Sheridan PERSONAL
INJURY Attorney
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Representing injured Victims
In Sheridan and Throughout All Of Oregon
About Johnston Law Firm
Accidents occur suddenly and unexpectedly. When they do, you may sustain catastrophic injuries such as broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, and even paralysis. Even minor injuries such as concussions and whiplash can become much bigger issues than they first seem. These injuries are not only extremely painful, but you will also have high medical bills to pay, and you likely cannot return to work to pay for them. You may also miss time with your friends and family members.
When you sustain these losses due to an accident caused by the negligence or carelessness of another person, you deserve compensation for those losses. Johnston Law Firm can help with that. Although we are a Portland law firm, we serve clients in Sheridan and throughout Oregon.
So, if you sustained injuries after a Sheridan accident caused by negligence, don’t hesitate to reach out to a personal injury lawyer at Johnston Law Firm. Call us at (503) 546-3167 or contact us online for a free consultation.
How We Can Help With Your Sheridan Personal Injury Claim
You are never required to work with a Sheridan personal injury lawyer when filing your claim. However, if you do, you have a significantly higher chance of receiving more compensation when you work with an attorney. Thus, when you choose Johnston Law Firm for handling your claim, our personal injury attorneys will:
- Conduct a full investigation to determine how your accident occurred
- Collect evidence during the investigation that corroborates your claim, so you have a better chance of a successful outcome
- Accurately value your claim depending on the losses you sustained
- Identify the liable party and send them a demand letter, informing them that you are pursuing a claim and the total amount of compensation you are asking for
- Negotiate aggressively with the liable party or the insurance company covering them
- Represent you at trial, although this is rarely necessary
Although it is always recommended that you work with an attorney when filing any personal injury claim, there are times when legal advice is particularly useful. If your injuries are very serious, for example, the insurance company will fight back against you even harder because they do not want to pay the compensation you deserve. An attorney will push back against the insurer and make sure that your claim is filed properly, even if you do not have the capacity to do so yourself.
You should also always contact an attorney if someone is claiming that you were partly at fault for the accident. These arguments can be disastrous to your claim and result in less compensation, or none at all. A lawyer will know which evidence to present to show you are not to blame, while also creating a strong case against the liable party.
Areas of Personal
Injury Law Our Lawyers Handle
The majority of accidents that result in serious injury are due to another person’s negligence. Negligence is a legal theory that describes when a person acts, or fails to act, in a manner that keeps everyone safe. Negligence is not an intentional act. Still, when someone is careless and they cause an accident that results in significant losses for another person, they can and should be held liable. Some of the most common areas of personal injury law that deal with negligence include:
- Car accidents
- Truck accidents
- Motorcycle accidents
- Bicycle accidents
- Pedestrian accidents
- Premises liability accidents, including slip and falls
- Medical malpractice
- Accidents caused by defective products
- Wrongful death
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.
Damages Available
in Personal Injury Cases
No one can determine the value of any personal injury claim without first fully reviewing the facts of the case. If your injuries were fairly minor, it is still worth filing a claim, as your losses may be worth a few thousands dollars. On the other hand, if your injuries were very serious, you may be able to recover hundreds of thousands, or even millions, of dollars.
The damages available in personal injury claims are divided between economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages are easier to calculate, as they have an actual dollar value. Medical expenses, lost wages, the cost of medication are some of the most common types of economic damages in personal injury claims.
Non-economic damages do not have an actual dollar value and so, they are much more difficult to calculate. A Sheridan personal injury lawyer will know the different formulas to use to accurately value your claim. Pain and suffering, permanent disfigurement and scarring, and loss of consortium and companionship are just a few of the most common types of non-economic damages in personal injury claims.
In rare cases, punitive damages are also awarded after an accident. Unlike economic and non-economic damages, punitive damages are not meant to compensate accident victims but instead, punish the liable party. Punitive damages are not always awarded in personal injury claims. In order to receive them, the defendant must have acted with gross recklessness or carelessness.
Settlement Offers
from Insurance Companies
It is natural to be concerned that you will not receive any compensation through a personal injury claim. You may worry that you have to pay your medical expenses and other costs out of your own pocket. When the insurance company calls you, which they often do soon after an accident, they may make a settlement offer. It is just as natural to be excited about this offer and accept it because you are happy to receive anything at all.
Sadly, the settlement initially offered by the insurance company is likely not enough to fully cover the cost of your injuries. The insurance company is hoping that you will accept the settlement, knowing you deserve more. You should never speak to an insurance company, or accept any offer, before you speak to a Sheridan personal injury lawyer. An attorney will negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf to ensure you receive the compensation that will fully cover the cost of your injuries.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sheridan Personal Injury Claims
You may have a valid personal injury case if another person’s or business’s negligence caused your accident and you suffered injuries or other losses. To pursue compensation, you generally need to establish that the responsible party owed you a duty of care, breached that duty, and caused your injuries. At Johnston Law Firm, we can investigate what happened, review the available evidence, identify liable parties, and assess your damages. Even if you were partly responsible for the accident, you may still have options under Oregon law.
The timeline depends on several factors, including the severity of your injuries, the complexity of your case, whether liability is disputed, and the insurance company’s willingness to negotiate. Some claims settle within a few months, while others may take a year or longer, particularly if litigation becomes necessary.
We can evaluate your circumstances, explain what to expect, and keep you informed throughout the process. Our priority is to pursue fair compensation rather than pressure you into accepting an inadequate settlement.
Not necessarily. Many personal injury claims are resolved through negotiations without going to trial. However, litigation may become necessary if the insurance company disputes liability, challenges the extent of your injuries, or refuses to offer reasonable compensation.
At Johnston Law Firm, we can evaluate settlement offers, explain your options, and prepare your case for court when necessary. We want you to make informed decisions about your claim, and we’ll discuss the potential benefits and risks of proceeding to trial before taking that step.
Most Oregon personal injury lawsuits must be filed within two years of the date of injury. However, exceptions may apply, including certain cases involving minors or injuries that were not immediately discoverable.
Claims against government entities may also require formal notice within 180 days. Missing an applicable deadline could prevent you from recovering compensation. We can review your case, identify the relevant deadlines, and help you take timely legal action.
If your loved one died because of another party’s negligence, your family may have grounds for a wrongful death claim. Under ORS 30.020, Oregon law allows the deceased person’s personal representative to pursue compensation on behalf of qualifying beneficiaries and the estate.
Recoverable damages may include funeral expenses, medical costs, lost financial support, and loss of companionship. Most wrongful death lawsuits must be filed within three years of death, although exceptions and shorter deadlines may apply.
We understand how difficult these circumstances can be. Our legal team can explain your family’s rights and help you explore your options.
At Johnston Law Firm, we handle personal injury cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay no attorney fees unless we recover compensation for you. You won’t have to pay hourly attorney fees or make an upfront payment to retain our services.
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Testimonials
Sally Martinez
– Michelle E.
Mr. Johnston and his firm were incredibly thorough in getting us a fair settlement from our insurance company with little to no pressure. We really appreciated having someone who truly cared about us every step of the way. I would highly recommend the Johnston Law Firm to anyone in need of personal injury representation.
Reach Out to a Sheridan Personal Injury Lawyer Today
If you have been hurt in an accident, do not hesitate to call a personal injury lawyer at Johnston Law Firm. We handle personal injury claims in Sheridan and anywhere in Oregon. Our seasoned attorneys have a proven track record of helping injured individuals, and we can help you obtain the justice you need, too. Call us now at 503-496-7949 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation.
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