The 1992 Oregon Supreme Court decision in Georgetown Realty, Inc. v. Home Ins. Co. revolutionized the way liability insurers are held accountable, significantly bolstering protections for personal injury clients in Oregon. This landmark ruling affirmed that insurers must act with a fiduciary duty of care toward policyholders, providing a clearer path for pursuing tort claims against inadequate or negligent defense efforts by insurers. For individuals navigating personal injury claims, this case underscores the importance of understanding your rights and the heightened responsibilities of your insurer, ensuring stronger legal standing to seek redress for mishandled defenses or unmet settlement obligations.
Read MoreIn a landmark 2022 decision, the Oregon Court of Appeals bolstered policyholder protections in *Moody v. Oregon Community Credit Union*, affirming that insurance companies must act in good faith and comply with statutory standards. This ruling makes clear that insurers can be held accountable for emotional distress damages when they fail to properly investigate or settle claims, marking a significant advancement in personal injury law and consumer rights in Oregon.
Read MoreIn the landmark case of Scott Raymond Busch v. McInnis Waste Systems, Inc., the Oregon Supreme Court ruled that the $500,000 cap on noneconomic damages in personal injury cases was unconstitutional. This decision significantly affects individuals seeking fair compensation for pain, suffering, and life-altering injuries.
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