Home » Portland Personal Injury Blog » What Is a Personal Injury Claim?
Posted on April 17, 2025 in A personal injury claim is a legal process through which an injured person seeks compensation for losses caused by someone else’s negligence or wrongdoing. The purpose of a personal injury claim is to help the injured person recover physically, emotionally, and financially from the harm they’ve suffered.
This article will explore some of the common types of personal injury claims, what you have to do to win a personal injury case, and how working with an experienced lawyer can help protect your rights after an accident.
Common Types of Personal Injury Cases
Personal injury cases can arise from a wide range of accidents.
Some of the most common include:
- Car accidents
- Slip and falls
- Workplace injuries
- Medical malpractice
- Pedestrian accidents
Other examples include dog bites, product liability, and wrongful death cases. Each type of case has unique legal considerations, but all aim to help injured individuals recover compensation for their losses.
What You Need to Prove in a Personal Injury Case
To succeed in a personal injury claim, the injured party must prove that another person or entity had a legal duty to act with reasonable care, that this duty was breached, and that the breach directly caused their injuries.
Personal injury claims can be resolved through settlement negotiations with insurance companies or by filing a lawsuit in civil court. In many cases, having an experienced personal injury attorney can make a significant difference in the outcome, as they understand how to gather evidence, negotiate with insurers, and present a strong case in court if necessary.
What Kinds of Damages Are Available in Personal Injury Claims?
In a personal injury claim, damages refer to the compensation you may receive for the harm you’ve suffered due to someone else’s negligence. These typically fall into two main categories: economic and non-economic damages.
Economic Damages
Economic damages refer to the tangible expenses you incur as a result of an injury. They cover measurable financial losses like medical bills, lost wages, and property damage. Because these damages are tied to actual financial losses, they’re typically easier to calculate and prove with receipts, invoices, and documentation.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages compensate for more subjective impacts, such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life. In rare cases, punitive damages may also be awarded to punish especially reckless or intentional behavior. The goal of these damages is to help you recover and move forward after your injury.
What to Do If You’re Injured in an Accident
If you’re injured in an accident, there are some things you should do to protect your health and legal rights:
- Seek medical attention immediately, even if your injuries seem minor. Prompt treatment not only protects your well-being but also creates important documentation for any future legal claim.
- Gather evidence from the scene if you’re able, such as photos, witness contact information, and any official reports.
- Avoid discussing fault or making detailed statements to insurance companies without speaking to a lawyer.
Contacting an experienced personal injury attorney early can help protect your rights and guide you through the steps needed to pursue the compensation you deserve.
How Long Do You Have to File a Personal Injury Claim?
In Oregon, you generally have two years from the date of the injury to file a personal injury claim. This deadline is known as the statute of limitations, and it applies to most types of personal injury cases.
If you miss this deadline, you could lose your right to seek compensation entirely. To protect your rights and give your case the best chance of success, it’s important to consult with a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible after the accident.
Why You Should Work With a Personal Injury Lawyer
Working with a personal injury lawyer can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case. An experienced attorney understands the legal process, knows how to deal with insurance companies, and can accurately calculate the full extent of your damages, including future medical costs and lost earnings.
They’ll handle the paperwork, gather evidence, and advocate on your behalf to ensure you’re not taken advantage of. Most importantly, a personal injury lawyer can fight for the compensation you deserve while you focus on healing. Contact one today if you’ve been injured and think you may be entitled to compensation.
If you were injured in an accident in Portland, OR, please contact our Portland personal injury lawyers at Tillmann Law Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation today.
We proudly serve all throughout Multnomah County in Oregon. Visit our office at:
Tillmann Law Personal Injury Lawyers
101 SW Main St. #1905
Portland, OR, 97204
(503) 773-3333
Hours: Open 24/7
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Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a personal injury lawyer for a car accident in Portland?
If you have been involved in a car accident in Portland, it is highly recommended to consult a personal injury lawyer to ensure your rights are protected and you receive the compensation you deserve for your injuries.
How do I choose a reliable personal injury attorney in Portland?
Choosing a reliable personal injury attorney in Portland involves considering their experience, success record, and client testimonials to ensure they have the expertise to effectively represent your case and secure fair compensation.
Can a personal injury attorney in Portland help with lost wages?
A personal injury attorney in Portland can help recover lost wages from missed work due to an accident or injury. They can negotiate with insurance companies to ensure fair compensation for lost income.
Can a Portland personal injury attorney help with medical bills?
A Portland personal injury attorney can help with medical bills by negotiating with insurance companies and healthcare providers to get your medical expenses covered as part of your personal injury claim settlement.
What are the benefits of hiring a personal injury lawyer in Portland?
Hiring a personal injury lawyer in Portland can provide benefits such as navigating the legal system, maximizing compensation, and ensuring your rights are protected after an accident.
How to find the best personal injury attorney in Portland?
Finding the best personal injury attorney in Portland involves researching their experience, success rate, and client reviews to ensure they have the expertise to handle your case effectively and secure the compensation you deserve.
How does a Portland personal injury attorney prove negligence?
To prove negligence, a Portland personal injury attorney must demonstrate that the defendant failed to exercise reasonable care, their actions directly caused the plaintiff's injuries, and the plaintiff suffered quantifiable damages.
How do I find a reliable personal injury lawyer in Portland?
Finding a reliable personal injury lawyer in Portland involves researching local firms, reading client reviews, and consulting with lawyers to assess their experience and success in recovering compensation for personal injury cases.
How does a personal injury attorney in Portland handle insurance companies?
Personal injury attorneys in Portland negotiate with insurance companies to secure fair compensation for their clients' injuries, medical expenses, and other damages by leveraging their legal expertise and negotiation skills.
What are the common cases handled by Portland personal injury attorneys?
The common cases handled by Portland personal injury attorneys include car accidents, motorcycle accidents, pedestrian accidents, slip and fall incidents, medical malpractice, and workplace injuries, providing legal representation to help clients recover compensation for their injuries.
How do I choose the best personal injury lawyer in Portland?
Choosing the best personal injury lawyer in Portland involves considering their experience, success rate, communication skills, and accessibility to ensure you receive the highest level of legal representation for your case.
Can a personal injury lawyer help with lost wages in Portland?
A personal injury lawyer in Portland can help recover lost wages from an accident, including past and future lost income, to ensure fair compensation for the victim.
What is the process of filing a personal injury claim in Portland?
The process of filing a personal injury claim in Portland typically involves gathering evidence, filing a claim with the at-fault party's insurance company, and potentially pursuing legal action if a fair settlement cannot be reached.
What is the role of a personal injury lawyer in Portland?
The role of a personal injury lawyer in Portland is to provide legal representation and assistance to victims of accidents, helping them secure fair compensation for their injuries and losses.
Can a personal injury lawyer help with pain and suffering in Portland?
A personal injury lawyer in Portland can help recover compensation for pain and suffering experienced due to an accident or injury, including medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages.
How long does a personal injury case take in Portland?
The duration of a personal injury case in Portland can vary depending on the complexity of the case and the extent of the injuries. On average, personal injury cases in Portland can take anywhere from 6 months to 2 years to resolve.
What is the average settlement for personal injury cases in Portland?
The average settlement for personal injury cases in Portland can vary widely depending on the severity of the injury, medical expenses, lost wages, and other factors. Settlement amounts typically range from tens of thousands to millions of dollars.
What is the average settlement in a Portland personal injury case?
The average settlement in a Portland personal injury case can vary widely depending on the severity of the injuries, liability, and other factors, but typically ranges from tens of thousands to millions of dollars.
Can a personal injury lawyer help with medical bills in Portland?
A personal injury lawyer in Portland can help with medical bills by negotiating with insurance companies and recovering compensation to cover medical expenses related to the injury.
What are the qualifications of a personal injury attorney in Portland?
The qualifications of a personal injury attorney in Portland typically include extensive experience handling a wide range of personal injury cases, in-depth knowledge of local laws, and a proven track record of securing fair compensation for injured clients.
What is the statute of limitations in Portland personal injury cases?
The statute of limitations for personal injury cases in Portland, Oregon is generally two years from the date of the incident.
How much does a personal injury attorney in Portland cost?
The cost of a personal injury attorney in Portland can vary, typically ranging from a contingency fee of 33-40% of the settlement or award amount recovered on the client's behalf.
How much does a personal injury lawyer cost in Portland?
The cost of a personal injury lawyer in Portland can vary, typically ranging from 33-40% of the client's final settlement or award, plus additional expenses. The specific fees are determined based on the complexity of the case and the services required.
What is the role of a personal injury attorney in Portland?
The role of a personal injury attorney in Portland is to provide legal representation and assistance to victims of accidents, helping them secure fair compensation for their injuries and losses.
How does a personal injury lawyer get paid in Portland?
Personal injury lawyers in Portland typically work on a contingency fee basis, where they only get paid if they successfully recover compensation for their client's injuries.
Do personal injury attorneys in Portland offer free consultations?
Personal injury attorneys in Portland often offer free consultations to evaluate your case and provide guidance on the legal process.
What are common personal injury cases in Portland?
Common personal injury cases in Portland include car accidents, slip and fall incidents, premises liability, dog bites, and medical malpractice, where victims may seek compensation for their injuries and damages.
What are the most common causes of personal injury in Portland?
The most common causes of personal injury in Portland include motor vehicle accidents, slip and fall incidents, workplace accidents, and pedestrian/bicycle collisions.
What are the benefits of hiring a Portland personal injury attorney?
Hiring a Portland personal injury attorney can provide crucial benefits, such as navigating the legal process, negotiating with insurance companies, and maximizing the compensation for your injuries and losses.
What should I expect during my consultation?
During your consultation, you can expect a thorough review of your personal injury case, an assessment of your legal options, and a discussion on how Tillmann Law can assist in securing the compensation you deserve.
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