Catastrophic Injury Lawyer in Portland, Oregon

Catastrophic injuries can destroy lives. As an experienced personal injury lawyer, I understand the overwhelming emotions and uncertainties that you and your loved ones are going through. Allow me to guide and support you during this challenging time.  

Call to schedule a consultation and join forces with Injury Lawyer PDX, LLC to get the justice and compensation you deserve. 

Catastrophic Injuries & Damages 

A catastrophic injury has serious, long-term effects on the victim. It often requires extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation and may result in permanent disability.  

Catastrophic injuries profoundly impact the victim's quality of life, making it difficult or impossible to perform everyday tasks independently. Due to the severity and complexity of these injuries, victims often require lifetime medical care and assistance.  

The extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation needed for catastrophic injuries can cause immense financial strain. Besides, the emotional toll on both the victim and their family often results in anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues. 

Common examples of catastrophic injuries include: 

• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI) 

• Spinal Cord Injuries 

• Severe Burns 

• Amputations 

• Multiple Bone Fractures 

• Organ Damage 

• Loss of Vision or Hearing 

• Crush Injuries 

• Limb Paralysis 

• Disfigurement 

These can significantly impact your ability to work, perform daily activities, and enjoy life as you once did. The road to recovery is usually long and arduous, requiring a strong support system during this time. 

Catastrophic Injury Laws 

Catastrophic injuries fall under personal injury laws, which are designed to protect the rights of individuals who have suffered harm due to another party's negligence or wrongdoing. They allow victims to seek compensation for their losses, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. 

If you or a loved one has sustained a catastrophic injury due to someone else's negligence, you need to work with a skilled personal injury lawyer. They can help you deal with the legal process and ensure that your rights are safeguarded. 

Damages for Catastrophic Injuries 

Victims of catastrophic injuries may be entitled to various types of damages, including: 

• Economic damages: This includes compensation for financial losses such as medical expenses, lost wages, and future earning capacity. 

• Non-economic damages: These cover intangible losses like pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and permanent disability.  

• Punitive damages: In cases where the defendant's actions were particularly malicious or reckless, the court may award punitive damages to punish and deter similar behavior in the future. 

• Loss of consortium: This refers to the deprivation of the benefits of a family relationship due to catastrophic injuries. 

• Home modification expenses: The costs associated with making necessary changes to a victim's home to accommodate disabilities, such as installing ramps or modifying bathrooms. 

• Assistive devices: Compensation for medical equipment, such as wheelchairs, prosthetics, or other devices that help victims navigate their daily activities. 

Determining the appropriate compensation for severe injuries requires a thorough review of evidence, including medical records, expert testimony, and financial predictions. 

Catastrophic Injury Laws in Oregon

These Oregon laws can impact your catastrophic injury case. Understanding them is necessary for building a strong case and for receiving the compensation you deserve. 

Statute of Limitations 

In Oregon, you typically have two years from the date of the injury to file a personal injury lawsuit. Missing this deadline could bar you from recovering any compensation. However, certain exceptions, such as the discovery rule or tolling provisions, may extend this timeframe under specific circumstances. 

Comparative Fault Rule 

Oregon follows a modified comparative fault rule. This means that if you are found to be partially at fault for the accident, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. However, if you are found to be 51% or more at fault, you cannot recover any damages. This rule highlights the critical importance of presenting a strong case, as even a small mistake in proving fault can significantly reduce compensation. 

No Cap on Economic Damages 

Unlike some states, Oregon does not cap the amount of economic damages (medical expenses, lost wages, etc.) that you can recover in a personal injury case. This means that victims of catastrophic injuries can recover the full extent of their financial losses without any legislative limit. 

Caps on Non-Economic Damages 

Oregon does impose a cap on non-economic damages (pain and suffering, emotional distress, etc.), which is currently set at $500,000. This cap applies to personal injury cases but not to wrongful death claims, where different limits may be applicable. 

Wrongful Death Statute 

If a catastrophic injury causes death, the family may file a wrongful death lawsuit. The claim must be filed within three years of the date of the injury that caused the death. In Oregon, wrongful death claims allow for the recovery of damages such as funeral expenses, loss of companionship, and the deceased's potential future earnings. 

How Attorney Dylan Lawrence Can Help You

At Injury Lawyer PDX, LLC, I am here to shoulder the legal burdens so that you can focus on your recovery. Here’s how I can help: 

Comprehensive Case Evaluation 

Every case starts with a thorough evaluation to understand the circumstances of your injury and the impact it has on your life. This involves reviewing medical records, speaking with experts, and gathering evidence. 

Personalized Legal Strategy 

No two cases are alike. I create a personalized legal strategy tailored to your specific needs and circumstances. This strategy is designed to maximize your compensation and address all aspects of your injury, including medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. 

Negotiation and Litigation 

Whether through negotiation or litigation, I am prepared to fight for your rights. My experience and knowledge of insurance defense tactics give me an edge in securing favorable settlements or verdicts. 

Ongoing Support 

My commitment to you doesn’t end with the conclusion of your case. I continue to offer support and guidance as you adjust to life after a catastrophic injury. Whether you need help accessing resources or have questions about your settlement, I am here for you.