Wrongful Death Attorney In Portland, Oregon
Losing a loved one due to another’s negligence is devastating. It can leave your family with financial uncertainty and difficult legal questions. An Oregon wrongful death claim allows eligible family members to seek compensation when another person or business is responsible for a preventable death. While no legal action can replace your loss, pursuing a claim can help protect your family’s future. Working with an experienced wrongful death lawyer can help you understand your rights and help ensure every legal requirement is properly addressed.
For more than four decades, Savage Law Firm has helped individuals and families pursue justice after serious accidents and wrongful deaths in Portland, Oregon. We understand the challenges you face during this difficult time and work to build strong claims while allowing you to focus on your family. Our team is committed to providing clear guidance and determined representation throughout every stage of your case.
What Is A Wrongful Death Claim In Oregon?
A wrongful death claim is a civil lawsuit filed when a person dies because of another party’s negligent, reckless or intentional conduct. These claims arise from:
- Motor vehicle accidents
- Medical malpractice
- Dangerous property conditions
- Workplace incidents
- Defective products
- Other preventable tragedies
Unlike a criminal case, a wrongful death lawsuit seeks financial compensation rather than criminal penalties. Regardless of whether criminal charges are filed or not, or if the responsible party is acquitted, a civil wrongful death claim may still proceed.
Oregon’s wrongful death law, ORS Chapter 30.020, establishes who may bring a claim and the damages that may be recovered. Every case is unique, making it important to evaluate the specific facts and available evidence before moving forward.
Because these cases can involve complex legal standards, strict filing requirements and detailed evidence, working with an experienced attorney is essential to protect your rights and build a strong claim.
Who Can File A Wrongful Death Lawsuit In Oregon?
Oregon follows a process that differs from many other states. Rather than allowing surviving family members to file directly, the lawsuit must be brought by the personal representative of the deceased person’s estate.
Although the personal representative files the lawsuit, any compensation recovered is distributed to the beneficiaries identified under Oregon law, which may include:
- The surviving spouse or registered domestic partner
- Surviving children
- Surviving parents, if there is no surviving spouse or children
- Other dependents are permitted in certain circumstances by law
Establishing the proper personal representative and identifying all eligible beneficiaries are important early steps in a wrongful death case. We work closely with families to help ensure these legal requirements are satisfied while protecting their interests throughout the claims process.
What Damages Can Be Recovered In An Oregon Wrongful Death Case?
The value of a wrongful death claim depends on the specific circumstances of the case, the losses suffered by surviving family members and the available evidence. Oregon law recognizes several categories of damages that may be available.
Economic damages compensate for measurable financial losses, including:
- Medical expenses related to the final injury or illness
- Funeral and burial costs
- Loss of the deceased’s expected earnings and financial support
- The value of household services the deceased would have provided
Noneconomic damages address losses that cannot be easily measured financially, such as:
- Loss of companionship
- Loss of care, guidance and support
- Emotional suffering experienced by eligible beneficiaries
Punitive damages may also be available in limited cases involving particularly reckless or egregious misconduct. Along with compensating the family, these damages are intended to punish extremely wrongful conduct and discourage similar behavior in the future.
Every wrongful death claim presents different legal and factual issues, and the damages available depend on the evidence supporting the claim. Our lawyers carefully investigate every case, gather documentation, consult appropriate experts when necessary and pursue the full compensation our clients are entitled to under Oregon law.
Our Oregon Wrongful Death Attorneys Are Ready To Help
If you have lost a loved one because of another party’s negligence, you should not have to face the legal process alone. Savage Law Firm understands the challenges Oregon families encounter after a tragic loss, and with four decades of experience, we are prepared to help you pursue accountability and financial recovery.
To reach our team, call us at 503-766-5337 or fill out our contact form to discuss your situation and learn how we can help protect your family’s rights through every stage of your Portland wrongful death claim.