If you have been injured in an accident in Oregon, you might be able to recover compensation by filing a personal injury claim. Sometimes an accident is just an accident, but more often an accident is caused by negligence. When someone acts negligent, he or she is liable for any damages that result.
There are times when it is easy to prove negligence, but at other times, it can be a challenge to prove liability. To prove negligence, you will have to show how an individual’s actions or inaction's led to the accident and the damages you suffered. Because of the complexity of personal injury claims and because of the challenges you might face proving negligence, you should consult with an Oregon personal injury attorney.
How Many Personal Injury Attorneys Are in Oregon?
While the actual numbers are probably higher, Avvo reported that 929 personal injury attorneys were helping injured individuals in Oregon as of April 2018. When you enlist the help of a lawyer, you want one licensed in the state where your accident occurred so you can have representation in court. A local lawyer is familiar with state and local laws, which are beneficial with your case as well.
Most personal injury attorneys take cases on a contingency basis, so you won’t have to pay anything upfront. All costs that are in advance and any attorney fees will be deducted from the settlement or judgment you receive from the liable party.
Personal injury attorneys have strong negotiation skills. Because of those skills, some settlements are reached with insurance companies before a claim advances to the courtroom. If your case must be heard in a court of law, your attorney can help build a strong case. Your lawyer will gather up evidence and documentation that will show what happened and how it could have been prevented.
Medical records, the accident report, proof of lost wages, photos of the accident scene and damages, photos of injuries, and statements from witnesses are all beneficial with building a strong case. Your attorney will determine what damages you suffered because of the accident and will come up with a fair value of your claim.
How Can An Oregon Personal Injury Attorney Help Me?
An accident can have lasting affects that impact you the rest of your life. One accident can have economic and non-economic affects for years. The nature of the accident and the severity of your injuries will have an impact in your overall damages. Some of the most common damages that are suffered include medical expenses, future medical expenses, lost wages, future loss of earnings, pain and suffering, permanent scarring and disfigurement, loss of consortium, loss of enjoyment of life, and more. Your attorney will go over your medical files and carefully evaluate your situation and your losses.
Sometimes it might be difficult to determine who is liable for your damages. As an example, you were injured in a fall in a shopping center parking lot. You aren’t sure whether to pursue a claim against the shopping center manager, the store operator, or the property owner.
Your attorney will know who to hold responsible and will determine how to show liability for your specific incident. Your lawyer will make sure your claim is filed against the proper entity.
Courthouses in Oregon
Not all claims are pursued in the same court. Some cases are pursued in small claims court while others must be filed in a higher court. Here are just a few courthouses in Oregon:
Oregon State Courthouse
807 Main Street #206
Oregon City, OR 97045
Pioneer Courthouse
700 SW 6th Avenue
Portland, OR 97204
Washington County Courthouse
123 E Main Street
Hillsboro, OR 97123
Your attorney will make sure your claim is filed in the right court, so time and resources are not wasted.
Speak With An Attorney Today!
If you have suffered injuries in an accident, you should consult with an Oregon personal injury attorney. Complete the Free Case Evaluation Form on this page to get your details shared with an attorney who can give you a free case evaluation. In Oregon, there is a two-year statute of limitations for pursuing a personal injury claim so don’t wait until it is too late. Get your claim on track today!
Helpful Resources
Personal Injury Claims in Oregon
Accident Resources in Portland
