Best Personal Injury Lawyers in Portland

FAQs

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

  For non-emergency police dispatch in Portland, call 503-823-3333.

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

  To obtain a copy of a Portland police report, file your request at https://www.portland.gov/police/report-or-record-request. The processing time for online and written requests is six to eight weeks and sixteen weeks, respectively.

• Will your personal injury case in Portland go to court?

  Possibly. Most personal injury cases in Portland don’t go to trial. Many cases often settle out of court through negotiations with the at-fault party or through a mediator or settlement judge. This can cut your costs, as court cases take longer and incur more expenses. However, if the other party is not reasonable, you might have to take your case to court to recover the compensation you deserve.

• Do you need to hire an attorney for your personal injury case in Portland?

  Although not necessarily required, it would be best to have a lawyer on your side to handle your personal injury claim in Portland. This is because most insurance companies are more likely to treat your claim seriously if you have an attorney representing you. Your legal team will also help you understand the best ways to proceed with your claim and advise you on what you should do to avoid being taken advantage of.

• How much can you expect to pay if you hire a personal injury lawyer in Portland?

  It depends on the terms of the attorney you hire. Most personal injury attorneys in Portland accept cases on a contingency basis, which means they will take a percentage of the settlement amount they managed to secure for you in your case. Under this agreement, if your lawyer is unable to recover damages on your behalf, you wouldn’t have to pay them for their time and services.

• Will you be taxed for the lost wages you successfully recover in a Portland personal injury case?

  Typically, compensation for lost wages is taxable in Portland since the IRS will consider the amount you receive similar to what you would earn normally. However, there can be some rare exceptions wherein you can keep the full amount. Your lawyer can help review your case and see whether or not you are exempt from getting your lost wages compensation taxed.

• Is there a deadline for filing a personal injury claim in Portland?

  Yes, there is a deadline for filing a personal injury claim in Portland called the statute of limitations. If you are looking to bring a lawsuit against the at-fault party who caused your injuries, you generally have two years from the date of the incident to do so. If you fail to file your claim within the deadline, the court will likely refuse to hear your case.

• 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.