Oregon Personal Injury FAQs

When you contact us, we start by understanding what happened and what you're facing. From there, we build the evidentiary record, manage all communication with insurance companies, coordinate documentation of your injuries, and prepare your case for the best available outcome — whether that's a negotiated settlement or trial. You make the decisions. We handle everything else. Learn more about Our Approach.

No. We work on a contingency basis — there are no fees unless we recover for you. Your first consultation is free and carries no obligation.

Yes — before any insurer, including your own. Early statements are frequently used to limit what a company pays. Once you speak with us, we manage that communication on your behalf.

Generally, if someone else's negligence caused your injury, you have grounds for a claim. Oregon's fault-based system means the responsible party — and their insurer — can be held accountable for your damages. The strength of your case depends on the specific circumstances; a free consultation will tell you where you stand.

Oregon uses modified comparative negligence. Your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault — but as long as that percentage is below 51%, you can still recover. We make sure fault is allocated based on the actual evidence, not an insurer's initial framing.

In most cases, Oregon's statute of limitations gives you two years from the date of injury to file a claim (ORS 12.110). Some situations — involving minors, government entities, or delayed injury discovery — have different timelines. Don't assume the window is open or closed without speaking to an attorney first.

Oregon requires all auto insurance policies to carry Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage (ORS 742.524), providing a minimum of $15,000 toward medical costs regardless of fault as well as partial payments of wage loss if you are out of a job for two weeks or more. This applies to incidents involving an automobile, including if you have been hit by one while riding a bike or as a pedestrian. PIP is a starting point — a personal injury claim against the at-fault party addresses the full scope of your losses beyond PIP. See our article on how to deal with medical bills after a car accident for more info.

If a vehicle is not involved — for example a case involving a slip and fall or a dog bite — there may be coverage commonly known as no-fault medpay. This is where the property owner can purchase optional insurance, which functions much like PIP, providing benefits for medical coverage without regard to assessing liability or fault. Call us to find out more.

Not without legal counsel. First offers are typically made before the full extent of your injuries and losses is known. Accepting early can mean leaving significant compensation on the table — particularly for injuries with long-term consequences.

Recoverable damages typically include medical expenses, lost wages, future care costs, and non-economic damages such as pain, reduced quality of life, and psychological impact. The specific damages available depend on the nature of your case and your injuries.

Possibly. Oregon's Dram Shop law (ORS 30.950) allows claims against licensed alcohol providers that served a visibly intoxicated person who then caused harm. If the driver who hit you was overserved, that establishment may share liability alongside the driver. See our page on drunk driving accidents for more information.

Commercial trucks operate under federal regulations — the FMCSRs — governing driver hours, maintenance, and cargo loading. Liability can extend beyond the driver to the trucking company, vehicle owner, and cargo loaders. Evidence moves fast in these cases; early legal involvement is especially important. More information is here.

No — delayed symptoms don't eliminate your right to recover. Oregon's discovery rule may extend the filing deadline when a diagnosis or its connection to the accident wasn't immediately apparent. Speak with an attorney before assuming the window has passed.

A wrongful death claim must be filed by the personal representative of the deceased person's estate, on behalf of the surviving family members (such as a spouse, children, or parents). The purpose of the claim is to seek justice and provide financial stability for the family's future. It can recover damages for the family's financial losses as well as for the profound, intangible loss of a loved one's companionship and society.