Year: 2015

Wrongful Death: Securing Evidence in a Timely Manner

Immediately after the death of a loved one, you are likely in no condition to be talking with lawyers, thinking about legalities, or, certainly, securing evidence. But we can promise you, the insurance company and lawyers for the person or company responsible for the death will not hesitate. They will rush out and gather whatever… read more

Personal Injury Lawyer: Write an Injury Claim Demand Letter

One of the most difficult tasks that people encounter when involved in a personal injury case is putting together a demand letter.   A demand letter is, essentially, a letter expressly stating a legal right and an amount due as reasonable compensation for injuries to person and/or property.  In most cases, this task will be handled… read more

Reaching a Settlement in a Wrongful Death Lawsuit

Once a settlement offer has been made, it is your lawyer’s job to advise you as to whether the offer is reasonable given the risks of a trial. But it is the personal representative’s job – not the lawyer’s – to make the final decision as to whether to accept a settlement offer. A judge… read more

The Defense Will Disparage the Life of Your Loved One

Much of the other side’s case will be based on trying to show that the decedent’s life was not worth all that much. This is a harsh aspect of our legal system. Your lawyer will be showing that the deceased person was a human being who lived a full life, loved and was loved in… read more

Top 10 Oregon Motorcycle Safety Tips

Recently there has been a large number of motorcycle accidents and deaths in Oregon.  The rate of injury on a motorcycle is much greater than in a vehicle since there is much less protection between you and the road, other vehicles or obstacles. Every year, dozens of motorcyclists need the services of a good Portland motorcycle… read more

The Discovery Process of a Wrongful Death Lawsuit

Long before a trial is ever held, both sides have the right to “discovery.” In Oregon state court, this centers on depositions and requests for discovery. Let’s take them one at a time. Depositions are like recorded, official interviews. In a deposition, the lawyer can ask questions of opposing parties and witnesses, and they have… read more

Meeting with and Choosing Your Wrongful Death Attorney

Choosing a lawyer is of course a crucial step in the process. You should interview several lawyers, and you should ask them hard questions. Take notes, and feel free to bring a trusted friend or relative with you. But do be aware that the presence of a friend may negate the confidentiality of the meeting,… read more

More Oregonians are Dying in Car Crashes this Year, Compared to 2014

Oregon roads are more dangerous this year ending on September 23rd than last year. The state saw a 31% increase in traffic fatalities since the period the year before. This year there were 312 traffic fatalities as compared to 238 last year. Motorcycle deaths soared to a 15% increase to 46. Pedestrian accidents saw the greatest… read more

A Wrongful Death Lawsuit is a Commitment – Are You Ready?

You may be surprised to hear this from a lawyer who focuses on personal injury and wrongful death claims, but a wrongful death claim is NOT for everyone. It will require a commitment of both time and energy – probably yours – to bring a wrongful death lawsuit. We write “probably yours,” because it is the… read more

Crosswalk Safety Every Pedestrian and Driver Should Know

Some people get confused when a well-marked crosswalk (sometimes called “zebra-stripped”) also has a traffic signal because they think that cars must stop for pedestrians in a crosswalk.  However, when there is a cross walk AND a signal, a pedestrian must obey the signal.  If not, he/she commits the offense of failure to yield (or… read more