Wrongful Death Attorney
Losing someone because of another person’s careless or reckless conduct is one of the hardest things a family can face. The legal process that follows can feel overwhelming on top of everything else.
We’re here to take the weight of the legal process off your plate. High Desert Law guides Oregon families through wrongful death claims with steady, clear counsel — so you can focus on your family while we handle what comes next.
Wrongful Death Lawsuit
A wrongful death claim is a unique and powerful tool for seeking justice, but it’s structured differently than other injury cases. Under Oregon law, the claim is brought by a representative of the estate on behalf of the surviving family members (ORS 30.020).
The law explicitly allows recovery not just for financial loss, but for the loss of love, companionship, and society (ORS 30.020(2)(d)) — acknowledging that what’s been taken from you goes far beyond the economic outcomes.
Our focus as your wrongful death attorney is to guide you through this process with compassion, ensuring the story of your loss — in all its dimensions — is told with the dignity and respect it deserves.
Oregon’s wrongful death statute of limitations, with exceptions such as government agencies, is three years from the date of death. Acting promptly protects both the integrity of evidence and your family’s ability to recover.
Wrongful Death Settlements
Wrongful death lawsuits and wrongful death settlements account for economic losses — medical bills, lost future earnings, funeral costs — and non-economic losses, including the relationships and contributions that are gone.
Every case is different. There is no formula for the value of a life.
Our purpose as a wrongful death law firm is to understand the full story of the person you lost; their role in your family, their contributions to the world, and the unique void their absence leaves behind. We then build a case that honors their memory by pursuing a resolution that provides for your family’s future and allows you the space to heal.
Wrongful Death Lawyer
Losing someone is devastating enough. The complex legal process that follows, involving estate law and insurance coverage disputes, shouldn’t make it harder. Here, justice means more than a number; it means honoring the unique life that was lived.
We handle the legal work so you don’t have to. We manage communications, build the record, and keep your case moving — so you’re not left wondering what’s happening or what comes next.
The Best Wrongful Death Lawyers in Oregon
When families search for the best wrongful death lawyers, they’re looking for more than a legal credential. They’re looking for someone who understands the weight of what they’ve been through and knows how to pursue accountability effectively.
The right wrongful death attorney is the one whose experience with Oregon law, approach to your specific loss, and communication style match what your family needs. Our work is to tell that person’s story with integrity and compassion, ensuring the outcome reflects the true depth of your loss and provides the security your family needs to find a path forward.
A free consultation will tell you whether we’re the right fit.
Wrongful Death FAQs
What is a wrongful death claim in Oregon?
A wrongful death claim is a civil lawsuit brought when someone dies due to another party’s negligent, reckless, or intentional conduct. Under ORS 30.020, the personal representative of the deceased’s estate files the claim on behalf of surviving family members. It’s separate from any criminal case.
Who can file a wrongful death lawsuit in Oregon?
The personal representative of the deceased’s estate files the claim. Recoveries benefit designated survivors, including spouses, children, parents, and in some circumstances other dependents. An attorney can clarify who qualifies in your specific situation.
How long do I have to file a wrongful death claim in Oregon?
Oregon’s wrongful death statute of limitations is, generally, three years from the date of death (ORS 30.020). Some circumstances may affect that timeline. Speak with an attorney as soon as possible — delay can compromise evidence and your ability to recover.
What damages can be recovered in a wrongful death case?
Recoverable damages include medical and funeral expenses, the deceased’s lost future income, loss of companionship and consortium, and pain and suffering experienced before death (ORS 30.020(2)(d)). Non-economic damages reflect the relational and emotional loss to surviving family members.
How much is a wrongful death lawsuit settlement worth?
Settlement value depends on the deceased’s age and earning capacity, the extent of economic losses, the nature of the relationship with survivors, and the strength of liability. There is no formula — each case requires a full evaluation of the circumstances.
Can I file a wrongful death claim if the at-fault party was charged criminally?
Yes. Civil wrongful death claims are independent of criminal proceedings. A criminal conviction can support the civil case, but you do not need one. The standard of proof in civil court is lower, and different remedies are available.
Can a wrongful death claim be filed after a nursing home death?
Yes. When a nursing home resident dies due to negligent care, abuse, or inadequate staffing, the estate’s personal representative may bring a wrongful death claim under ORS 30.020. These cases often involve both facility liability and individual staff conduct. We can help you understand whether the circumstances of your family member’s death support a claim.
What is wrongful death negligence?
Wrongful death negligence occurs when someone’s failure to exercise reasonable care directly causes another person’s death. Common examples include reckless driving, unsafe property conditions, and defective products. The claim establishes that the death would not have occurred but for that failure.
Wrongful Death Settlement Calculator
In the midst of grief, making financial decisions is incredibly difficult. To provide a measure of clarity in a difficult time, our Wrongful Death Settlement Calculator acts as a private tool to help you understand your family’s financial options.
Because an insurer’s initial offer may not fully account for your loss, the calculator determines the minimum settlement value an attorney must obtain to ensure your family receives more than you would by settling on your own. This establishes a clear financial benchmark, empowering you to make a measured and informed decision about securing your family’s future.
