Question 1

How much is the average personal injury settlement?

Accepted Answer

The average settlement for personal injury varies greatly throughout the United States and depends on the type of case itself. However, many factors dictate the settlement amount you can expect. This includes the severity of your injuries, the insurance coverage of the defendant, the amount of mental or emotional trauma you’ve endured, who is determined to be at fault, and much, much more. Your personal injury attorney will be able to look at the specifics of your case and give you an estimate of what you may expect to receive through settlement. For a custom case evaluation, speak to our team now; we’re available 24/7 to take your call.

Question 2

Will my personal injury case go to trial? Will I have to testify in court?

Accepted Answer

Most personal injury cases are settled out of court; estimates show less than 5 percent of all personal injury cases in the United States will go to trial. In Oregon, an auto accident case has about a one percent chance while a medical malpractice case has about a 50 percent chance. This low trial rate can be beneficial to all parties involved for several reasons. Trial is expensive and both sides have to pay significant sums for experts and other costs associated with trial. For defendants, going to court is costly and risky; it’s safer and more affordable for them, their insurance provider, and their legal team to reach an agreement through negotiations. For you, the victim, settlements can often be achieved much sooner than a verdict in a trial. Additionally, in out-of-court negotiations, your lawyer can continue negotiating until a favorable settlement is reached. In a trial, a verdict handed down by a judge or jury is final. For all these reasons — and based on the statistics — it’s safe to assume that you will likely resolve your personal injury case out of court.

Question 3

What does a personal injury lawyer typically charge? How do I pay?

Accepted Answer

Most personal injury lawyers charge a contingency fee, often described as “no win, no fee.” A contingency fee is a unique payment structure that removes any upfront payment responsibility from the victim. In other words, you don’t have to pay anything to hire your attorney. Only when a settlement or verdict is reached and damages are awarded does the attorney take a fee (usually a percentage of the total settlement). This protects the victim, ensuring they can retain skilled legal representation at no financial risk to them. If the case does not settle, the victim doesn’t owe anything.

Question 4

How long do I have to file a personal injury case?

Accepted Answer

Generally, in Oregon, the statute of limitations for most personal injury cases is two years; however, exceptions exist (such as an injury claim being filed against a government entity where the first deadline usually is 180 days after the incident). Because of the law’s nuances, and for the benefit of your case, it’s best to file a personal injury claim quickly. Hiring a personal injury attorney right away is critical to this process. Not only will they guarantee your case is filed accurately and on time, but they will also ensure your actions and communication following the accident are in your legal best interest. An experienced Oregon personal injury lawyer will know what loopholes the defendant’s legal team will be looking for; they can protect you from saying or doing something that will jeopardize the strength of your case.

Question 5

How long will it take to settle my personal injury claim?

Accepted Answer

The timeline for settlements varies. Most importantly, the case almost never resolves until the client is done with treatment or is declared medically stationary. Once that happens, the case can take an additional three to four months, or longer if it’s necessary to file suit. However, depending on the complexity of your case, it could take up to 2 years to reach an agreement. Remember that during negotiations, timelines may change based on the other party’s willingness to cooperate. Our top priority is always achieving full and fair compensation — not wrapping up negotiations quickly. Our Oregon personal injury lawyers can review your case’s specifics to give you a more accurate timeline expectation.

Question 6

Do I really need a lawyer for a personal injury case?

Accepted Answer

Technically, you don’t need a lawyer to file a personal injury case in Oregon. However, for the average person unfamiliar with the legal proceedings of a civil lawsuit, not having an attorney leaves you vulnerable to legal missteps and coercion by the defendant’s legal team. With a personal injury attorney, you have nothing to lose but everything to gain. Because of the “no win, no fee” promise, you have zero financial risk — even if you never reach a settlement. In addition, hiring a lawyer puts you in the best possible position for not just reaching a settlement, but receiving a higher amount. An excellent injury attorney is an experienced legal guide, expert communicator, and unflinching advocate. Having one on your side, gives you the best chance of reaching a top-dollar settlement and holding the defendant responsible. Filing a personal injury case shows you are committed to seeking justice for your injuries; don’t make the mistake of fighting on your own.

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