Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Trusted Personal Injury & Workers Compensation Lawyers in Hastings
Founded in 1935, our firm has served Hastings and Nebraska with comprehensive legal services, specializing in personal injury, workers' compensation, family law, and estate planning. Our attorneys combine decades of experience with a commitment to compassion, professionalism, and relentless advocacy for client justice. We prioritize transparent communication, ethical practices, and community engagement, ensuring clients receive tailored support during life's most challenging moments. With a track record of successful settlements and courtroom victories, we uphold a legacy of excellence in legal representation. 
Services
Personal Injury
Car Accidents
Truck Accidents
Workers Compensation
Family Law
Wrongful Death
Estate Planning
Civil Litigation
Details
- Year established: 1935
Highlights and features
- We offer over 85 years of combined legal experience in Nebraska courts
- Our attorneys maintain active memberships in top-tier legal associations
- We guarantee transparent communication with no hidden fees
- Our team has recovered millions in settlements for injury victims
- We provide personalized service with a focus on community values
Associations and certifications
- American Bar Association
- Nebraska State Bar Association
- Nebraska Association of Trial Attorneys
- National Trial Lawyers: Top 100
- National Member of the Order of the Barristers
What people say
Well informed throughout process
Family stronger because of CPJ
Best choice for legal representation
Professional and courteous service
Helped during darkest hours
Services
Personal Injury
Our personal injury attorneys advocate for victims of negligence, securing compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and emotional trauma. We handle car, truck, and motorcycle accidents with proven strategies for maximizing settlements. Clients benefit from our deep understanding of Nebraska's comparative negligence laws and insurance negotiation tactics.
Workers Compensation
We specialize in workers' compensation cases, ensuring injured employees receive benefits for medical treatment and lost income. Our team navigates Nebraska's complex claims process, challenging denials and representing clients in appeals when necessary. Proven expertise in occupational disease and repetitive injury cases sets us apart.
Family Law
Our family law practice handles divorce, child custody, and visitation rights with sensitivity to emotional challenges. We prioritize amicable resolutions while preparing for courtroom advocacy when needed. Clients receive strategic guidance on property division and post-divorce modifications across central Nebraska.
Wrongful Death
We represent families seeking justice for preventable fatalities through wrongful death litigation. Our approach combines compassionate support with aggressive pursuit of compensation for funeral expenses, lost income, and emotional suffering. Proven success in trucking accident and medical malpractice-related death cases.
Estate Planning
Our estate planning attorneys create customized wills, trusts, and advance directives to protect clients' legacies. We specialize in agricultural estate planning and Medicaid compliance strategies, ensuring smooth asset transfer while minimizing tax burdens for Nebraska families.
People
Douglas G. Pauley
Attorney
Practicing law since 1981 with focus on estate planning and personal injury. Active community volunteer and Nebraska Bar Association member. Holds J.D. from University of Nebraska College of Law.
Scott D. Pauley
Attorney
Specializes in workers' compensation and personal injury litigation. Admitted to Nebraska and Colorado bars. Completed advanced training in agricultural estate planning and trial advocacy.
Joshua A. Johnson
Attorney
Focuses on family law and wrongful death cases. Recognized for successful custody representation and compassionate client support. Active in local civic organizations and legal aid initiatives.
Questions
What is the statute of limitations for personal injury claims in Nebraska?
Nebraska allows four years from the accident date to file personal injury claims. Missing this deadline typically bars recovery of damages.
How does workers' compensation differ from personal injury claims?
Workers' comp covers work-related injuries regardless of fault, while personal injury claims require proving another party's negligence caused your harm.
Can I sue multiple parties for a truck accident?
Yes, you can pursue claims against both truck drivers and trucking companies when both share responsibility for your injuries and losses.
What damages can I recover after a car accident?
Victims may collect compensation for medical bills, lost wages, property damage, pain and suffering, and future earning capacity losses.
How do contingency fees work?
Our attorneys receive payment only after winning your case, taking a pre-agreed percentage of the settlement amount rather than charging upfront fees.
