Assisting You with Your Legal Needs
Petersen, Parkinson and Arnold are some of Southern Idaho’s most experienced accident and injury lawyers.
With more than 75 years experience in Workers’ Compensation, Social Security Disability and Personal Injury cases, our firm has helped hundreds of clients achieve the outcome they deserve.
James Arnold
Workers’ Comp & Personal Injury – Se Habla Español
I grew up working on our family farm. Much of that work was moving irrigation pipe. It was joyous when two families from Mexico came to work on our farm. They took care of the day to day irrigation work. They worked hard and were very reliable.
I developed a personal affinity for those families and others who did that work who were likely undocumented workers. I know from experience how hard the work is that they do.
When in 2011 the State of Idaho Industrial Commission issued a decision that undocumented workers were not entitled to permanent disability benefits, I looked for a way to help those people receive those workers’ compensation benefits. Seven years later I argued a case before the Idaho Supreme Court which held that undocumented workers are entitled to all workers’ compensation benefits including permanent disability benefits.
I have argued several cases before the Idaho Supreme Court, but the undocumented worker case was perhaps the most satisfying because of my time working with and for those people. Se Habla Español
Matthew Vook
Workers’ Comp & Personal Injury
After leaving the Navy and exploring my options for a bit, I ultimately decided to expand my horizons and pursue a law degree. Following law school, I worked for the Idaho Industrial Commission – the state agency that regulates workers’ comp. From there I was hired by an insurance company to do defense work on workers’ comp claims.
Now I work with claimants; it’s so helpful to have been on all sides of the table. I feel like I have a clear idea of what we need to be aware of and how to get the best result for my client. There are cases and people who stick with you, so I want to be as diligent as I can while being realistic about the case so my
client can feel confident that I am acting in their best interest.
Brad Parkinson
Social Security Disability
I started out studying landscape architecture. I had been playing in a basketball scrimmage and met some guys who were studying law and it seemed really interesting to me. I honestly didn’t know much about what it actually meant to be a lawyer. I knew that I would enjoy solving people’s problems and guiding people through the process, no matter what it took.
It took me a while to realize that lawyers aren’t intimidating big-shots and are instead pretty friendly and approachable. I want people to have that same impression when they come to work with us – we’ve tried to make this a space where people can communicate and share their worries in a way that allows us to help shoulder some of their burdens.
Our Staff
Josie Fajardo
I have been a Legal Assistant at PPA since June 2008, specializing in worker’s compensation. My work includes finalizing pleadings, correspondence, and other legal documents.
I am an avid reader and enjoy cooking, taking advantage of our glorious parks, hiking, camping and traveling.
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Marcy Martinez
I have worked at PPA for over 15 years. As Brad Parkinson’s legal assistant, I work with Social Security Disability clients in various stages of the claim process, including applications and appeals at all levels. I enjoy working with an attorney who genuinely cares about and works hard for his clients. It is rewarding to help people get the benefits they need and deserve.
Tracy Belton
I am a Certified Idaho Workers’ Compensation Specialist with 25 years’ experience in Workers’ Compensation. I work with Attorney Matthew Vook helping injured workers with their Workers’ Compensation claims. I enjoy the work I do and care about the clients we represent.
If I am not in the office, you can usually find me taking a walk by the river.
Katelyn Martinez
I am an Idaho Workers’ Compensation Specialist certified by the Idaho Industrial Commission. I work with Attorney James C. Arnold helping injured workers with their Workers’ Compensation claims.
I have been with PPA since 2019 and have enjoyed working side by side with attorneys who enjoy the work that they do and care about the clients that they represent.
Trenton Arnold
My primary role is to provide support work for the attorneys which includes answering discovery requests, preparing medical timelines which detail client’s injuries and medical histories, as well as gather other evidence necessary to prove the elements of claims. I enjoy helping clients get the benefits they are owed and deserve.
I am an Idaho Workers’ Compensation Specialist certified by the Idaho Industrial Commission. I have a Bachelor of Science in Applied Business management and will be starting law school in the Fall of 2022.
Collette Lott
I am currently a legal assistant for PPA, with 25 years of experience as a Legal Assistant and in Administrative/Secretarial fields. I have worked with the firm for approximately seven years.
PPA specializes in accident and injury law, which creates great opportunities for me to meet people of all walks of life. As a life-long Idaho Falls resident, I enjoy working closely with our clients and I get great satisfaction when I feel like I have made a difference in someone’s life as they go through difficult and challenging times.
Stacey Knueppel
I’ve been a paralegal for over 40 years, with the first 30 years of my experience in San Diego. I’ve worked on a number of class action lawsuits, including the breast implant, tobacco and Catholic Diocese sexual abuse litigation. The majority of my experience is in plaintiff personal injury.
Shayla Zamora
I have been with PPA for almost a year and thoroughly enjoy my position. I handle the Workers’ Compensation for Matthew Vook. I have an Associates in Criminal Justice as well as a Bachelor’s in Legal Studies.
It has been a pleasure working with all the amazing staff here at PPA and I hope to continue to learn and grow with the company.
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Katherine Burnside
I have spent the last 14 years working for a financial advisor, farming operation, assisted living center, and a CPA. I have gained important experiences from working in all of these different fields.
I graduated in 2008 from ISU with a degree in accounting and have loved using that education in all my various experiences.
Working for James Arnold has been the icing on the cake. I get to do what I enjoy in a team-oriented atmosphere which brings satisfaction that I am contributing to the good of our clients.
Petersen, Parkinson and Arnold is one of the most experienced Idaho law firms. With more than 75 years of combined experience in Workers’ Compensation, Social Security Disability, and Personal Injury cases, our firm has helped thousands of clients achieve the outcome they deserve. We offer personalized service, keep you informed and up to speed on the progress of your case, and we assist you in gathering information to mount a successful claim.