volunteer Attorney of the Year in 2009 by the Yakima County Volunteer Attorney Services. He has been named a Super Lawyer and a Top 100 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. Rod is a published legal author and frequent lecturer who has litigated hundreds of cases. His current practice emphasis is wildland fire claims. He was the lead plaintiff’s counsel in the Taylor Bridge Fire litigation which resulted in a 60 million dollar settlement for fire victims. Rod has personally recovered over 25 million dollars for fire victims in Washington.

James M. Boyer

James M. Boyer is a partner at Abeyta Nelson Injury Law and has practiced plaintiff side personal injury litigation in Yakima since 2014. After graduating with his law degree from St. Louis University School of Law, he obtained his bar admission in 2013, and shortly thereafter relocated to Yakima from the midwest. As a lawyer committed to giving real people a voice in the justice system, James feels a calling to practice in Central Washington. Since 2019, James has consistently recovered over a million dollars each year for his clients. James has tried three civil trials in Yakima County, all resulting in plaintiff’s verdicts. He has personally prosecuted an FTCA claim against the Yakama Nation Police for negligent police pursuit resulting in a six-figure settlement. James recovered over $90,000 on behalf of a following driver in a rear-end collision - where the insurance company had offered nothing prior to litigation. James also recovered $75,000 against a dog owner for an injury evaluated by the insurance company as a “minor bite” - the settlement was over 6 times the original top offer. James currently serves as the Yakima County Bar Association president for the 2024-25 year. In addition, he was named a “40 Under 40” lawyer by the National Trial Lawyers multiple years and has been named a “One to Watch” by Best Lawyers. James is also active on the Prosser Memorial Health Foundation Board of Directors. James describes himself as aggressive when necessary, reasonable when it benefits his client, and universally well prepared. James and his wife, a nurse, live in Yakima. They enjoy all the beauty the Pacific Northwest to offer.

Chelsea Hicks

Chelsea Hicks is the Managing Attorney at Herschensohn Law, bringing a wide range of legal experience. She graduated magna cum laude from Chapman University with a double major in pre-law and political science and a minor in sociology, and completed an internship with the Supreme Court of the United States. She earned her JD cum laude from Seattle University School of Law. Her experience includes internships at Benefits Law Center and an externship with the Alaska Network on Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault. She worked in civil legal aid at Alaska Legal Services Corporation and for nearly 12 years at Northwest Justice Project in Seattle, handling various cases including foreclosure defense, landlord-tenant, consumer debt, and veterans' benefits. She currently serves as board president of Northwest Education Access.