Personal Injury Lawyers in Salem

What Does a Personal Injury Lawyer Do?

Most people know if you are injured in an accident or because of someone's negligence a personal injury lawyer can help get you compensation. However, they do more than just represent you in the event you have to go to court. A personal injury lawyer:

• Advises you on the best path forward
• Collects evidence
• Interviews witnesses
• Negotiates a settlement for the case with insurance adjusters
• Files a lawsuit if negotiations fail

Maybe the biggest thing a personal injury lawyer does for you is to help alleviate some of the stress involved with a personal injury case. If you were injured, likely the last thing you'll want to do is have to worry about every minute detail of your case. You should be focusing on recovering. A Salem personal injury lawyer will take some of that burden off of your shoulders so you can focus on your health.

What is the Statute of Limitations in Oregon?

Oregon requires most personal injury claims to be filed within two years of the accident. Fortunately, the state also provides exceptions for cases that involve minors, those in which an injury is not discovered until later, instances of medical malpractice, and wrongful death claims.

Typically, the clock starts ticking the moment an accident or injury occurs. However, if the victim is under 18 years old, the time will not begin “tolling” until their 18th birthday. This gives injured individuals as minors a chance to pursue justice for themselves, assuming their parents or legal guardians did not file a claim on their behalf at the time of the accident.

What If My Accident Injuries Appear Later?

Those who discover an injury after their accident will have two years to file a claim from the moment they realize they were injured. This is especially valuable in whiplash and other soft tissue injuries, which can appear minor but become severe enough to warrant a personal injury claim later on.

Delayed discovery is also common in medical malpractice cases, where a patient may not discover a retained object or other error until complications arise. Even in medical malpractice cases, though, the maximum time a plaintiff has to file a claim is five years from the time of the inciting incident.

How Long Do You Have to File a Wrongful Death Claim in Oregon?

The loss will be obvious immediately if you lose a loved one, but Oregon allows a little more than two years to file a wrongful death claim. Still, bereaved family members must file within three years of their loved one’s death.

What If You Miss the Cutoff? 

Anyone who misses the cutoffs outlined above may lose the ability to sue and recover damages for their injuries and losses. Contact our attorney today to stay within the statute of limitations or determine whether or not an exception applies to you.

You should also remember that offering statements to or negotiating with insurance companies can jeopardize your claim. Always consult with Salem personal injury attorney before taking the next step in your case.

Your Local Resource for Personal Injury Support in Salem, OR

In Salem, recovering from a personal injury can feel overwhelming, especially when faced with medical bills, lost wages, and the stress of navigating legal claims. Local resources like the Oregon Department of Justice offer information, but understanding your rights and pursuing compensation often requires additional guidance.

Many Salem residents dealing with personal injury cases encounter challenges such as uncooperative insurance companies, disputes over liability, and the pressure to settle quickly for less than they deserve. These struggles can be particularly difficult in a community where many rely on fair compensation to rebuild their lives after an injury.

Comprehensive Guidance From Start to Finish

Our team recognizes these challenges and focuses on helping individuals in Salem pursue rightful compensation with confidence. By addressing common concerns and working to overcome the barriers unique to this area, each case receives detailed attention based on individual circumstances.

With a commitment to thorough preparation, every angle of your case is addressed, from gathering evidence to negotiating with insurance companies. The goal is to maximize your claim by building a strong foundation that supports your needs.

Whether it’s a car accident on Oregon Route 221, a workplace injury downtown, or another type of claim, assistance is available at every stage of the process. Recovering from an injury is hard, but having our support can make all the difference.