What is a Personal Injury?
“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 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 a Claim?
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 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.
Why Trust The Law Offices of Jon Friedman With Your Personal Injury Case?
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.
Contact Our Personal Injury Attorneys in Portland, OR for a Free Consultation Today
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.
