Pursuing justice for victims in Oregon & Washington
What types of cases do you handle?
Motor vehicle accidents Although car accidents are common, they can often lead to severe wounds. Even minor fender-benders may lead to nagging injuries such as whiplash, which can take months and even years to fully heal. If you have been seriously harmed in a car, truck, motorcycle, or pedestrian accident, we are here to help you negotiate with insurance companies for the maximum possible compensation. If insurance companies are not cooperative, we can file a claim against the at-fault party for the damages you deserve.
Medical negligence and malpractice Doctors, nurses, and other medical professionals must uphold a standard of care to their patients to ensure their health and well-being. A failure to do so can result in significant injury and grounds for a medical negligence or malpractice claim. Whether it’s a surgical error, anesthesia error, or negligence during childbirth leading to a birth injury, we can help fully investigate the circumstances surrounding your claim and pursue any responsible parties for the full damages.
Premises liabilityBusiness owners and property managers are expected to take care of their properties to ensure the safety of everybody on the premises. A failure to do so can result in a premises liability lawsuit. This can include slip and falls due to improperly maintained grounds, injuries due to negligent security, and others. We can help you secure compensation for your injuries while also holding the negligent parties accountable for their failure to maintain their grounds.
Workplace accidentsIf you are hurt at your place of work, worker’s compensation insurance should cover the cost of your wounds. However, it is important to note that all insurance claims have a maximum limit imposed by state law. Often, this maximum is not enough to fairly compensation you – especially in cases of serious injury. We can help you explore your options for compensation after a workplace accident and determine the best course of action for your needs.
What Are the Fault and Negligence Laws in Oregon?
Like most other states, Oregon is a fault-based state. Generally, in fault states, those who are predominantly more responsible for the accident is financially accountable for any and all damages arising from the accident. However, when it comes to fault and negligence, there are different types of provisions and details that determine who is allowed to file a lawsuit and pursue damages, depending on the percentage of fault. These laws on negligence vary from state to state. Oregon is a modified comparative negligence state. This means that someone is only eligible for compensation if they are found to be 50% or less at fault for the accident. If a party is found to be majority at-fault for an accident, they are disqualified from damages.
What is the Statute of Limitations on Personal Injury Claims in Oregon?
Oregon imposes a strict time limit to file a personal injury claim – otherwise known as a statute of limitations. If you are unable to file a lawsuit within this time limit, your claim will likely be rejected. The statute of limitations for personal injury claims in Oregon is 2 years from the date of the injury or accident. However, some types of cases may also have what is known as a “discovery rule” – a time limit that starts from the date the injury was first discovered. This is commonly applicable in medical malpractice cases, where injuries or illnesses may not surface until much later. It is best to consult a lawyer first, however, to determine which types of cases may be eligible under the discovery rule.
What damages can I recover?
Although it is difficult to determine exactly how much you may be able to recover in your case, there are general damages you may secure. These are typically separated into two categories: economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages are those that can be easily quantified due to bills, receipts, and other easily retrievable records. This includes:
- Medical bills, such as ambulance care and emergency room costs
- Continuing medical bills, such as cost of hospital stay, rehabilitation, and medication
- Lost wages due to time missed from work
- Lost earning capacity, any lost theoretical income due to your resultant injuries
- Any property damaged in the accident
- Non-economic damages are those that do not necessarily have a monetary value attached to them. This includes:
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment
- Loss of consortium
- Funeral expenses
In cases of egregious negligence or accidents where the party shows no remorse, punitive damages may also be rewarded to the injured party. As the name suggests, this is done as a form of punishment, in the hopes that it prevents the other party from ever committing such acts again.
How Much Does it Cost to Hire an Oregon or Washington Personal Injury Lawyer?
Due to the multiple circumstances and factors in a personal injury case, the exact cost of an attorney can be incredibly difficult to determine. For example, a Portland personal injury lawyer who takes a case to trial will be significantly more costly than one who manages to obtain a settlement. At Paulson Coletti Trial Attorneys PC, we understand that legal representation is often a costly expense for those who have just suffered an accident. After all, even minor accidents can result in considerable financial hardship for many families. This is why we offer our legal services on a contingency fee basis. Your initial consultation is free, and there are no upfront costs if we decide to represent you. Additionally, all legal expenses throughout the case are advanced, and you only pay them if we secure a favorable settlement or verdict on your behalf. If we win, we take our fees as a percentage of your recovery – never out of your pocket.
This strategy allows any injured victims to secure exceptional legal representation without having to worry about whether they can afford it. Additionally, it empowers us to provide the best possible representation, in order to secure the maximum possible compensation for your needs.
How Can Paulson Coletti Trial Attorneys PC Help with My Personal Injury Claim?
At Paulson Coletti Trial Attorneys PC, our lawyers provide invaluable help and support during a difficult time. Our services are intended to minimize the stress and frustration throughout proceedings, helping you by:
- Finding the proper medical care necessary for you to make a full recovery
- Fully investigating the case and gathering evidence to substantiate your claim
- Determining the full value of your claim to obtain the maximum possible compensation
- Negotiating with insurance companies and other parties on your behalf
- Filing any necessary paperwork
- Evaluating your options for settlement, and taking your case to trial if it is necessary to secure the compensation you deserve
We understand the transformative nature of a serious accident, and we want to help you in any way that we can.
