When you or a loved one are involved in an accident that was caused by the negligence of another party, you may have the option to sue to recover damages. How much and what kind of damages all depends on the particular circumstances of your case. Another important factor is choosing the right Portland-based personal injury lawyer who can best represent your interests.
If your attorney is able to prove negligence, then they will be able to collect several different types of compensation on your behalf. That will include:
• A current loss of wages and compensation for the future loss of wages, which is especially important where a plaintiff’s injuries are permanent.
• Coverage for medical costs, including hospital and doctor visits, medical equipment and anything else related to the care required to restore you to your former health. This may also include payments for long-term care to assist a person with everyday tasks.
• Pain and suffering, which can lead to multi-million dollar settlements where injuries are extreme or a person dies.
• If a person dies, an attorney will also be able to seek funds for a loss of care, companionship and love.
• Disfigurement and embarrassment, if a person suffers injuries such as burns or has one or more limbs amputated, or the injury results in paralysis and confinement to a wheelchair.
To minimize the impacts on an insurance company, they may attempt to contact a victim and their attorney early in a case and seek a quick settlement. While this might look attractive on the surface, it could be an offer that is well below what you might be entitled to and play into the insurance company’s hands of trying to minimize the impact of a claim on their operations.
In all instances, it is best to let your attorney work with the opposing side to bring about a fair settlement, even if that involves playing hardball and extending the amount of time it takes to reach a settlement.
Johnson & Taylor Law proudly serves Portland, Salem and surrounding Oregon communities.