Oregon has created a law (ORS 20.080) which is intended to level the playing field for injured parties with smaller claims and to promote these injured parties’ ability to get legal counsel. Generally, the law accomplishes this by awarding lawyer fees to a party who successfully uses a lawyer to represent them in recovering their damages (medical costs, property losses, and other expenses including as lost wages). These fees for your lawyer are awarded if you make a demand for payment under $10,000.00, and the defendant (or their insurance company) declines the offer or offers less than you demand. If you subsequently are awarded more, you are also entitled to attorney fees under the law.
Read MoreA "wrongful death” lawsuit primarily occurs when an accident causes the death of another person because of negligence. Under Oregon law, ORS 30.020 defines "wrongful death" as a ”death caused by the wrongful act or omission of another." This usually is because of the reckless, negligent, or intentional act of someone else. Mainly, if it weren’t for the actions of another person, the deceased would still be alive.
Read MoreA deposition is an oral testimony taken under oath before a trial or arbitration. It is customary that depositions be taken of the parties to a lawsuit. Often depositions are also taken of witnesses and others who might testify at trial. Even though it often takes place in a conference room or office, and the setting is somewhat informal, it is a very important event in any lawsuit.
Read MoreEssential Guide to Uninsured Motorist Insurance in Oregon: What You Need to Know
Read MoreOregon has made significant strides in increasing legal action against drunk drivers causing injury, with recent legislation doubling jail time for offenders and allowing prosecutors to charge DUI offenses as felonies. Pacific Injury Law Firm supports these efforts and offers assistance to victims seeking compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering damages.
Read MoreYour liability coverage may include Personal Injury Protection ("PIP") or Medical Payments ("Med Pay") benefits. PIP provides a source of payment for YOUR medical bills and some of YOUR wage loss following an auto accident. Further, PIP is no-fault, meaning that it will begin paying on your injuries immediately, rather than waiting for liability to be determined. Similarly, Med Pay provides some coverage for YOUR medical bills. These are called "no-fault" coverages because they pay even if the accident is your fault.
Read MoreIn this post we explore the topic of liens in personal injury cases, specifically those filed by the Personal Injury Liens Unit (PIL) in Oregon, which can include liens by the Oregon Health Plan (OHP) and Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF). We provide an example of how OHP may file a lien against a settlement, and discuss steps that injured individuals can take, with the help of an experienced attorney, to report injuries to PIL, negotiate lien amounts, and ensure that payments are made correctly and on time.
Read MoreThis report uncovers the financial costs of car accident injuries, revealing that the medical expenses, lost wages and other costs can be devastating. It also examines how insurance policies and legal action can help individuals manage these costs.
Read MoreAfter a commercial truck accident, it is important to understand your rights and take the necessary steps to protect them. Knowing what to do can ensure that you receive fair compensation for any damages incurred.
Read MorePremises liability claims may allow individuals to recover damages for injuries sustained on someone else's property. These damages can include medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and potentially punitive damages if the property owner acted recklessly or intentionally.
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