Portland Wrongful Death Lawyer

No case is more devastating to a family than the loss of a family member due to someone else's negligence, carelessness, or recklessness. The civil legal system can only address the financial devastation brought on by the loss. If you have lost a loved one due to someone else's negligence, you deserve to understand all your options.

Chad Stavley offers a free consultation in all wrongful death claims. He will make sure you understand everything you need to know about bringing a wrongful death claim. If you want to understand your options call Chad Stavley for a free case consultation today.

What is a Wrongful Death Case in Oregon?

In Oregon, wrongful death claims are statutory claims brought under ORS 30.020. It means that a person's death was caused by the wrongful act or omission of another. Wrongful death cases come in many different ways including:

• Car accidents
• Motorcycle accidents
• Trucking accidents
• Pedestrian accidents
• Bicycle accidents
• Workplace injuries.
• Drunk drivers
• Medical malpractice
• Criminal attacks
• Dangerous property conditions

The basic elements necessary for wrongful death claims are that a person was negligent (e.g. ran a red light) and caused the death of someone else. While we often see these cases in the context of auto-related crashes, they are not limited to auto claims.

Who Can Bring Wrongful Death Claims in Oregon?

The only person who can file a wrongful death lawsuit in Oregon is the personal representative of the deceased person's estate. That person is sometimes named in the deceased person's will. If there is no will, the family will often choose someone to act as the personal representative for the estate. If no family member can serve, a wrongful death attorney can petition the court to appoint someone to act as the personal representative.

What Money Damages Are Recoverable in a Wrongful Death Case in Oregon?

In Oregon, the damages allowed in a wrongful death case are outlined in ORS 30.020. They include:

• Final medical and hospital expenses of the deceased.
• Pre-death pain and suffering of the deceased person.
• Funeral and burial costs.
• Lost wages and benefits.
• Emotion damages for the loss to the surviving family members.

How Long Do I Have to Bring a Wrongful Death Claim?

There is a three-year statute of limitations on Oregon wrongful death cases. That means that the personal representative of the estate must file a lawsuit within three years of the date of the accident that caused the death.

There are situations where this time limit can be extended, but it is uncommon. So it is very important to contact a Portland wrongful death lawyer at your earliest opportunity. Don't lose your opportunity to pursue justice.

Why Choose Chad Stavley to Represent Your Family

After a tragedy, you need to focus your attention on your family and know that your legal claims are in good hands. Chad is very personal in his handling of these cases. He will meet with you in person, and handle your case from beginning to end. You won't get passed off to an associate.

Experience

Chad has fifteen years of experience handling personal injury and wrongful death claims. You will know that your case is in capable hands. No matter what the cause of your loved one's death is, Chad will gather the appropriate evidence and hire the necessary experts. Those responsible for your family member's death should be held accountable.

Contingency Fee

Our office operates on a contingency fee and we advance all costs. That means that you don't ever pay us a penny to investigate and bring your wrongful death claim. We only take a fee after we win. Our fee is a percentage of the recovery so that gives us every incentive to make sure you get the maximum compensation possible.

Contact Portland Wrongful Death Attorney Chad Stavley for a Free Personal Consultation

If you have lost a loved one due to someone's negligence, carelessness or recklessness you should contact an experienced Oregon wrongful death lawyer for a free consultation.  Your family deserves to understand your options.

Oregon law puts time limits on bringing claims, so don't wait until it is too late.

Recent Wrongful Death Claims Handled By Chad Stavley

• $1.5 Million "Policy Limits" Settlement for the estate of a retired Portland woman killed on I-84. This case was against a small delivery company in eastern Oregon. Chad was brought into this case by another Portland wrongful death lawyer. The case was complicated because the woman's husband was driving their vehicle and had limited memory of how the crash happened. The at-fault driver denied liability and claimed that the husband was responsible for the crash. This case required the skilled use of crash reconstructionists and cell phone experts. Shortly before the trial, the insurance company for the at-fault driver offered their policy limits of $1 Million. Chad then brought underinsured motorist claims against the family's own insurance company. That insurance company offered their $500,000 policy limits for a $1.5 Million total recovery.
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• Confidential Settlement. This case was against a medical transport company on behalf of the estate of a disabled man who fell from a gurney at the hospital. This case was complicated because the hospital did not order an autopsy. The hospital believed the underlying disability was the cause of his death. That would likely be the end of the line for many Portland wrongful death attorneys. Undeterred, Chad hired a pathologist to perform a private autopsy. That autopsy revealed that the fall caused a brain injury which resulted in the man's death. The defense insurance company then accepted liability. The case was settled without a trial.