Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Emergency
services
Bakersfield Injury Lawyers You Can Trust
As a seasoned law firm rooted in Bakersfield since 1934, Chain Cohn Clark has established itself as a trusted advocate for individuals seeking justice in personal injury, workers' compensation, and wrongful death cases. Our firm's enduring commitment to Kern County is driven by a legacy of personal attention, proven expertise, and a relentless focus on client outcomes. With over nine decades of collective legal experience, we have recovered nearly $1 billion for our clients while maintaining a local presence that ensures every client receives direct access to their attorney throughout the process.Our reputation as trial-ready attorneys who prioritize thorough investigations, strategic negotiations, and courtroom excellence has earned us recognition from Best Lawyers in America and consistent community trust. We operate with transparency, offering contingency-based representation and 24/7 availability to ensure justice remains accessible for those navigating life-altering injuries or loss.
Services
Car Accidents
Truck Accidents
Wrongful Death
Elder Abuse
Workers Compensation
Motorcycle Accidents
Pedestrian Accidents
Product Liability
Police Misconduct
Industrial Accidents
Details
- Year established: 1934
Highlights and features
- We've recovered nearly $1 billion in settlements and verdicts for Kern County clients.
- Available 24/7 with attorneys who live and work locally in Bakersfield.
- Take on complex cases against corporations, government entities, and insurance companies.
- Maintain a trial-ready reputation that maximizes settlement outcomes.
- Conduct thorough investigations with expert resources to strengthen case value.
What people say
Genuinely concerned about my injuries
Best in Kern County
Highly recommend
Local connection
Personal attention
Services
Personal Injury Law
We protect the rights of individuals injured through no fault of their own in Kern County. With over 90 years of experience, our attorneys handle car, truck, and motorcycle accidents that cause catastrophic injuries. Our proven track record includes $22.1 million pedestrian accident verdicts and $10 million oilfield accident resolutions. We manage all aspects of your case from evidence collection and medical documentation to courtroom representation if needed. Our contingency-based model ensures you pay nothing upfront while we fight for maximum compensation covering medical expenses, lost wages, and emotional trauma.
Wrongful Death Claims
We represent families who've lost loved ones due to preventable negligence in Bakersfield. Our compassionate approach handles complex cases including police misconduct, construction fatalities, and elder abuse. We've secured $8.8 million for families losing relatives to police shootings and $6 million for trucking-related wrongful deaths. Our attorneys navigate California's two-year statute of limitations while building compelling cases against corporations and government entities. We recover compensation for funeral costs, lost income, and emotional suffering while holding negligent parties accountable for systemic change.
Workers Compensation
We advocate for injured workers throughout California's Central Valley. Our firm handles complex industrial accidents, repetitive stress injuries, and occupational disease claims that require detailed medical documentation. We've successfully challenged insurance denials for construction falls, chemical exposure cases, and machinery-related injuries. Our experience includes $10 million oilfield accident recoveries and representing workers who develop chronic conditions from hazardous workplace environments. We ensure clients receive benefits for medical treatment, rehabilitation costs, and lost earning capacity while maintaining their workplace rights.
Truck Accident Litigation
We specialize in serious cases involving 80,000-pound commercial vehicles that cause catastrophic injuries. Our investigations analyze federal trucking regulations, driver logs, and black box data to prove liability against carriers and manufacturers. We've recovered $6 million for traumatic brain injury victims and $5.75 million for victims of truck stop sign violations. Our team manages complex cases involving multiple parties while ensuring clients receive appropriate medical care and financial support throughout prolonged recovery periods.
Elder Abuse Cases
We hold long-term care facilities accountable for physical abuse, financial exploitation, and medical neglect of vulnerable seniors. Our attorneys investigate cases involving untreated bedsores, medication errors, and assault by staff members. We've secured $1 million settlements for families whose loved ones suffered fatal restraint-related suffocation and $2 million for sexual misconduct cases in residential care. Our approach combines compassion with rigorous legal action to improve facility standards while recovering compensation for medical expenses and emotional damages.
People
Matthew C. Clark
Managing Partner
With over 30 years of legal experience, Matt Clark leads Kern County's most successful personal injury firm. As a third-generation Bakersfield attorney, he combines local knowledge with national trial expertise, having secured multiple eight-figure verdicts for injured clients. His commitment to community service extends through board memberships with local nonprofits and leadership in the Kern County Bar Association. Clark maintains a hands-on approach, personally guiding clients through complex litigation while ensuring 24/7 availability for urgent case developments.
Chad Boyles
Partner
Chad Boyles brings decades of courtroom experience to complex personal injury cases, particularly those involving catastrophic motorcycle accidents and commercial transportation negligence. A Bakersfield native, he combines technical legal analysis with relatable client communication, having recovered millions for clients with spinal injuries and traumatic brain damage. He actively mentors local law students through the firm's externship program while maintaining trial readiness through participation in national injury law conferences.
Chris Hagan
Partner
Specializing in wrongful death litigation, Chris Hagan has secured some of Kern County's largest jury verdicts for families losing loved ones to police misconduct and construction fatalities. As a former public defender, he brings unique perspective to challenging government agencies and insurance companies. Hagan remains deeply connected to Bakersfield's legal community through active membership in the Trial Lawyers for Public Justice and local bar associations.
Beatriz Trejo
Partner
Beatriz Trejo focuses on workers' compensation and industrial injury cases, advocating for Central Valley laborers who suffer on-the-job injuries. A first-generation college graduate from Kern County, she leverages deep understanding of California's labor regulations to challenge insurance denials for occupational illnesses and construction accidents. Trejo serves on the California Workers' Compensation Minority Bar Association to improve access to legal resources for underserved communities.
Tanya Alsheikh
Associate Attorney
Tanya Alsheikh represents clients in motor vehicle accident cases, with particular expertise in bicycle and pedestrian injury claims. After graduating from UC Hastings College of the Law, she returned to her Bakersfield roots to fight for safer urban infrastructure through legal advocacy. Her approach combines compassionate client support with aggressive litigation strategies, recently securing multiple six-figure settlements for clients hit by distracted drivers.
Questions
How long do I have to file a personal injury claim in California?
You have two years from the accident date to file a personal injury lawsuit in California. Cases involving government entities require action within six months. Contact us promptly to ensure evidence preservation.
What compensation can I receive for a car accident injury?
Recoverable compensation includes medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and pain/suffering. We document economic and non-economic damages to maximize your settlement with insurance companies.
Why hire a local Bakersfield law firm for my injury case?
Local attorneys understand Kern County's legal environment and court systems. We provide face-to-face meetings, immediate responsiveness, and community-based advocacy that national firms cannot replicate for Central Valley clients.
What makes Chain | Cohn | Clark different from other injury firms?
We combine 90+ years of local experience with a trial-ready reputation that secures higher settlements. Our attorneys personally handle cases from start to finish, available 24/7 with no upfront fees.
How much does it cost to hire personal injury attorneys?
We work on contingency fees, taking a percentage of your settlement only after winning your case. Initial consultations are free with no financial obligation if we don't recover compensation for you.
What should I do immediately after a serious accident?
Prioritize medical care, document the scene with photographs, exchange information with involved parties, and contact our firm before speaking to insurance companies to protect your legal rights.
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