Best Personal Injury Lawyers in Gresham, OR

FAQs

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Gresham, Oregon?

  You may contact the Gresham Police Department at 503-823-3333 for non-emergency concerns.

• Where can I get a copy of police reports for incidents related to my case in Gresham, Oregon?

  For more information on obtaining police reports, call the Gresham Police Department at 503-618-2318 or visit the station inside the Public Safety Building at 1333 NW Eastman Parkway in Gresham. The station is open from Mondays to Fridays, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

• Is personal injury protection (PIP) required in Gresham?

  Yes. personal injury protection (PIP) is required for all car drivers in Gresham. However, motorcycle drivers are not required by OR law to carry PIP. The minimum PIP coverage that each driver must carry is $15,000 per injured person and is used to cover lost wages and medical costs. However, a driver has the option to carry policies that may have a limit of up to $100,000 per injured person.

• What are some negligent actions of apartment owners in Gresham that could lead to a tenant's injury?

  Apartment owners in Gresham can be responsible for compensating a tenant's injury if they are found to be negligent in keeping their properties safe. Negligence can be failing to replace faulty locks, ignoring adequate lighting in stairwells, or not installing safety systems such as fences, within the premises. Property owners who fail to inform their tenants of known criminal activities near the complex could be held liable.

• Will there be arbitration proceedings in a personal injury case in Gresham?

  Yes. Arbitration is mandatory for personal injury cases in Gresham with damages not exceeding $50,000 and is carried out to resolve cases quickly. Instead of a judge, an arbitrator will assess the evidence and testimony of both parties and decide the outcome. However, if any of the parties do not agree to the outcome, they may request the court for a trial.

• How can bad faith insurance practices affect a personal injury claim in Gresham?

  A personal injury claim in Gresham can be denied by an insurance company without proper reason. Insurance companies may avoid paying out fair compensation by delaying claims, providing low offers, and disputing coverage. They may downplay the extent of victims' injuries and accuse policyholders of being at fault in an accident to reduce payouts and protect their profits. They may also fail to communicate promptly, which may cause a policyholder to miss an important deadline.

• What types of injuries are there in a personal injury claim in Gresham?

  An accident in Gresham can cause a range of injuries, from minor ones such as lacerations, road rash, and whiplash to catastrophic injuries. It can lead to disfigurement, scarring, amputation, bone fractures, and traumatic brain injuries. A wrongful death claim must be filed if an injury leads to death.

• How to choose a personal injury attorney?

  It's crucial to find a personal injury attorney who is experienced, but it's also important to feel comfortable. Take advantage of free consultations and ask questions about how long each candidate has been practicing, how their fee structure works, and who will be handling the majority of the casework (some big firms may hand off routine tasks to paralegals). Above all, find someone who listens well and believes they can achieve an optimal outcome. Still uncertain? Ask friends for referrals and check out online reviews.

• What does a personal injury lawyer do?

  Personal injury attorneys help those who have suffered due to the negligence of others get the compensation they deserve. That may include negotiating settlements with other people, insurance companies, or even government agencies or arguing the case in court. Some attorneys specialize in a certain type of injury, such as auto accidents or birth injuries, while others advocate for almost any injured party.

• What does personal injury law cover?

  In the legal world, "personal injury" is any kind of injury, physical or psychological, that results from the negligence of a person, business, or other entity. While visible or acute injuries such as a broken leg or concussion are among the most obvious types of personal injuries, this category also covers less tangible injuries such as emotional distress and issues such as asbestos exposure that may contribute to long-term problems.

• What are the most common types of personal injury claims?

  Personal injury claims encompass a wide variety of situations ranging from accidents on privately owned property to injuries in the line of duty to whiplash sustained during a commute. These claims may include car accidents, dog bites, slip and falls, medical malpractice, defamation, product defect accidents, premises liability, product liability, workplace accidents, food poisoning at a restaurant, and boating or aviation accidents.

• How do personal injury lawyers get paid?

  Many personal injury lawyers advertise that they don't get paid unless their client does. This is called "working on contingency," meaning the attorney is compensated only if they win their case. These payments are typically percentage based, giving attorneys a predetermined portion of the court-ordered award. Other lawyers may command an hourly rate or combine an hourly rate with a smaller contingency fee.

• How much do personal injury lawyers charge?

  Personal injury lawyer fees can differ from state to state and may be subject to local regulations. In general, personal injury attorneys work under contingency agreements entitling them to 33% of any related settlement or award. Sometimes lawyers use a sliding contingency, charging 33% for awards agreed upon during pre-trial negotiations and raising the fee to 40% once the matter goes to trial.

• When do I need to hire a personal injury lawyer?

  Anytime an injury is known or suspected to be the result of negligence, it's a good idea to consult with a personal injury attorney who can offer insight into the validity of a claim and whether or not that claim is worth pursuing legally. A consultation is particularly important if someone has suffered serious injuries that have left them disabled or otherwise impacted their financial future or quality of life.

• Can I file a personal injury claim without a lawyer?

  It's possible to pursue a personal injury claim without an attorney; however, it's best to save self-representation for cases involving minor injuries or are otherwise considered straightforward. Cases that involve serious injuries that are not completely resolved or where liability has yet to be determined are more complex. Those situations can quickly become stressful and time consuming as they require an understanding of tort law, resources for gathering medical records, and time to review photographs and evidence pertaining to the injury and scene of the accident (if applicable). Bringing on an experienced personal injury lawyer could result in a higher reward while giving the injured party more time to concentrate on their physical, mental, and emotional recovery.

• How long does a personal injury lawsuit last?

  The length of time it takes to settle a personal injury lawsuit is highly dependent on a number of factors ranging from the type of case to the length of medical treatment to whether the suit is settled before court or requires a long trial. While most personal injury cases are resolved within two years, more complicated suits could take longer.

• What are the benefits of hiring a personal injury lawyer?

  It's tempting to save on lawyer's fees by pursuing self-representation, but there are many benefits to hiring a personal injury lawyer including their years of experience. A good attorney will know how to properly assess your damages, including not just medical bills but other concerns, such as lost wages and pain and suffering, to craft a demand that fully reflects the compensation to which the injured party is entitled. They also have the resources and knowledge necessary to consult with experts, negotiate effectively with insurance companies, properly navigate the legal system, and otherwise ensure the best possible outcome.