Best Personal Injury Lawyers in Medford, OR

FAQs

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

  Please call 541-776-7206 for non-emergency situations that require police assistance.

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

  Visit https://medfordor.govqa.us/WEBAPP/ rs/(S(ykhoqgddhe40c4gxv0osbkb))/login.aspx to register and provide an email address in order to submit a request, follow updates, and interact with City employees about a current request. For further information, you may also contact Police Records at 541-770-4783 or Records@cityofmedford.org.

• If one was harmed due to the negligence of the Medford government or one of its employees, can he or she file personal injury claims?

  Yes. It is possible to sue the Medford government or a governmental entity for negligence, as well as that of their workers. Claims involving government bodies are handled substantially differently and have different statutes of limitations than other claims, therefore, speak with a personal injury lawyer to determine whether your claim involves a government entity of any type and to avoid missing these critical deadlines, which if missed will forever ban your claim.

• Under Medford laws, if one was seriously injured in a car crash due to someone's reckless behavior, can he or she send the at-fault party to jail?

  Civil personal injury defendants are not imprisoned or fined. Personal injury claims are civil, not criminal. In certain circumstances, however, juries and courts might impose "punitive damages," which are intended to punish defendants who have acted negligently or willfully against the public interest. Punitive damages deter defendants and others from repeating damaging actions. Being injured by a drunk driver is one of the most frequent scenarios in which punitive damages may be possible.

• When one was injured in a Medford rollover accident, can he or she file personal injury claims against the car's manufacturer?

  Yes. If your attorney was able to prove that a defect caused the accident, he or she will send a demand letter to the auto manufacturer and their insurance agency outlining your financial needs, which will include continuous medical care. If the enterprise refuses to settle, the plaintiff may pursue damages for medical costs, lost earnings, damage to property, pain and suffering, and more at trial.

• How much time does one have in filing a personal injury claim in Medford?

  Most Medford civil claims for personal injury must be settled or a lawsuit filed within two years of the accident. The state's two-year statute of limitations, however, is simply a general rule. For example, the landlord-tenant act only gives you one year to file a claim for injuries that happened on the landlord's property. Likewise, claims against any type of governmental entity are subject to a "tort claim notice" requirement that may require a specific form of notice within 180 days of the accident.

• Under Medford laws, what qualifies as "pain and suffering" when filing a personal injury lawsuit?

  In the context of personal injury claims, pain and suffering can typically be broken down into two components: physical injury and emotional distress. These include the anguish, suffering, disruption of a normal lifestyle, psychological pain, and so forth that accompany physical injury. Pain and suffering are classified as Noneconomic Damages in Medford, Oregon, which may also include intangible factors such as humiliation, damage to reputation, and mental distress.

• 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.