Were you or someone close to you hurt in Gresham, Oregon, because of someone else’s error, mistake, or oversight? If so, seek medical treatment right away, preferably from a medical provider you know and like. The right medical and legal support can make all the difference in sorting out the aftermath of an injury.
A Gresham personal injury lawyer from Rizk Law will protect your rights and demand fair compensation on your behalf. We will address the details of your claim, from gathering evidence to communicating and negotiating with insurance companies, so you can focus on getting better.
Do not wait to get the help you need. It does not cost more to hire Rizk Law early in your claim. In fact, Rizk Law accepts injury cases on a contingent fee basis, meaning we don’t get paid unless or until you do. Contact Rizk Law today for a free consultation and find out how we can assist you in your recovery journey.
Why Do I Need Medical Treatment Right Away After an Accident?
Promptly getting what ails you due to the injury into medical chart notes will substantiate any claim you make down the road. Conversely, not immediately seeking treatment may give insurance adjusters reason to question the cause and circumstances of your injury.
Many insurers believe what is not documented did not happen. As a result, any delay in medical treatment may delay or even prevent financial recovery. The big idea here is to “get what is bothering you out of your head and into chart notes.”
When you do seek treatment, request referrals to other specialized medical providers and therapists you might need. For example, if you are stressed or anxious because of and since the incident, you may benefit from care from a psychologist. These days, many psychologists and other medical providers offer virtual sessions (via Zoom or similar platforms).
Mild to moderate soft tissue injuries (strains and sprains) may benefit from physical therapy. More serious injuries may require a surgical consultation to rule out the need for surgery. Never settle an injury case without the aid of an attorney if future surgery is possible.
What Will a Gresham, Oregon, Personal Injury Lawyer Do for My Case?
Dealing with a personal injury claim can be overwhelming and confusing, but you do not have to do it all yourself. A personal injury lawyer in Gresham from Rizk Law can help you by:
- Evaluating your case to determine its validity and potential value
- Investigating the accident scene to gather evidence and information
- Interviewing witnesses who were present at the time of the accident
- Consulting medical professionals to substantiate the extent of your injuries
- Coordinating with accident reconstruction experts to strengthen your case
- Reviewing insurance policy details to identify all potential sources of compensation
- Managing communications with the other party’s lawyers and insurance providers
- Negotiating with insurance companies for fair settlement offers
- Filing legal documents and handling all paperwork required for your claim
- Protecting you from tactics that could undermine your claim’s value
- Advising you on the pros and cons of accepting a settlement offer
- Representing you in court if your case goes to trial
Richard Rizk, founding attorney of Rizk Law, offers a distinct edge to those injured in accidents through his extensive background in insurance defense. Having worked as a defense attorney for some of the nation’s leading insurers, he has a deep understanding of the strategies insurance companies use to minimize or deny injury claims.
Richard’s experience in authorizing significant claim settlements and defending against litigated injury and disability claims equips him with the knowledge to counter these tactics effectively. This means Rizk Law can aggressively advocate for accident victims and secure the compensation they are entitled to from an insider’s perspective.
What Must Be Proven in a Personal Injury Claim?
In a personal injury claim, you must show that someone else was primarily at fault (more than 50%) responsible for your injury. This requires proving that another’s actions or failure to act caused your injuries. You must also demonstrate that your injuries caused financial or personal harm, such as medical bills, lost wages, or pain and suffering.
It is essential to gather evidence like medical records, witness statements, and photographs to support your claim. This is because you must convince an insurance adjuster, judge, or jury that you deserve compensation for the injuries and losses you suffered due to the other party’s actions.
What Damages Could I Be Entitled to in a Personal Injury Case?
When you file a personal injury claim, you can demand compensation for various losses and expenses you have incurred due to the incident. This compensation covers the financial and emotional impacts of your injuries. Depending on your situation, you might seek compensation for:
- Medical expenses for past and future care
- Lost wages due to missed work
- Loss of future earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Physical therapy and rehabilitation costs
- Long-term care expenses
- Travel expenses for medical treatment
- Loss of consortium or companionship
- Legal fees and costs
Can I Still Get Compensation If I Was Partly to Blame for My Injuries?
Yes. Under Oregon law, you can still obtain compensation even if you were partly at fault, as long as you are no more than 50 percent responsible for the injury accident. When you bring your injury claim, the courts will determine your level of fault for the incident, expressed as a percentage.
For example, say you are found 25 percent at fault for an accident costing you $100,000. In that scenario, the most you could recover would be 75 percent of that sum, or $75,000. However, crossing the threshold to 51 percent of the fault disqualifies you from recovering any personal injury compensation.
Having a knowledgeable lawyer from Rizk Law is essential should you be accused of contributing to an injury accident. Your lawyer can defend you against unfair accusations of fault and aim to keep you below the percentage that would prevent you from receiving compensation. They can guide you through the legal system, challenge excessive fault claims, and work to secure the maximum amount of compensation available to you, protecting your rights throughout the process.
How Soon Should I Start a Personal Injury Claim?
It is essential to initiate your personal injury claim without delay. The law imposes strict time limits on how long you have to file a lawsuit after an injury. Missing a filing deadline could mean forfeiting your chance to claim compensation.
Acting quickly also allows you to build your case while the evidence remains fresh and witness accounts are more reliable. Early action gives your lawyer more time to gather vital evidence, such as photos or videos of the incident scene, and secure witness statements while their memories are still clear. This can greatly bolster your injury claim.
Moreover, beginning your claim promptly allows you to obtain fair compensation more quickly so you can cover immediate and future costs resulting from your injury. Engaging a lawyer from Rizk Law right away is the best way to ensure your claim is on the right track. They can handle every aspect of your claim, from filing the necessary documents to dealing with insurance companies, so you do not miss any critical deadlines or lose out on compensation.
How Long Do I Have in Oregon to File a Personal Injury Lawsuit?
In Oregon, you have up to two years from the date of an injury to file a personal injury lawsuit. If you let this period pass without taking action, you lose the chance to seek compensation for your injuries.
This tight timeframe underscores the importance of contacting a lawyer from Rizk Law as soon as possible after an injury accident. They will know how to manage your case quickly and effectively and file all necessary paperwork correctly and on time. Your Rizk Law attorney can navigate the legal system on your behalf, gather useful evidence, and argue your case, all while adhering to this strict filing deadline.
How Long Does a Typical Personal Injury Case Last?
The duration of a typical personal injury case can vary widely depending on several factors. Some cases might settle in just a few months, while others could take years to reach a conclusion. The complexity of the case, the amount of evidence to gather, the willingness of the parties to negotiate, and the court’s schedule all play significant roles in determining the timeline.
Quick settlements often occur when the facts are clear, and both parties are eager to resolve the matter. However, if a case involves complex legal issues, extensive evidence collection, or significant disputes, it might need to go to trial, which usually takes much longer.
Consulting a lawyer from Rizk Law can significantly streamline the claims process. An attorney can work to keep your case moving forward, aiming to get you the compensation you deserve as quickly as possible.
What Are Common Personal Injury Cases?
Personal injury cases arise when someone gets hurt because of another person’s actions or negligence. These cases can vary widely, depending on how the injury happened and where it occurred. Here is a list of types of personal injury cases that Rizk Law can handle:
- Car accidents
- Truck accidents
- Delivery truck accidents
- Motorcycle accidents
- Dog bites
- Wrongful death
- Slip-and-fall
- Premises liability
- Traumatic brain injuries
What Types of Injuries Happen Due to Personal Injury Accidents?
The injuries that give rise to personal injury claims can vary considerably in nature and severity. Here are some examples of common injuries that result from personal injury accidents:
- Broken Bones – Broken bones are a common result of accidents like falls, car crashes, and workplace incidents. A break can range from a simple fracture, which might heal with time and rest, to more severe breaks requiring surgery and rehabilitation.
- Head Injuries – The severity of head injuries can vary widely, from mild concussions with short-term symptoms to traumatic brain injuries resulting in long-term cognitive, physical, and emotional issues.
- Spinal Cord Injuries – A spinal cord injury can happen because of severe impacts during accidents, leading to partial or complete paralysis. The location and severity of the injury dictate the level of impairment, sometimes requiring extensive medical care, rehabilitation, and assistive devices.
- Burn Injuries – Burns can result from fires, chemical exposure, or hot surfaces or liquids. These injuries commonly occur in homes or workplaces or in scenarios involving defective products.
- Soft Tissue Injuries – Soft tissue injuries include sprains, strains, and tears affecting muscles, ligaments, and tendons. While these injuries might seem less severe, they can cause considerable pain, limit mobility, and require physical therapy or surgery for recovery.
Contact a Gresham, Oregon, Personal Injury Attorney Today
If you or someone you know needs assistance with a personal injury claim in Gresham, Oregon, Rizk Law is here to help. Contact our Gresham personal injury attorneys today for your no-cost, no-obligation consultation. Find out how we help you demand the recovery you deserve.