PRO
John Stephen Kapuza
Virtual Consultation Available
About John
Biography
For nearly three decades, John Kapuza has devoted his career
to helping injured Washingtonians. As co-founder of Yakima’s Kapuza Lighty,
PLLC, he draws on licenses in both Washington and Oregon and a strong academic foundation—dual
majors from SUNY-Buffalo and Cum Laude honors from Thomas M. Cooley Law
School—to guide clients through complex injury claims. His track record speaks
volumes: multimillion-dollar recoveries for car, forklift, motorcycle, and
semi-truck injuries. A member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum and The
National Trial Lawyers: Top 100, John’s peers have honored him with Washington
Law & Politics’ “Super Lawyer” title since 2019, Martindale-Hubbell’s AV
Preeminent rating, and a spot in the 30th edition of The Best Lawyers in
America. Outside the courtroom, you’ll find him on Washington’s rivers, in his
workshop, or planning adventures with his wife Lisa, executive director of
Wellness House. Together they champion community initiatives—from the Red Cross
and YWCA to the Capitol Theatre and United Way—reflecting John’s belief that
justice and compassion go hand in hand.
"More Cash for Your Crash" - Kapuza Lighty, PLLC - Accident Injury Lawyers, have over 60 years of combined experience helping injured people recover the damages they are entitled to after being injured in a car accident. We take all size cases, big or small.
Practice Areas
1
Practice Area
Fees and Rates
Cost
33%-40%
Awards
Licenses
Licensed in Oregon for 2 years
State: Oregon
Acquired: 2023
No misconduct found
Licensed in Washington for 29 years
State: Washington
Acquired: 1996
No misconduct found
Location
Kapuza Lighty, PLLC - Accident Injury Lawyers
Fax
3806 Tieton Drive, Yakima, WA, 98902
YakimaAccidentInjuryLawyers.comGallery
John Stephen Kapuza's Reviews
Avvo Review Score
7 Client Reviews
Showing 1 - 1 of 1 review | Staff & Support
Posted by anonymous | April 06, 2017 | Hired Attorney | Personal Injury
Professional and Guided My Family from Beginning to End
My wife and I contacted John at Abeyta Nelson to assist us after we were involved in auto accident, December 2015. From the initial interview to our final conversation, John and his staff assisted my family in all facets. They were available to answer any question that we had during the process. W...
John Stephen Kapuza's Lawyer Endorsements
"I endorse this lawyer. John is smart and knows how to maximize the value of a case through good lawyering and common sense."
Personal injury lawyer
Experience
Honors
2025
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2025
AV Preeminent Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2024
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2023
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2022
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2021
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2020
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2019
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2019
Washigton Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers Magazine
2018
Million Dollar Advocate, Million Dollar Advocates Forum
2018
Top 100 Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers
2017
Top 100 Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers
2017
Million Dollar Advocate, Million Dollar Advocates Forum
2016
Million Dollar Advocate, Million Dollar Advocates Forum
2015
Member, Million Dollar Advocates Forum
2014
Top 100 Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers
2014
Listed in Bar Register of Preeminent Lawyers, Martindale-Hubbell
2013
Listed Bar Register of Preeminent Lawyers, Martindale-Hubbell
2008
Rising Star, Washington Law & Politics Magazine
2007
Rising Star, Washington Law & Politics Magazine
Work Experience
2018 - Present
Lawyer/Co-Owner, Kapuza Lighty, PLLC - Accident Injury Lawyers
2003 - 2018
Arbitrator, Arbitrator for Yakima County Mandatory Arbitration Program at Yakima County Superior Court
1996 - 2017
Partner, Abeyta Nelson Injury Law P.C.
Associations
2015 - Present
Capitol TheatreBoard of Directors
2014 - Present
National Trial Lawyers AssociationMember
2011 - Present
United States District Court for the Western District of WashingtonMember
2002 - Present
United States District Court, Eastern District of WashingtonMember
2002 - Present
Association of Trial Lawyers of AmericaMember
1996 - Present
Yakima County Bar AssociationMember
1996 - Present
Washington State Bar AssociationMember
2008 - 2012
American Red Cross, Yakima ChapterBoard of Directors
2004 - 2011
Washington State Association for JusticeBoard of Governors
2001 - 2003
Washington State Association for JusticeBoard of Governors, Chair, Yakima County Tort Roundtable
2000 - 2001
Washington State Bar Association, Young Lawyers DivisionContinuing Legal Education
1997 - 1999
John Gavin Inn of CourtSecretary
Sample of Legal Cases
Injured Plaintif awarded $1.2 Million Dollars
Injured Plaintiff awarded $2.5 million Dollars
Injured Plaintiff awarded $300,000
Injured Plaintiff awarded $350,000
Injured Plaintiff awarded $1 million dollars
Injured Plaintiff Awarded $2 million dollars.
Education
1995
JD - Juris Doctor, cum laude, Top 15% of Class
1992
BA - Bachelor of Arts
Speaking Engagements
2009
Subrogation & Liens - A Basic Overview
Languages
English
Spanish
Activity
Legal Answers