Oregon has various personal injury laws in place to protect the rights of individuals who have been injured due to the negligence or wrongdoing of others. These laws cover a wide range of personal injury cases, including car accidents, slip and fall accidents, medical malpractice, and more.
Oregon Laws to be Aware Of
Here are some key personal injury laws and regulations in Oregon:
Statute of Limitations: In Oregon, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit is generally two years from the date of the injury or accident. This means that you must file your lawsuit within this time frame, or you may lose your right to seek compensation. Some situations are a bit different though, like if the injured victim is a minor.
Comparative Negligence: Oregon follows a modified comparative negligence system. This means that if you are partially at fault for the accident or injury, your compensation may be reduced by the percentage of your own fault. If it is determined you caused 10% of the accident and your compensation is $100,000, you will get $90,000. However, if you are found to be more than 50% at fault, you may not be eligible to recover damages.
No-Fault Insurance: Many personal injury claims are based on car accidents. Oregon is not a no-fault state for car accidents. Instead, it follows a traditional fault-based system, which means that the at-fault driver’s insurance is typically responsible for compensating the injured party.
Damages: In Oregon, you may be eligible to recover both economic and non-economic damages in a personal injury case. Economic damages include medical bills, lost wages, property damage, and other financial losses. Non-economic damages cover pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life.
Wrongful Death: Oregon has specific laws that allow surviving family members to pursue a wrongful death claim if a loved one dies as a result of someone else’s negligence. Damages in a wrongful death case may include funeral expenses, lost financial support, and the emotional suffering of surviving family members.
Strict Liability: Oregon recognizes strict liability in certain cases, such as dog bite incidents. Under strict liability, the owner of a dangerous animal may be held liable for injuries caused by the animal, regardless of whether they were negligent.
Dram Shop Laws: Oregon has dram shop laws that hold establishments, such as bars and restaurants, liable for injuries caused by intoxicated patrons in some circumstances.
Government Liability: If your injury involves a government entity, there are specific rules and limitations that apply to suing the government in Oregon. Claims against government entities often have shorter notice periods and different procedures.
Contact an Oregon Personal Injury Lawyer
It’s time you finally got the peace of mind and financial compensation you deserve. If you are considering pursuing a personal injury case, it is advisable to consult with an experienced Oregon personal injury lawyer who can provide guidance on the best path forward. Connect with 1-8000-Injured, a medical and legal referral network, to find one. An attorney can help you understand your rights, navigate the legal process, and maximize your chances of obtaining fair compensation for your injuries.