Personal Injury Lawyers in Salem
Helping Injured Clients in Marion County Recover Maximum Compensation
The effects of a car accident or workplace injury cannot be overestimated. Every year, thousands of Oregon residents are involved in many accidents that can cause injuries, financial hardships, and emotional losses.
To ensure that you are compensated in a manner that covers medical expenses, loss of wages, damage to property, and more, having a skilled attorney on your side is essential.
Personal Injury Cases We Handle
We help clients file lawsuits in the following personal injury cases:
- Motor vehicle accidents
- Third party claims
- Wrongful death
- Catastrophic injuries
- Construction and workplace accidents
- Motorcycle, bicycle, and pedestrian accidents
- Commercial vehicle and trucking accidents
Are you suffering from an injury caused by someone else's wrongdoing? Call Elmer & Brunot, PC today at (503) 563-7035 or contact us online to schedule a meeting with our personal injury attorney in Salem, Oregon!
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 attorneys 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.
How Can a Personal Injury Attorney in Salem Help Against Insurance Companies?
Insurance companies often employ tactics to minimize the compensation they have to pay to injury victims. They might argue that your injuries aren't as severe as you claim, or even that they were pre-existing conditions rather than being caused by the accident. An experienced Oregon personal injury attorney can help protect your rights and ensure you receive the compensation you're entitled to. They do this by carefully documenting your injuries, gathering and preserving evidence, and presenting a strong case on your behalf.
Attorneys provide several services to combat lowball offers from insurance companies, including:
- Thoroughly reviewing the details of the accident to establish liability
- Consulting medical professionals to understand the full extent of your injuries
- Estimating the future costs of your injury for comprehensive compensation
- Negotiating assertively with insurance adjusters
- Presenting a convincing case in court if the insurance company refuses a fair settlement
- Ensuring that all paperwork and legal requirements are met to prevent any potential weaknesses in your claim.
Contact Our Personal Injury Lawyer Today
With access to a free consultation and a contingency fee-based payment structure, meeting with one of our Salem injury lawyers is an easy first step if you have been injured. Our lawyers have successfully asserted and protected the rights of thousands of Oregon residents. Whether you have a claim directly against a driver, an employer, or multiple parties, or if you are seeking compensation from a third-party claim, our firm may be able to help you win damages to cover your losses.
Contact Elmer & Brunot, PC for a FREE consultation with our Salem personal injury attorney! Call (503) 563-7035today!
