Losing someone you love is devastating. When a loss happens because of someone else’s negligence, grief is often compounded by anger and a desire for accountability. At Johnson and Taylor, our wrongful death lawyers in Salem, Oregon offer a compassionate listening ear and help grieving families pursue the compensation and justice they deserve. Here, we discuss when to file a wrongful death claim or lawsuit and how our experienced personal injury attorneys can help.

Causes of Wrongful Death in Oregon

In Oregon, a wrongful death occurs when someone’s careless, reckless, or intentional actions cause the death of another person. These claims often arise due to:

• Car accidents
• Collisions involving large commercial trucks
• Motorcycle crashes
• Bike and pedestrian accidents
• Drunk driving crashes
• Distracted or aggressive drivers
• Slip and fall incidents

Our attorneys have successfully handled all types of cases involving fatal accidents, and are dedicated to helping you recover damages that fully reflect both the tangible and intangible losses your family has suffered.

When Should You Consider Filing a Claim?

We know that deciding whether to file a claim or lawsuit isn’t always easy. Families are often torn between the need to grieve and the desire to seek accountability. Although no amount of money can bring back a loved one, monetary compensation can protect your future and ensure that the responsible party is held accountable.

Consider the Circumstances

You may want to consider filing a wrongful death claim or lawsuit if you believe your loved one was killed due to a motor vehicle accident caused by a negligent driver, dangerous conditions on someone’s property, a defective product, or if they were intentionally harmed by another party.

If your family is financially overwhelmed by medical bills, funeral expenses, or the sudden loss of income and support, a claim can help secure financial stability. Taking legal action not only holds responsible parties accountable, but it may also prevent similar tragedies from happening to others.

If you’re unsure about whether you have a claim, our experienced wrongful death lawyers in Salem, Oregon can review your case and provide clarity about what to do next. We listen to your story, explain your options, and handle all aspects of your case so you and your family can focus on healing.

Time is of the Essence in Wrongful Death Claims

Even if you’re unsure about whether you have a case, if you believe your loved one’s death was caused by negligence, it’s vital to contact our Oregon wrongful death attorneys as soon as possible. We listen to your story, help you understand your options, and can help you pursue compensation if you have a viable claim. If you wait too long, valuable evidence may be lost, and you could risk losing your right to file a lawsuit.

The Statute of Limitations in Oregon

In Oregon, the statute of limitations for filing a wrongful death lawsuit is usually three years from the date of the injury that caused a death. It’s important to understand that this date is not always the same as the date of death.

For example, if a person who’s hurt in a multi-vehicle accident eventually succumbs to their injuries and dies months later, the clock may begin ticking from the date the crash occurred, not the date they passed away. Taking swift action can give you the best chance of finding justice for your loved one and securing compensation that protects your financial stability.

Types of Damages

Depending on the circumstances, families may recover several types of damages, including:

• Medical expenses related to the injury or illness that led to death
• Funeral and burial costs
• Lost wages and future earnings
• Loss of companionship, guidance, and support
• Pain and suffering experienced by the deceased prior to death

Our personal injury attorneys know how to accurately value your claim so it covers the full scope of your loved one’s suffering and your family’s losses.

Why Choose Our Attorneys?

Our team has the experience and resources to thoroughly investigate and collect evidence such as medical records, police reports, and witness statements. We often work closely with experts like accident reconstructionists and medical professionals to help us build a strong foundation for your case.

Your wrongful death lawyer will help the personal representative of the estate file the complaint with the court on behalf of the surviving family members. If you’re experiencing any issues with the probate process or estate administration, our probate attorneys can assist you with those matters as well.

Aggressive Legal Advocacy You Can Trust

Most wrongful death cases are resolved outside the courtroom. Our personal injury attorneys provide tenacious legal advocacy and are skilled negotiators who often use a collaborative negotiation style to save our clients time, money, and headaches by avoiding a trial.

However, if a reasonable settlement can’t be achieved through negotiations with insurers, we’ll fight for your rights in court. Our team knows how to put the pieces of the puzzle together to create compelling arguments that resonate with judges and juries.

Compassionate Legal Support When You Need It Most

Our wrongful death lawyers understand that the grieving process takes time. That’s why compassionate legal support is so important. We treat every client with dignity and empathy, knowing that you’re navigating one of the hardest times of your life.

We don’t make empty promises about large payouts. Instead, we provide realistic guidance and focus on achieving the best possible outcome for your family. We offer free consultations for personal injury and wrongful death claims and take cases on contingency, which means you won’t pay attorneys’ fees unless you get paid.

Our wrongful death lawyers serve clients in Salem, Eugene, Bend, the Oregon Coast, Medford, and throughout the state of Oregon. Our attorneys also handle cases involving estate planning and probate statewide and divorce and family law in Marion, Linn, and Polk counties. Our Spanish-speaking clients can count on us to provide exceptional legal services they can trust.

Contact Us to Learn More

If you’ve lost a loved one in an accident, our team at Johnson and Taylor can help you seek justice and ensure their story is told. To schedule a free consultation with a wrongful death lawyer near you in Oregon, contact us or call 503-990-6641 today.