A lawyer referral service is a program that connects people who need legal assistance with qualified attorneys in their area. For those in the Portland area, 1-800-Injured is the go-to attorney and medical referral service.
Choosing to contact a lawyer referral service is a fantastic first step. 1-800-Injured can connect you with a qualified personal injury attorney in the Portland area who has experience handling your specific legal issue.
Our lawyer referral service is a valuable resource for people who need legal assistance but don’t know where to turn. We can help ensure that individuals find a Portland personal injury attorney who is knowledgeable about their specific legal issue and has a proven track record of success.
It’s important to note that lawyer referral services do not provide legal representation themselves. Instead, we serve as a resource to connect injury victims with qualified attorneys who can provide legal assistance. If you need help, a lawyer referral service can be a great starting point in finding representation for your case.
What Is Personal Injury Law?
Personal injury law is a legal area that deals with civil cases in which an individual has been injured or harmed due to the negligence or intentional misconduct of another person or entity. In a personal injury case, the injured person (the plaintiff) seeks compensation from the person or entity responsible for their injuries (the defendant).
Personal injury cases can arise from a wide range of incidents, including car accidents, slip and fall accidents, medical malpractice, motorcycle accidents, product liability, workplace accidents, and dog bites. The goal of personal injury law is to compensate injured individuals for the damages they have suffered, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other related expenses.
To succeed in a personal injury case, the plaintiff must prove that the defendant had a legal duty to exercise reasonable care, that the defendant breached that duty, that the breach of duty caused the injury, and that the plaintiff suffered damages as a result of the injury.
Personal injury law can be complex, and it’s important to work with an experienced personal injury attorney who can guide you through the legal process and protect your legal rights. An attorney can help you gather evidence, negotiate with the insurance company, and represent you in court if necessary to ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve for your damages.
What to Do After An Accident
If you’re injured in an accident, be it a motor vehicle accident or any other kind, it can be a stressful and overwhelming experience. Here are some steps you should take:
- Seek medical attention: Even if you don’t feel injured immediately after the accident, it’s important to seek medical attention as soon as possible to ensure that any injuries are properly diagnosed and treated. Severe injuries aren’t always immediately known.
- Gather information: Collect contact information for anyone involved in the accident as well as any witnesses. Take photos of the accident scene and any damage to vehicles or property.
- Report the accident: Report the accident to the police and your insurance company as soon as possible.
- Don’t admit fault: Avoid apologizing or admitting fault for the accident, as this can be used against you later on. Insurance adjusters love to hear you say sorry.
- Consult with a personal injury attorney: If you’ve been injured in the accident, it’s important to consult with an experienced personal injury attorney to protect your legal rights and pursue compensation for your damages.
- Keep track of expenses: Keep track of all expenses related to the accident, including medical bills, lost wages, and any property damage. This can help your attorney build a strong case and ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve.
Prioritize your health and safety after an accident, as it’s the most important thing. Seek medical attention as soon as possible. By consulting with a personal injury attorney, you can ensure that your rights are protected and that you receive the compensation you deserve for your damages.
Elements of Proof in Personal Injury Cases
In a personal injury case, the plaintiff has the burden of proving that the defendant is legally responsible for their injuries. To do so, the plaintiff must establish the following four elements of negligence:
- Duty of Care: The plaintiff must show that the defendant had a legal duty to exercise reasonable care in the circumstances that led to the injury. This means that the defendant had a responsibility to act in a way that would prevent foreseeable harm to others.
- Breach of Duty: The plaintiff must show that the defendant breached their duty of care by failing to act as a reasonable person would have under similar circumstances. This means that the defendant did something that a reasonable person would not have done or failed to do something that a reasonable person would have done.
- Causation: The plaintiff must show that the defendant’s breach of duty caused the injury. This means that the injury would not have occurred but for the defendant’s actions or inaction.
- Damages: The plaintiff must show that they suffered damages as a result of the injury, such as medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
To prove your case and receive financial compensation, you as the plaintiff must provide evidence to support each of these four elements. This may include witness testimony, medical records, expert opinions, and other forms of evidence. An experienced personal injury attorney can help you gather and present evidence to build a strong case and demonstrate that the defendant is legally responsible for their damages.
Damages Available in Personal Injury Claims
Personal injury claims are designed to compensate injured individuals for the damages they have suffered due to someone else’s negligence or intentional misconduct. Damages available in personal injury claims can be divided into two main categories: economic and non-economic damages.
Economic Damages
These damages are meant to compensate an injured person for their monetary losses, including:
- Medical expenses: This includes all costs related to medical treatment, including hospital bills, doctor’s fees, and the cost of prescription medication.
- Lost wages: This includes compensation for any time that the injured person has missed from work as a result of their injuries.
- Future lost earning capacity: If an injury has caused a permanent disability that will impact an injured person’s ability to work and earn a living in the future, they may be able to claim future lost earning capacity.
- Property damage: If the accident resulted in damage to the injured person’s property, such as their vehicle or other personal belongings, they may be entitled to compensation for those losses.
Non-Economic Damages
These damages are meant to compensate an injured person for the non-monetary losses they have suffered, including:
- Pain and suffering: This includes compensation for any physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident.
- Loss of consortium: This includes compensation for the loss of companionship and support of a spouse or family member due to the injury.
- Disfigurement and scarring: If an injury has resulted in permanent scarring or disfigurement, the injured person may be entitled to compensation.
In some cases, the court may also award punitive damages in addition to economic and non-economic damages. Punitive damages are meant to punish the defendant for their reckless or intentional misconduct and to deter similar behavior in the future.
Overall, the amount of damages available in a personal injury claim will depend on the specific facts of the case, including the extent of the injuries and the level of fault attributed to the defendant. An experienced personal injury attorney can help injured individuals understand their legal rights and pursue the maximum compensation available under the law.
How an Oregon Personal Injury Lawyer Can Help
If you’ve been injured in an accident in Oregon, hiring a personal injury lawyer can help you navigate the legal process and ensure that your legal rights are protected. Here are some reasons why you may need a personal injury lawyer:
Knowledge of the Law
Personal injury law can be complex and difficult to navigate, especially if you’re not familiar with the legal system. A personal injury lawyer can help you understand your legal rights and options and can guide you through the legal process.
Protection of Your Rights
An experienced personal injury lawyer can help protect your legal rights and ensure that you receive fair compensation for your damages. They can negotiate with insurance companies, handle paperwork and court filings, and represent you in court if necessary.
Maximization of Compensation
A personal injury lawyer can help you understand the full extent of your damages and pursue the maximum compensation available under the law. They can help you calculate damages for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other related expenses.
Objectivity
After an accident, emotions can run high, making it difficult to make objective decisions. A personal injury lawyer can provide an objective perspective on your case and help you make decisions that are in your best interests.
Contingency Fee Basis
Many personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, which means that they don’t get paid unless you win your case. This can provide peace of mind and ensure that your lawyer is working hard to pursue the best possible outcome for your case.
Overall, hiring an Oregon personal injury lawyer can provide valuable legal guidance and support during a challenging time. By working with an experienced attorney, you can ensure that your legal rights are protected and that you receive fair compensation for your damages.
Find a Personal Injury Lawyer Portland
If you’re looking for a personal injury lawyer in Portland, Oregon, our legal referral service can be a helpful way to find an experienced and qualified attorney. Here are the steps you can take to find a personal injury lawyer in Portland through our referral service:
Contact the Referral Service
Step one is to reach out to us as your chosen referral service, either by phone or online to request a referral to a personal injury lawyer in Portland.
Provide Information
Our legal referral service team will ask you for information about your legal issue and location to help them find a suitable attorney for your case.
Receive a Referral
Once our legal referral service has identified a suitable attorney for your case, we will provide you with the attorney’s contact information.
Schedule a Consultation
Contact the attorney and schedule a consultation to discuss your case and determine if they are the right fit for you.
Evaluate the Attorney
The choice is yours! After the consultation, evaluate the attorney based on their experience, qualifications, and communication skills. Determine if you feel comfortable working with them and if they have a track record of success in personal injury cases.
Hire the Attorney
If you’re satisfied with the attorney, hire them to represent you in your personal injury case.
Overall, working with a referral service can be a helpful way to find an experienced and qualified personal injury lawyer. By following these steps and conducting thorough research, you can find an attorney who can help protect your legal rights and pursue the compensation you deserve for your damages.
How Do I Get Started With My Claim?
If you’ve been injured in an accident and are considering filing a personal injury claim, there are several steps you can take to get started:
- Seek medical attention: Your health and safety should be your top priority after an accident. Seek medical attention as soon as possible, even if you don’t think your injuries are severe.
- Document the accident: Take photos of the accident scene, any damage to vehicles or property, and any visible injuries. Collect contact information for any witnesses.
- Report the accident: Report the accident to the police and your insurance company as soon as possible. Make sure to provide accurate and detailed information.
- Consult with a personal injury attorney: This is where you are right now, or at least aiming to be. Contact a Portland personal injury attorney to discuss your case and evaluate your legal options. They can help you understand your legal rights, gather evidence, and pursue compensation for your damages.
- Keep track of expenses: Keep track of all expenses related to the accident, including medical bills, lost wages, and property damage. This can help your personal injury attorney build a strong case and ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve.
Remember, the process of filing a personal injury claim can be complex and time-consuming. It’s important to work with an experienced personal injury attorney who can guide you through the process and ensure that your legal rights are protected. By taking these steps, you can get started on your personal injury claim and pursue the compensation you deserve for your damages.
Contact Us to Set Up a Consultation with an Attorney Near You
It is a good idea to get a consultation with a Portland personal injury attorney after an injury for several reasons. They are:
- Understanding your legal rights: An experienced personal injury attorney can help you understand your legal rights and options. They can guide you on the strengths and weaknesses of your case and help you determine whether pursuing legal action is in your best interest.
- Evaluating your damages: A personal injury attorney can help you evaluate the full extent of your damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. They can help you determine the compensation you may be entitled to.
- Negotiating with the insurance company: Insurance companies may try to settle your case quickly and for less than you deserve. An attorney can negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf and help you get the compensation you deserve.
- Representing you in court: If a settlement cannot be reached with the insurance company, an attorney can represent you in court and argue your case before a judge and jury. It’s important to note that most cases are settled before going to trial.
- Reducing stress: Dealing with an injury can be a stressful and overwhelming experience. An attorney can handle the legal aspects of your case, allowing you to focus on your recovery.
Overall, getting a consultation with an attorney after an injury can help you navigate the legal process and ensure that your legal rights are protected. An experienced personal injury attorney can provide valuable legal guidance and support, helping you get the compensation you deserve for your damages. The first step is to contact 1-800-Injured to find knowledgeable local personal injury lawyers.