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Unfortunately, accidents resulting in personal injuries are common occurrences that most of us will have to deal with at some point or another. These events can result in not just physical injuries but may also devastate a person’s emotional well-being and even their ability to support their families.
Fortunately, though, whenever another person or company commits an act that causes a person harm, that party can be held legally accountable. Enlisting the help of a Portland personal injury lawyer could be the key to obtaining the fair compensation you deserve for your losses. A skilled attorney could work to gather the evidence needed to show fault for an incident and hold all liable parties responsible for their actions.
The Legal Basis for Personal Injury Cases
Most personal injuries are the product of accidents. However, even though a person or company did not intend to cause harm, Oregon state law asserts that they may still be responsible for any resulting damage.
These cases most often move forward under the concept of negligence. Negligence cases apply when a defendant causes an injury as the result of an accident. Common examples of cases that revolve around the concept of negligence include:
- Car, motorcycle, and truck collisions
- Incidents involving bike riders and pedestrians
- Premises liability cases, such as slips and falls
- Defective product injuries
- Medical malpractice
- Wrongful death
A dedicated Portland personal injury attorney works to obtain the evidence necessary to show that another party was responsible for an accident that resulted in an injury.
Injuries that Result from Criminal Activity
A small percentage of civil lawsuits that demand compensation come about from the criminal acts of others. These can include:
- Assaults
- Incidents of arson
- The intentional infliction of emotional distress
- Homicides
In these situations, it is likely that a prosecutor will pursue criminal charges against a defendant. However, a criminal court can never force a guilty party to provide compensation to a victim for their injuries.
Instead, a personal injury lawyer in Portland could work to pursue related but separate civil cases that demand payment. In some instances, a criminal conviction can be evidence of a defendant’s civil liability for an injury. Allowing a seasoned legal professional to handle one’s case could help to leverage these concepts into a powerful demand for comprehensive financial recovery.
Demanding Fair Compensation After an Injury
Proving liability is always an important part of a personal injury case in Portland. However, it is just as vital to be able to show how an event has impacted one’s life and to place an accurate dollar value on those experiences.
All cases will have an economic component. This will always include medical bills associated with past care and for estimated future treatment. In addition, many people suffer property damage, such as harm to a vehicle, or seek reimbursement for lost wages if an injury keeps them out of work. A diligent Portland injury attorney strives to collect full payments to cover all of a victim’s economic losses.
In addition, most cases will seek compensation for non-economic losses. These can include:
- Pain and suffering
- Time lost with loved ones
- Mental traumas
- Loss of enjoyment of life
While it can be difficult to place a true value on these experiences, a committed attorney aims to recover full compensation for these less tangible damages.
No matter how severe a person’s losses are, there is always a limited time under the law to demand compensation. Oregon Revised Statutes § 12.110 sets this time limit at two years for most cases. However, this time limit may change depending on the facts of an injury, which is why it is best to get in touch with a local legal professional as soon as possible to file a claim.
Contact a Portland Personal Injury Attorney Now
Any injury that occurs—even unintentionally—is someone’s fault. However, to collect monetary damages for your losses, you must prove that another party was to blame. In addition to proving fault, you must also show how the event has impacted your life. With all of this on your plate, not to mention your own physical recovery, it is understandable to feel overwhelmed.
Luckily, a Portland personal injury lawyer is prepared to take this legal burden off your shoulders. Our team of experienced attorneys could work to explore the reasons for your injury, determine how it has affected your life, obtain evidence that points to someone else’s fault, and demand full compensation in and out of court. Contact us today to get started.
