Tag: portland wrongful death
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
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 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
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
Hiring a Lawyer or Other Professional to Serve as Personal Representative
Sometimes a judge may appoint a personal representative who is not a beneficiary. When this happens, the person appointed is usually a professional who does this sort of thing for a living, often a lawyer. Because it’s a job, the person gets paid. This is usually done when the only beneficiaries are all under 18,… read more
Should I Hire A Wrongful Death Attorney for my Case in Oregon?
Wrongful death in Oregon is defined as a death “caused by the wrongful act or omission of another”. A typical wrongful death case is caused by a negligent, reckless or intentional act. These actions would be the same as one to support a personal injury claim if the deceased person had lived. The main difference… read more