What is a Personal Injury in Portland, Oregon?
“Personal injury” law, or “tort” law, covers a wide range of negligence claims causing damages to one’s body, mind, or emotions. The extent of an injured person’s injuries and damages is unique to their case. This is because injuries impact each client’s lives differently.
Personal injuries, including broken bones and traumatic brain injuries to internal injuries and paralysis, can occur whenever negligence is a factor. That includes but is not limited to injuries resulting from vehicle collisions caused by distracted, impaired, or speeding drivers and premises liability incidents where dangerous conditions cause severe injuries in slip and falls, negligent security circumstances, and falls from heights — and any reckless or negligent action or inaction in between. The reality is that personal injuries can happen anytime and anywhere to anyone.
That’s why we’re here.
What Does a Portland Personal Injury Attorney Do?
A personal injury lawyer in Portland, Oregon is crucial in helping individuals injured by the negligent actions or inaction of another person, party, or entity. The primary objective is to advocate for their clients and seek compensation for the physical, emotional, and financial damages they have suffered.
That involves:
Our personal injury lawyers in Portland begin each case by talking with the client to discuss the details of the incident and the injuries sustained. During this consultation, the attorney assesses the strength of the case and provides an initial evaluation of its merits.
A significant part of a personal injury attorney’s role involves thoroughly investigating the incident that caused their client harm. This may include gathering evidence, obtaining accident reports, interviewing witnesses, and collecting medical records related to the injuries.
The personal injury lawyer will analyze the facts of the case, assess liability, and determine the extent of damages, including medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and property damage. Attorneys may consult with medical experts, accident reconstruction specialists, and other professionals to strengthen their client’s case and provide expert testimony when necessary.
Lawyers provide guidance and support to their clients throughout the legal process. They inform clients about the case’s progress, answer questions, and advise on important decisions. A crucial role of personal injury attorneys is strengthening their clients’ rights and interests. They work to ensure their client is treated fairly and that their case is presented effectively.
Personal injury lawyers deal with insurance companies on their clients’ behalf. They negotiate with insurance adjusters to secure a fair settlement that covers the client’s losses. Throughout the legal process, attorneys negotiate with opposing parties to reach a settlement agreement in their client’s best interest. If necessary, they may file a lawsuit against the at-fault party.
If a settlement cannot be reached through negotiation, the attorney will file a lawsuit and represent the client in court. This involves drafting legal documents, presenting evidence, and arguing the case before a judge or jury.
If a settlement or court judgment is obtained in favor of the client, the attorney helps ensure that the client receives the compensation they are entitled to, including negotiating with medical providers and lien holders.
At the Law Offices of Jon Friedman, our Portland personal injury lawyers represent clients in the following practice areas:
If you would like more information on filing a claim, please contact our Portland personal injury lawyers directly or review our FAQs to get quick answers to your most pressing questions.
Do You Have an Injury Claim in Portland, OR?
To pursue a personal injury claim, our Oregon attorneys must be able to prove critical elements that determine liability.
To determine this, you will need to establish three things:
You must prove that the person or entity responsible for your injury was negligent. Negligence is defined as someone doing something no reasonable person would do or failing to do what a reasonable person would do. This includes simple negligence but also carelessness and recklessness.
You must prove that this negligent/careless/reckless act caused your injury. You are only entitled to damages if you can prove negligence and causation. Causation includes any new injury caused by the event or aggravation of a pre-existing condition. Both are compensable under Oregon law.
In Oregon, a plaintiff may legally pursue Economic and Non-economic Damages.
Economic damages consist of past, present, and future medical bills, lost wages, and other tangible expenses that can be calculated.
Non-economic damages refer to past, present, and future pain and suffering as well as any interference with your ability to lead a typical day-to-day life, including, but not limited to, the loss of abilities you had before the accident or the impact that the incident has had on your ability to lead your everyday life.
This could include the inability to participate in your favorite sports, failing to work at the same pace or position you did before the incident, or even simple activities like bending over to pick up the newspaper.
In short, non-economic damages compensate you for how an accident adversely impacted your quality of life.
When we are first hired, we send letters of representation to the insurance companies to direct any dialogue to us, so you will no longer need to speak to them yourself.
Next, depending on the case, our Portland personal injury lawyers will partner with professional experts, including your medical team, investigators, and accident reconstruction specialists, who can help build your case for success to pursue a timely and fair resolution for your personal injury claim.
How Much is My Portland Personal Injury Case Worth?
At the Law Offices of Jon Friedman, our personal injury attorneys in Portland, Oregon outline each client’s accidents, injuries, and future care requirements to correctly address each client’s complete damages and begin negotiating with the at-fault party’s insurance company.
That may include:
- Complete Past Medical Expenses.
- Future Rehabilitation and Therapy Costs.
- Past Lost Wages.
- Diminished Earning Capacity.
- Physical Disfigurement.
- Emotional and Psychological Trauma.
- Pain and Suffering.
- Loss of Quality of Life.
- Property Damage.
- Eligible Out-of-Pocket Expenses.
No two Oregon personal injury claims are alike and require a skilled Portland personal injury attorney by your side before talking to the at-fault party’s insurance company. We can help protect your rights and best interests, beginning with a free consultation today.
What is The Statute of Limitations For Personal Injury Claims in Oregon?
The statute of limitations for most personal injury claims in Oregon is two years from the date of the injury or accident. However, the sooner you can speak with a Portland personal injury attorney after your injuries occur, the better. This will allow you to partner with a legal professional who can preserve crucial evidence that may be critical to your case before it is destroyed or disappears.
What Should You Do After a Personal Injury Accident in Portland Oregon?
After a serious accident in Portland, it is crucial to prioritize your safety and health. Seek immediate medical care for any injuries. You should also try to document the scene by taking photographs and gathering contact information from any witnesses. Evidence is critical in a personal injury case. Report the accident to the police (traffic accidents) or other appropriate authorities (businesses, property owners, etc.) to ensure there is an official record. Finally, consult with a Portland personal injury lawyer before an insurance adjuster.
Every Serious Accident Requires a Comprehensive Investigation
To hold any other party liable in your personal injury claim, you will need to prove that they bear fault. In most cases, this requires establishing that their negligence contributed to your accident.
Negligence is the failure to behave with the level of care that someone of ordinary prudence would have exercised under the same circumstances. In other words, a person (or entity) is negligent if they do something that a reasonably prudent person would not do or fail to do something that a reasonably prudent person would do. What constitutes negligence is highly case-specific. Here are some notable examples:
- A driver is negligent if they run a stop sign and collide with another vehicle;
- A truck company is negligent if it fails to ensure drivers are properly trained;
- A property owner is negligent if they do not remove a known safety hazard; and
- A medical professional is negligent if they cause patient harm due to subpar care.
Oregon operates under a modified comparative negligence standard (ORS § 31.600). Here is an example of how that might impact the case: Imagine a driver runs a red light and collides with another car that was speeding at the time of the accident. Under the comparative negligence system, both drivers may share responsibility for the accident: the first for running a red light and the second for speeding. If the case goes to court, a jury might find the driver who ran the red light 70% at fault for the accident and the speeding driver 30% at fault. As a result, the speeding driver’s compensation would be reduced by 30% to reflect their share of the blame.
Note: Oregon’s modified comparative negligence rule only allows plaintiffs to recover compensation through a fault-based claim if they are liable for less than 51% of their own accident.
Will I Be Required to Testify in Court?
It is possible—though certainly not common. Many personal injury claims in Portland are settled out of court, so testimony in court is not required. Still, you may be required to testify if your case goes to trial. In that situation, your testimony could provide crucial evidence about the impact of your injuries on your life. An experienced Portland personal injury lawyer can help you navigate this issue and any other matters that may arise in your case.
Be Proactive: Do Not Wait to Get Started With Your Portland Personal Injury Claim
Under Oregon law (ORS § 12.110), there is a two-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims. Only limited exceptions apply. You may have less time to bring a claim if the defendant is a government entity. You may have more time to bring a claim if you were a minor at the time of the accident or if your injuries were not immediately discoverable. Still, the two-year statute of limitations applies to most personal injury claims in Oregon. What happens if you do not file before the deadline? Your case could be dismissed. Be proactive: Consult with an attorney right away.
What is the Value of My Personal Injury Case?
The value of a personal injury case in Portland varies based on a number of factors. Key issues include your ability to prove fault and the extent of your damages, such as medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Valuing a personal injury case is a challenging task—especially if you suffered a serious injury and/or have non-economic damages. Since the value of your case is dependent on so many factors, the best way to get an estimate is to contact the Law Offices of Jon Friedman.
Recovering Compensation for Your Injuries
How much compensation can you expect to recover in a personal injury claim? The answer depends on a wide range of case-driven factors. Key issues will include fault and damages. In Oregon, injured victims have the right to seek compensation for the full extent of their damages, including economic losses and non-economic damages. Unfortunately, you cannot rely on any insurance company to look out for your best interests after a bad accident. The right attorney can make the difference in your case. At the Law Offices of Jon Friedman, our Portland personal injury lawyers are committed to helping victims fight for maximum financial compensation. Recovery may be available for:
- Property damage, such as automotive repair;
- Emergency room care and hospital bills;
- Other medical bills/health care expenses;
- Physical therapy and rehabilitative treatment;
- Lost wages and loss of future earning ability;
- Pain and suffering and mental distress;
- Long-term disability or physical disfigurement; and
- Wrongful death of an immediate family member.
Do I Need to See a Doctor to Bring a Personal Injury Claim?
Yes. Of course, you should see a doctor after an accident for your own well-being. Many common injuries—including things like concussions—are often more severe than initially observed. Further, you need medical records to be eligible to bring a claim. Delaying medical treatment can not only harm your health but also weaken your case. An insurance company may argue that your injuries are not serious or related to the accident. See a doctor as soon as possible.
Why Injured Victims Trust the Law Offices of Jon Friedman When It Matters Most
You do not have to take on a personal injury claim alone. As a boutique family-run personal injury law firm that is made up of a father and son duo, we are committed to investing time and resources into every case that we take on. Jon M. Friedman and Jon D. Friedman know how to hold large insurance companies accountable. When you contact us at our Portland law office, you will have an opportunity to consult with an Oregon personal injury attorney who can:
- Listen to your story and answer your most important questions about the law;
- Carefully investigate your accident—gathering the evidence and information you need;
- Handle the legal/insurance paperwork and represent you in settlement negotiations; and
- Take aggressive legal action to protect your rights and help you secure the best results.
Can I Afford to Hire a Top Portland Personal Injury Attorney?
This is a question that many people ask themselves after they’ve been injured in an accident. The easy answer is yes, you can afford to get an attorney. The Portland personal injury attorneys at the Law Offices of Jon Friedman represent injured victims on a contingency basis. We do not charge hourly bills or any upfront costs. Our law firm only gets paid when you get paid. If there is no recovery in your case, then there is no fee that you need to worry about. It is our mission to put money back into your pocket. Initial consultations with our Portland, OR, personal injury attorneys are always free, confidential, and carry no future obligations.
Why Trust The Law Offices of Jon Friedman With Your Personal Injury Case in Portland?
At The Law Offices of Jon Friedman, our Oregon personal injury attorney offers free legal advice and initial consultations to discuss the details of your personal injury claim.
We have built a formidable reputation in Oregon and have helped thousands of clients obtain fair resolutions for their claims since 1984. We welcome the opportunity to put our experience to work for you and your family.
If you or a loved one has been injured due to someone else’s negligence, contact our Portland personal injury lawyer for a free, no-obligation consultation via phone, email, or in person. If your injuries keep you from coming to us, we can come to you.
We Handle the Full Range of Personal Injury Cases in Portland, Oregon
Navigating the aftermath of a bad accident is never easy. The Law Offices of Jon Friedman is a family-run, boutique law firm devoted to protecting the rights of injured victims. We are on your side, not the side of the big insurance companies. Our attorneys help clients through every aspect of the claims process—from evaluation to investigation to settlement to litigation. We will invest the personalized attention needed to develop the strategy that is best suited for your specific case. From our Portland law office, we represent injured victims throughout Oregon. Regardless of how you were hurt, we are here to review your case and help you determine the best course of action. Along with other claims, our Portland personal injury lawyers have experience with:
- Auto Accidents: We handle the full range of motor vehicle accident injury claims. If you were hurt in a car crash in Oregon, do not take on the insurance companies alone. Contact our Portland auto accident lawyers for a free review of your case.
- Medical Malpractice: Medical malpractice occurs when the negligence of a health care provider—a doctor, nurse, hospital, etc.—contributes to patient harm. These are complex claims, and you need an experienced Portland medical malpractice attorney.
- Semi-Truck Crashes: Given their immense size, semi-trucks pose a heightened safety hazard. We have the knowledge and experience to hold negligent truckers and truck companies accountable. Contact our Portland truck accident lawyers today for help.
- Wrongful Death Claims: The loss of an immediate family member to an accident caused by negligence is a terrible, heartbreaking experience or endure. We help grieving families navigate the civil wrongful death claims process.
- Motorcycle Collisions: A lot can go wrong on a motorcycle. It is imperative that injured riders receive the highest level of professional representation. Our Portland motorcycle accident lawyers have the expertise that you can trust.
- Pedestrian Accident Injuries: Pedestrians are inherently vulnerable. Too many motorists in our region fail to take proper care when around pedestrians. Our Portland, OR, pedestrian accident attorneys are standing by, ready to protect your rights.
- Bicycle Accident Injuries: Portland has a well-earned reputation as one of the most bike-friendly cities in the country. Yet accidents remain a serious issue. If you were hurt in a bicycle accident, contact our Portland, OR, personal injury lawyer for immediate help.
- Boating Accidents: While Oregon offers some of the best spots in the country for recreational boating, the unfortunate reality is that accidents do happen. We handle the full range of boat injury claims in the Portland area.
- Aviation Accidents and Airplane Injuries: Were you or a loved one hurt on a plane? Whether a large commercial flight or a small private plane, our Portland aviation injury attorneys have the skills and experience that you can rely on for legal support.
- Premises Liability Cases: Beyond slip and fall cases, we handle all other types of premises liability claims in Portland, including negligent security claims. Negligent businesses and property owners must be held accountable.
- Construction Accidents: Commercial and residential construction sites can be dangerous places. Proper, proactive safety precautions are a must. We handle all types of construction accident injury claims, representing both workers and passersby.
- Dangerous and Defective Products: Under Oregon law, a manufacturer or distributor may be strictly liable for the harm caused by a dangerous and defective product.
Contact Our Personal Injury Attorneys in Portland, OR for a Free Consultation Today
At the Law Offices of Jon Friedman, our Portland personal injury attorneys are compassionate, experienced advocates for victims and families. Hurt in a bad accident? We are on your side. Contact us today to set up your free, completely confidential initial consultation. From our Portland law office, we fight for the rights and interests of injured victims all across the region, including in Multnomah County, Washington County, Columbia County, and Clackamas County.
If you believe you have a claim and have questions or concerns about it, please contact our Multnomah County personal injury attorney at the Law Offices of Jon Friedman today by calling 503-242-1440 for a free confidential assessment of your claim.
