Fatal accidents in Portland are unbearable tragedies that can be difficult for families to recover from. At NW Injury Law Center, our wrongful death lawyers are dedicated to helping clients in Portland get justice for wrongfully killed loved ones.
We can help you hold someone accountable for a fatal car accident, fall, workplace incident or other disaster with custom-tailored legal strategies. Speak to a knowledgeable and compassionate Portland wrongful death lawyer for more information today. Request a free consultation at (503) 222-7757.
How a Wrongful Death Lawyer Can Help During This Difficult Time
You are already dealing with enough as you grieve the sudden and unexpected loss of a loved one. Having to take on the legal process of a wrongful death case can be overwhelming. Hiring a wrongful death attorney can be critical not only for the strength of the case but your own mental peace.
You can count on your attorney to handle complex legal issues for you, from fatal accident investigation to settlement negotiations. Your lawyer will fight to achieve justice and maximum financial compensation for your losses while you focus on what matters most: mourning and healing.
Definition of Wrongful Death in Oregon
Oregon’s wrongful death law, Revised Statutes § 30.020 states: “When the death of a person is caused by the wrongful act or omission of another, the personal representative of the decedent…may maintain an action against the wrongdoer, if the decedent might have maintained an action, had the decedent lived, against the wrongdoer for an injury done by the same act or omission.”
In other words, when a death in Oregon is caused by someone else’s negligence or wrongful act, a civil claim can be brought against the person or party responsible. “Negligence” means the failure to act with proper care, such as a driver speeding and causing a deadly car accident on the I-5.
You can think of a wrongful death claim as a personal injury case that the deceased person would have had the right to file had he or she survived the incident. Now that the victim has passed, a personal representative of the estate can file a claim against the same defendant for the same tort on behalf of surviving beneficiaries.
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim in Portland?
Though many states give surviving family members the right to file wrongful death claims, in Oregon, only the personal representative or administrator of the deceased person’s estate can file. This individual may be appointed by the decedent’s will or the courts. The representative can file on behalf of all beneficiaries, such as a surviving spouse or children.
What Is the Statute of Limitations in Oregon?
In Oregon, the statute of limitations is three years from the date of the injury causing the death, with rare exceptions. Act quickly to contact a lawyer about a potential wrongful death claim in Portland.
If you wait too long, you may miss your deadline and lose the opportunity to pursue financial compensation for losses such as funeral and burial costs, medical expenses, lost wages and inheritance, and pain and suffering.
Contact Us to Speak to a Wrongful Death Attorney in Portland at No Cost
At NW Injury Law Center, we have what you need to properly navigate a Portland wrongful death claim. Most importantly, our team of attorneys is committed to making sure clients get as much closure and peace of mind as possible during an extremely difficult time in life.
You do not have to tolerate negligent or wrongful acts that resulted in the loss of your loved one’s life in Portland. Contact us today for a free consultation about your family’s legal rights and recovery options.