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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. 

Contact Our Personal Injury Attorneys in Portland at Tillmann Law Personal Injury Lawyers

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