Wrongful Death Lawyer in Portland, Oregon
Few things are harder than losing a family member because of someone else’s carelessness or wrongdoing. I handle these cases with the seriousness and compassion they deserve, taking the legal burden off your family so you can grieve while I pursue accountability and the financial security your family needs going forward.
No amount of money makes a loss right. But a wrongful death claim can hold the responsible party accountable and protect your family’s future — and in many cases it is the only way the full truth of what happened comes out.
Cases that can give rise to a wrongful death claim
- Fatal car, truck, and motorcycle crashes
- Medical negligence and misdiagnosis
- Dangerous or defective products
- Unsafe premises and fatal falls
- Workplace and construction fatalities
- Criminal acts and negligent security
Oregon’s wrongful death law
Oregon’s wrongful death statute sets out who may bring a claim, on whose behalf, and what can be recovered (ORS 30.020). A few points matter most for families:
- Who files. The claim is generally brought by the personal representative of the estate on behalf of the surviving family members the statute recognizes.
- The deadline. A wrongful death claim is usually subject to a three-year limit tied to the injury that caused the death (ORS 30.020) — different from the standard two-year injury deadline.
- Claims against government. If a city, county, or state entity is responsible, the Oregon Tort Claims Act requires formal written notice within a short window — often 180 days, or one year in the case of wrongful death (ORS 30.275). Missing it can end an otherwise valid claim.
What a wrongful death claim can recover
- Medical and funeral expenses
- Loss of the income and support the deceased would have provided
- Loss of the care, companionship, and guidance of your loved one
- The conscious pain and suffering your loved one endured before death
- Other losses suffered by the surviving family
Compassion paired with trial experience
These cases demand both sensitivity and strength. I take care of your family while I take on the insurance company, and my willingness to try the case in front of a Multnomah County jury is what makes a fair resolution possible. I serve families throughout Portland and across Oregon.
Frequently asked questions
Who can file a wrongful death claim in Oregon?
Generally the personal representative of the estate files on behalf of eligible surviving family members. I can help your family establish who that is and get the process started.
How long do we have to file?
Usually three years from the injury that caused the death, but shorter deadlines can apply — especially against government entities, where notice may be due within 180 days. Don’t wait to ask.
How is a wrongful death case different from a criminal case?
A criminal case punishes the wrongdoer; a civil wrongful death claim compensates your family. They are separate, and a civil claim can proceed regardless of whether there is a criminal prosecution.
We can’t afford a lawyer right now.
You don’t pay anything up front. I handle wrongful death cases on contingency — no fee unless we recover for your family.
There is no cost to find out where you stand. Find out what your case is worth or call (503) 379-9933.
What you can expect at my personal injury law firm
Personalized one-on-one Attention
Commitment to maximizing a claim
Proven trial advocacy & Results
Careful case preparation
Consistent updates on case progress
My goal is to maximize your compensation. This can include expenses for medical treatment, rehabilitation, pain and suffering, lost wages, and more. No matter how complex your injuries and claim, I am prepared to fight for you.
