If you or a loved one has suffered from an injury due to someone else’s negligence, navigating the physical, emotional, and financial impacts can be overwhelming. Personal Injury Attorney in Portland Oregon, Rob Kline, is committed to helping individuals and families recover from injuries caused by accidents and other forms of negligence. Our team believes that no one should face the aftermath of an injury alone. We are here to provide the legal support you need.
Understanding Personal Injury Law in Oregon
Personal injury law is designed to protect individuals who are injured because of someone else’s careless actions or negligence. The primary goal of a personal injury lawsuit is to hold the responsible party accountable for their actions and to recover financial compensation for the victim’s injuries. Personal injury cases can arise from a wide variety of situations, including car accidents, slips and falls, and harm from the use of defective products.
In Oregon, personal injury law operates under a system of comparative negligence, meaning that you can recover damages if you are less at fault than the other party. If you are partially at fault for the incident that caused your injury, the court may reduce your compensation in proportion to your level of fault. For example, if you are 20% at fault in an accident, you may still recover 80% of the damages.
Personal injury attorney Rob Kline is well-versed in Oregon’s personal injury laws and will work tirelessly to recover compensation for your injuries. Whether your case involves a complex legal issue or a straightforward claim, we are here to advocate for your best interests.
Types of Personal Injury Cases We Handle in Portland, OR
Rob Kline handles a variety of personal injury cases in Portland, OR, helping clients recover compensation for a range of injuries caused by accidents and negligence. Whether you were injured in a car crash or suffered from a traumatic brain injury (TBI), our experienced team is here to fight for you. Below are some of the personal injury cases we handle:
Car Accidents
Car accidents are one of the most common causes of personal injury in Portland and the surrounding areas, killing 62 people in the city in 2022 and injuring 3,539, according to the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT). Whether a distracted driver, speeding, or another form of negligence caused the accident, we help victims recover compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.
Truck Accidents
Truck accidents often result in severe injuries due to the size and weight of the truck. If you have been involved in a crash with a commercial truck or large vehicle, our personal injury attorney will thoroughly investigate the circumstances, which may include driver fatigue, improper loading, or company negligence. We have the knowledge to navigate the complexities of truck accident claims, including those involving multiple parties like trucking companies and insurers.
Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcycle accidents can cause life-altering injuries due to riders’ lack of protection. Whether caused by another driver’s negligence or road hazards, our team can help you pursue justice if you have been injured in a motorcycle crash. We work to ensure that you receive full and fair compensation for your medical treatment, lost wages and long-term rehabilitation needs.
Drunk Driving Accidents
Accidents caused by drunk drivers can lead to devastating injuries. The Oregon Department Of Transportation reports 22 fatalities and 139 injuries in Portland in 2022 resulting from driving under the influence. If you or a loved one has been hurt in a crash involving a drunk driver, our attorney will work diligently to hold the responsible party accountable. We also help you navigate any insurance claims and recover full compensation for your injuries.
Hit-and-Run Accidents
Identifying the responsible driver can be challenging if you have been the victim of a hit-and-run accident. Our attorney can assist you in pursuing compensation through uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage or other legal avenues, helping you recover damages for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Bicycle Accidents
With Portland’s focus on being bike-friendly, bicycle accidents are unfortunately common, with 97 crashes in the city in 2022. Whether you were hit by a vehicle or injured by poor road design or conditions, we can help you recover compensation for pain and suffering, medical treatment, bike repairs, lost wages, and any long-term disabilities you may suffer from the accident.
Pedestrian Accidents
Pedestrian accidents, especially those involving vehicles, can result in serious injuries or fatalities. According to the ODOT, accidents killed 25 pedestrians and injured 155 in 2022. Our team helps pedestrians injured in crosswalks, other parts of the roadway, parking lots, or any other area open to motor vehicle travel seek compensation for their medical expenses, rehabilitation, and pain and suffering caused by the accident.
Child Injuries
When a child is injured, it can be emotionally and financially devastating. Whether the injury occurred in a car accident, due to defective products or while the child was in state custody, we are here to fight for your child’s rights and help them receive the full compensation they are entitled to. If necessary, we will handle the complexities of appointing a guardian ad litem or conservator.
Burn Injuries
Burn injuries, whether from fires, chemicals, or electrical accidents, can cause lasting physical and emotional damage. If you or a loved one has suffered from burn injuries due to someone else’s negligence, our attorney will work with medical experts to assess the full extent of your injuries and pursue compensation for your pain, treatment, and recovery.
Construction and Industrial Accidents
Workers in construction and industrial settings are at high risk for serious accidents due to unsafe working conditions, machinery malfunctions, and negligence. If you have been injured on a construction site or in an industrial accident, we can help you navigate exemptions to workers’ compensation claims and pursue third-party liability claims if someone besides your direct employer bears any responsibility for your injuries.
Firearm Accidents
Accidents involving firearms can result in severe, life-threatening injuries. Whether caused by negligent firearm handling, improper storage, design or manufacturing defects, or criminal activity, we assist victims in recovering compensation from those responsible, including manufacturers, distributors, or individuals involved in the incident.
Neck and Spinal Injuries
Neck and spinal cord injuries can lead to permanent disability and require extensive medical treatment, rehabilitation, and therapy. Whether a car accident, fall, or workplace accident caused your injury, our team is committed to helping you recover the compensation you need to cover medical expenses, long-term care, and lost earnings.
Sexual Abuse
Victims of sexual abuse deserve justice and accountability. If you or someone you love has experienced sexual abuse, whether in the workplace, at school, or elsewhere, we offer compassionate legal representation to help you seek justice and compensation for your emotional, physical, and financial damages.
Tenant Injuries
If you have been injured in a rental property due to unsafe conditions, inadequate maintenance or faulty wiring, you may have grounds for a lawsuit against the property owner and manager. We help tenants hold landlords and property managers accountable for injuries caused by neglecting their duty to provide safe and habitable living conditions.
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)
Traumatic brain injuries can occur from car accidents, falls, or violent impacts, leading to life-long effects. TBIs can range from mild concussions to severe brain damage and often require extensive medical treatment and long-term rehabilitation. Our attorney works with medical experts to help you receive fair compensation for immediate and long-term care needs.
Wrongful Death
Losing a loved one is one of the most difficult experiences anyone can face. If your loved one has died because of someone else’s negligence, such as in a car accident or workplace injury, you may be entitled to pursue a wrongful death claim. We help families navigate the complex legal process and recover damages for funeral expenses, loss of income, and emotional distress.
Discuss Your Case with an Experienced Portland Personal Injury Attorney
Each of these types of cases presents unique challenges and legal considerations. Whether you have suffered from physical injuries, emotional trauma, or financial hardship, our personal injury attorney lawyer in Portland, Oregon, is here to provide skilled legal representation and help you seek justice. Contact us today for a free consultation to learn more about how we can assist you.
How to Know if You Have a Personal Injury Claim
You may have a valid personal injury claim if you are injured due to another person’s actions, inactions or negligence. To determine whether you have a case, ask yourself the following questions:
- Were you injured due to someone else’s actions or inactions? You may be entitled to compensation if another person, company, or entity caused your injury.
- Was there negligence involved? Did the responsible party fail to act in a reasonable manner, such as a driver running a red light or a property owner failing to repair a broken hand railing?
- Do you have damages? Personal injury claims are based on damages such as medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and property damage. You must have tangible losses to pursue a claim.
If you are unsure whether you have a personal injury case, our team can provide you with a free consultation to assess your situation and help you understand your legal options.
The Personal Injury Claims Process in Portland, Oregon
Navigating the legal process for personal injury claims can be complicated, but our experienced Portland personal injury lawyer can guide you every step of the way. Here are the general steps involved in pursuing a personal injury case in Oregon:
- Consultation with an attorney: The first step is to schedule a consultation with our personal injury lawyer. During this initial meeting, we will review the details of your case, discuss your injuries and damages, and advise you on the best course of action.
- Investigation and evidence gathering: Once we determine you have a case, we will investigate the accident or incident that caused your injury. This may involve gathering medical records, accident reports, witness statements, and other evidence that can support your claim.
- Negotiation with insurance companies: We will negotiate with the responsible party’s insurance company after gathering evidence. In many cases, we can settle without going to trial. However, if the insurance company is unwilling to offer a full and fair settlement, we are prepared to take your case to court.
- Filing a lawsuit: If we cannot reach a settlement, we will file a lawsuit on your behalf and represent you in court. Our attorney is a skilled litigator who will fight to present your case effectively and protect your rights throughout the process.
- Trial and verdict: If your case goes to trial, we will present the evidence, call witnesses, and argue your case before a judge or jury. If we are successful, the court will award damages to compensate you for your injuries and losses.
Damages You Can Recover in a Portland Personal Injury Case
If you have been injured in an accident, you may be entitled to compensation for a variety of damages, including:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of consortium
- Wrongful death, financial losses, and emotional distress
Statute of Limitations for Oregon Personal Injury Claims
In Oregon, the statute of limitations for most personal injury claims is two years from your injury date. This means you have two years to file a lawsuit against the party responsible for your injuries. Some cases, such as those that involve claims against government entities or taverns that over-serve a drunk driver, have much shorter legal deadlines. If you fail to file your claim within the applicable time frame, you will lose your right to pursue compensation, no matter how strong your case is.
It is critical to act quickly and consult an experienced personal injury attorney because there are exceptions, and deadlines can vary depending on your case’s circumstances. Attorney Rob Kline can help you file your claim on time and protect your rights.
Contact Our Personal Injury Team Today
If you or someone you know has been injured in an accident or due to someone else’s negligence, do not wait to seek legal help. The sooner you contact our experienced personal injury attorney in Portland, the better your chances of receiving fair compensation for your injuries.
Contact us in Portland today to schedule a free consultation. We are here to help you get the justice and compensation you deserve.
