How Oregon Fault Rules Can Affect a Personal Injury Claim
Our personal injury attorneys in Bend understand Oregon’s negligence system, and know how allocations of fault can directly affect compensation. Oregon follows a modified comparative negligence rule, pursuant to Oregon Revised Statutes § 31.600. In general, an injured person may recover damages if that person is not more than 50 percent at fault for the accident. However, the recovery is reduced by that person’s share of fault.
For example, if a person is found 20 percent responsible for an accident, any damages award would typically be reduced by 20 percent. Insurance companies often try to shift blame to reduce payouts, but our legal team will help when fault is disputed or the other side argues that you caused part of the harm.
The Statute of Limitations in Injury Cases
A personal injury lawyer can also help with crucial lawsuit filing deadlines. In Oregon, the statute of limitations for most personal injury claims is generally two years from the date of the injury (ORS § 12.110). Missing that deadline can prevent an injured person from pursuing compensation in court.
Some cases may involve different timing rules depending on the facts, the parties involved, or the type of claim, which is one reason why you will want to retain legal help after an accident. We can identify deadlines, preserve evidence, and move a claim forward before valuable proof becomes harder to obtain.
The Benefits of a Personal Injury Lawyer
A Bend personal injury lawyer does more than file paperwork. Strong representation includes investigating the accident, identifying liable parties, calculating damages, communicating with insurers, and preparing the case for settlement negotiations or trial, if needed.
At Parke Gordon Law, we focus on the real-life effects of an injury, including physical pain, lost wages, future treatment needs, and the disruption an accident can cause at home and at work. When you hire our firm, we present a clear and persuasive claim that reflects the losses tied to the event that has upended your life.
