Compassionate Eugene Wrongful Death Lawyers Helping Families Across Oregon
Every year, thousands of people across Oregon lose their lives in preventable accidents. According to the most recent statistics compiled by the Centers for Disease Control, accidental deaths are among the leading causes of death in Oregon. For example, in 2016, accidents were responsible for more than 2,100 preventable deaths. Each of these fatal accidents impacts dozens of people who were close to the accident victim and relied on them for emotional and financial support.
At D’Amore Law Group, we recognize that nothing can bring back a loved one who was senselessly lost in an accident. However, we also know that the sudden and unexpected death of a family member can put families in a difficult financial position. As experienced Eugene wrongful death attorneys, we help grieving families recover the compensation that may lessen the inevitable hurdles along the road to recovery. Since 1994, our injury lawyers have provided compassionate yet aggressive representation to families across Oregon, and we look forward to speaking with you to see how we can help.
What Is a Eugene Wrongful Death Claim?
The term wrongful death refers to a type of negligence claim that can be brought after a person’s death is caused by the “wrongful act or omission” of another. Oregon law defines a wrongful act as one that involves another party’s “negligent, reckless, or intentional actions.” Eugene wrongful death claims are brought by the personal representative of the deceased accident victim’s estate on behalf of surviving family members, including parents, children, grandchildren, step-children, or step-parents.
Wrongful death claims must be filed within three years of the date of the accident that ultimately resulted in the victim’s death. Notably, this rule applies in cases where an accident victim’s injuries did not immediately result in their death. For example, if someone is seriously injured in a Eugene car accident and spends three months in the hospital before passing away, the surviving family members would then only have two years and nine months to file their claim. Wrongful death claims filed beyond the three-year statute of limitations are likely to be dismissed by the court, leaving families with no means of recovery.
When Can Families Pursue a Eugene Wrongful Death Claim?
Wrongful death claims are appropriate any time another’s negligent, reckless, or intentional actions caused the death of a loved one. Thus, a wrongful death claim can be filed after any of the following types of accidents:
- Auto accidents
- Truck wrecks
- Motorcycle crashes
- Slip-and-fall accidents
- Instances of medical malpractice
- Construction site accidents
- Fatal workplace accidents
Of course, regardless of the type of accident, the at-fault party and their insurance company are unlikely to admit liability. Thus, the assistance of a dedicated injury lawyer can be crucial to the success of a wrongful death claim.
Damages in an Oregon Wrongful Death Case
Families forced to deal with the unexpected loss of a loved one face many hurdles on their road to recovery. Initially, the grief is likely to be consuming. Every loss is tragic, and families are affected in unique ways. However, financial difficulties are one challenge many families face in the wake of these accidents. A Eugene wrongful death lawsuit can help families recover expenses related to their losses, including:
- Medical expenses;
- Hospital bills;
- Lost wages (as measured by what the deceased accident victim would be expected to earn had they not died);
- Funeral and burial costs;
- Pain and suffering experienced by the accident victim; and
- Loss of care, comfort, companionship, and guidance surviving family members suffer as a result of their loss.
While many of these damages are economic in nature and are proven by presenting receipts or relying on predictable forecasts, the emotional impact of a family’s loss can be difficult to quantify. However, these non-economic damages are crucial to ensure that a family is adequately compensated for their losses. Families who have senselessly lost a loved one in a Eugene car crash or any other type of preventable accident should reach out to a dedicated wrongful death attorney to better understand their rights and what to expect during the recovery process.
Schedule a Free Consultation with an Experienced Eugene Wrongful Death Lawyer
If you recently experienced the tragic loss of a family member, contact the compassionate wrongful death attorneys at D’Amore Law Group. We understand how difficult a time this is for you and your family, and we promise to take the necessary steps to help you through the recovery process. We begin each client relationship with a free consultation where we will listen to how the accident impacted your life and answer any questions you have about the process. We never pressure clients to proceed with their case and, because we work on a contingency basis, there is no cost to you unless we can recover compensation on your behalf.
To learn more about how we can help and schedule a free consultation, contact us by phone or reach us through our online form.
