PORTLAND VICTIMS OF CRIME ATTORNEY

We Represent Injured
Victims of Violent Crimes in Portland & Throughout Oregon

X

Portland, Oregon is one of the safest large cities in the United States. Still, while our region is by no means known for its crime, criminal attacks can and do occur in every community. Being the victim of a crime, whether it is assault or sexual abuse, can cause you severe, long-lasting damage.

At Johnston Law Firm, P.C., our compassionate Portland crime victim attorney is committed to protecting the legal rights and financial interests of crime victims. We understand just how emotionally and physically devastating it is to be the victim of a serious crime. Our firm will work aggressively to help you hold liable any party whose negligence contributed to your attack. Fill out our free consultation form today.

The Types of 
Criminal Cases We Handle

Our law firm represents crime victims in a wide variety of cases. If you were severely damaged, either physically, psychologically, or emotionally, we can help you seek the financial compensation you need to recover and move forward with your life. Some of the most common examples of cases that we handle include:

• Aggravated assault;
• Battery;
• Sexual assault;
• Rape;
• Elder abuse;
• Child abuse; and
• Kidnapping.

You Need to 
Bring a Civil Claim

Whoever was responsible for the crime committed against you should be held legally accountable. In most cases, this means that criminal charges will be brought against this person, and it might even mean that they will have to spend time in prison. Yet, while the criminal case is an important part of the justice system, it will not get you the compensation you deserve. Crime victims should also to take civil legal action against any and all parties who played a role in the incident. While the criminal case is controlled by the state, the civil case will be controlled by you and your lawyer.

Don’t miss out on these common personal injury mistakes.

Get the legal counsel you need to guide you through the process of filing an injury claim.

Who Can Be
Held Liable for a Criminal Attack

As a general rule, personal injury claims are handled under state law. In Oregon, your injury case must be brought under Section 31.600 of the state’s legal code, whereas in Washington your case must be brought under Section 4.22.005 of that state’s statutes. These are both state’s comparative negligence laws. Under these laws, any party whose negligence (unsafe conduct) contributed to your attack can be held legally liable for your injuries.

The Criminal Can Be Held Liable

Of course, this means that you can hold the criminal liable for your injuries. That being said, in the majority of criminal attack cases, the perpetrators will be ‘judgment proof’. This means that while you can successfully bring a case against this person, they are unlikely to have the resources to pay you the full compensation to which you are entitled.

Security Companies, Businesses and Employers Can Be Held Liable

When you hire our team, we will thoroughly investigate your cases to find all parties that can be held legally liable for part or all of your damages. In many criminal attack cases, there are parties, other than the criminal, whose negligence helped create the conditions that allowed the incident to occur. You can bring a negligent security or premises liability claim against these companies. Some common examples include:

• Security companies that failed to live up to their responsibility to provide adequate protection;
• Commercial companies that failed to ensure their premises was safe and secure for invited guests;
• Employers that negligently hired a dangerous person onto their staff; and
• Government entities that were negligent and allowed an attack to occur.

Compensation Available
to Crime Victims

In both Oregon and Washington, crime victims are entitled to recover compensation equal to the value of their damages. In these cases, defendants are typically represented by insurance companies. You need to work with a qualified attorney who can help you build a strong case so that they can recover every penny that you deserve. Our firm can help you seek financial compensation for:

• Lost or stolen property;
• Emergency medical expenses;
• Other medical bills;
• Lost current and future wages;
• Required psychological therapy or counseling;
• Pain and suffering;
• Mental distress;
• Disfigurement; and
• Loss of lifestyle enjoyment.