Category: Personal Injury

How Do I Get Compensation for a Dog Bite

Written by George McCoy on June 20, 2023. Posted in Family Law, Personal Injury. No Comments on How Do I Get Compensation for a Dog Bite

You may be entitled to compensation if you or a loved one has sustained injuries from a dog bite. Though an animal attack can be a traumatic experience, having people supporting you through the process can ease unnecessary stress. Working with an experienced dog bite lawyer means they can take the lead so you can focus on healing.

It also ensures you follow all the necessary steps in a timely manner, so you don’t lose out on the compensation you may be owed. Read on to learn what these steps are so you can get your medical bills covered, along with other losses:

Seek Medical Treatment

After a dog attack, there are two critical steps to take: seek medical treatment and representation. With every emergency, make sure to put your health and safety first. Once you are safely removed from the threat, have your injuries assessed by a healthcare professional. Don’t delay visiting urgent care or the emergency room or calling 911 if necessary.

Left untreated, dog bites can lead to severe or even fatal infections. It’s crucial you seek medical attention so a professional can determine the severity of the bite, as well as treat symptoms while preventing infection.

Other serious symptoms may include uncontrollable bleeding, swelling, oozing from the wound, fever, pain, and possible nerve or bone damage from a deep wound. Aside from infection and nerve or bone damage, you may be at risk of tetanus, rabies, or sepsis. Make sure you get proper care for the dog bite immediately to avoid further harm.

Document Everything

In order to seek restitution, make sure to document all details and keep copies of any relevant paperwork. Record the particulars of what happened, when, and where it happened. Include as many details as you can remember. This will help your case in proving the dog owner was liable for your injuries. Not all states have the same laws in regard to dog bites, so it’s important to document everything to help determine liability.

Keep records of all losses directly related to the dog attack. These losses can include economic losses, non-economic losses, and punitive damages. If you also suffered any property damage, medical bills, or lost wages, record these details and gather documents as evidence.

Remember, not all losses are economic. You can seek compensation if you have experienced any pain and suffering or emotional distress. Punitive damages may be rewarded if the dog owner is found to exhibit willful or malicious behavior. Keep a journal of your experiences, including photos and written accounts. A comprehensive record will be your ally alongside an experienced attorney.

Collect Evidence

In conjunction with your written account of the events, gather as much evidence corroborating these details. If there were any witnesses to the incident, collect their names and contact information. Take photos and videos from the scene of the attack. Include photos or videos of the dog as well as the location of the attack. Document your injury and any torn clothing. If there is any physical evidence at the scene, such as torn clothing or blood, take photos and keep the clothing.

Are there prior animal control reports or videos displaying aggression from the dog? Is there testimony that the dog was roaming loose? Is the fence broken, showing the dog could have escaped? Record all pertinent details.

In addition to evidence from the scene, keep copies of all medical bills and records as well as bank account statements and pay stubs for any lost wages. These documents will aid you in your case when determining how much compensation you may be entitled to.

Notify Authorities

It will help your claim, as well as help prevent future attacks if you notify Animal Control. Reporting the attack will also create an official report that can be used as evidence in your case. A simple internet search will lead you to the correct division and number for Animal Control. Or, if you are unsure, call the police.

Partner With an Attorney

As mentioned earlier, another critical step in getting help after a dog bite is hiring an attorney. The right dog bite lawyer will be well-versed in dog bite laws for your state and experienced in personal injury cases similar to yours. Their knowledge and skill will be your strongest ally when seeking fair compensation. They will know the actual value of your claim and represent your interests so you don’t settle for less than what your claim is worth. They will negotiate accordingly and help you avoid quick settlements or insurance companies trying to minimize how much you receive.

A skilled attorney will guide you through the entire process, making sure you know what to file and when so you don’t miss deadlines or necessary paperwork. They can also talk to the adjuster on your behalf and help you with your statement. An attorney will give you peace of mind as they expertly navigate your claim and help you compile a comprehensive case. They are also knowledgeable in local dog bite laws, which factor into the value of your claim. Does your state have a one-bite rule? What are their laws for contributory or comparative negligence? Did the dog bite your child, and is the owner trying to blame them for trespassing or aggravation? These laws can be complex and intimidating. Let your dog bite lawyer take the lead with expert knowledge and solid legal advice.

The Bottom Line

Shop around for an experienced personal injury lawyer familiar with local dog bite laws. Keep written records and supporting evidence of the injury, treatment, and any relevant loss.

When you are ready to file a claim, contact the expert team at Warren Allen LLP. Our firm is ready to advise and represent you so you can receive fair compensation and the best resolution possible. Contact us today, and we’ll help you go through your options.

What Information Does My Personal Injury Attorney Need From Me?

Written by George McCoy on May 20, 2023. Posted in Personal Injury. No Comments on What Information Does My Personal Injury Attorney Need From Me?

If you were seriously injured in an accident, you will want to ensure financial compensation for your out-of-pocket costs by hiring a personal injury attorney. An accident could come from falling on someone’s property, a motor vehicle collision, getting bitten by someone’s pet, or other personal injury situation that may have caused you to become hurt and seek out expensive medical assistance to treat your injuries.

If you are working with or planning on working with an attorney to seek financial compensation for your personal injury claim, you’ll need to know what important information your attorney in Portland, OR may need from you.

We’ve listed below some important things you should know about a personal injury claim, and what sort of things you’ll need to provide to your attorney:

Why Choose a Personal Injury Attorney?

When hiring a personal injury attorney, not only will you be able to claim any medical expenses caused by your injury, but you may also be able to receive compensation for property damages. You could also receive damages to offset any earned income you may have missed out on due to being unable to work while you heal from your injuries. Even if you have purchased insurance that may help cover the costs of your medical bills and any damages to your property, you may benefit from obtaining legal counsel to ensure you receive the largest settlement that you are entitled to.

Insurance companies are for-profit entities that will try to pay out as little as possible in order to squeak out a profit despite your insurance claim. They do not have your best interests at heart when offering a settlement claim for your injuries. Small accidents with minor injuries may be easy to settle without a personal injury attorney to help guide you through the process. However, serious injuries may not be fully compensated if you are left without legal representation. This could leave you with expensive medical and property bills that you would have to pay for if the agreed upon settlement was not enough to cover the financial burden.

Provide Your Attorney All Incident Reports or Law Enforcement Reports

Typically, when there is a car accident or a physical injury, a call to the police is made for the safety of all involved. Not only is everyone’s safety protected when a call for help is made, but a police officer writes an official record of what happened. This report can help you when attempting to recoup your losses after the accident has passed and you are left with all the bills to sort through and figure out how to pay.

It is very important that you provide your attorney in Portland, Oregon or wherever they reside, with copies of all incident reports taken at the scene of the accident. Oftentimes, police reports will document any eyewitnesses who are on scene and able to back up your claims of what happened. These eyewitnesses can testify on your behalf to ensure you receive financial compensation for any incident that was not your fault.

In addition to any police reports, you would want to obtain copies of any incident reports that may have been logged if your accident happened at a place of business. Oftentimes, businesses

will have their own incident reports taken from employees’ recounts of what happened in case there is a need for proof of the incident for either insurance purposes or for legal claims. Obtaining copies of any and all incident reports for your attorneys can be helpful in discovering potential new leads or new evidence to back up your claim.

Take Pictures and Send Them to Your Legal Team

Taking photos of your injuries at the time of the incident can help back up your case and should definitely be provided to your legal team. You should continue to take photos of your injuries as they heal, showing your path to recovery, to help demonstrate your inability to work and earn income during any convalescence period.

Pictures of the scene of the accident or injury can help show how the incident occurred and can back up your case.If you were in a car or bicycle accident, or pedestrian crossing accident, be sure to capture the roadways, showing the layout of the lanes and signage. Taking pictures of the emergency response at the scene of the accident can be helpful as well.

If you are claiming restitution for any property damage, taking pictures of the damage at the scene of the accident can be extremely helpful as well for your lawyer to have in order to strengthen your claims. Make sure to do this before any cleanup occurs, if possible.

Keep a Recovery Journal and Provide a Copy to Your Attorney

In order to show how your injuries have impacted your day-to-day life, it is a good idea to start a recovery journal. You can track the progress of your injuries as they heal, and how you are feeling each day.

You can log each medical appointment, as well as the outcome of each doctor’s visit. Demonstrating how your injuries have affected your life is your responsibility, and having a recovery journal can help your attorney provide proof of your damages.

Provide Any Bills and Any Insurance Information

If you have reached out to an insurance company (either yours or the other party’s) to try and recover your losses, it is important to keep copies of your correspondence with each insurance company and provide a copy of your logs to your attorney. You will also want to provide your legal team with the insurance company names, any associated policy numbers, and any schedules of coverage if available.

You must provide proof of your financial losses in order to prove damages and recoup your losses legally. If you have made any medical bill claims with your insurance company, it is important to provide the explanation of benefits (EOB) received for any medical visit processed through your insurance company. You want to provide proof of your out-of-pocket expenses, and having the EOBs available for your lawyer to review is very important.

For more information on what specifically your state requires in the case of a personal injury claim, reach out to a lawyer located near the site of the accident. If you are looking for a personal injury attorney in Portland, Oregon or surrounding areas, contact Warren Allen LLP today!

5 Factors That Matter in a Strong Personal Injury Claim

Written by George McCoy on April 20, 2023. Posted in Personal Injury. No Comments on 5 Factors That Matter in a Strong Personal Injury Claim

Personal injuries occur unexpectedly, leaving victims with physical and emotional trauma, as well as financial strain from medical bills and lost wages. In such situations, it’s important to seek legal help from a qualified personal injury lawyer to navigate the complex legal process and obtain fair compensation for your losses. Determining the value of your injuries in a personal injury case can be complex.

There are several factors that make a strong personal injury claim, both tangible and intangible. Five key elements to consider when making a claim include liability, damages accrued, causation, timing, and your legal representation.

Liability

A crucial factor in a personal injury claim is establishing liability or comparative fault. Liability is the legal responsibility of the defendant for any loss or damage to the plaintiff. Comparative fault will determine the degree of responsibility each party had in causing the damages, both personal and general.

To establish liability you must prove that the other party was responsible for causing your injuries. If you were injured in a car accident, you must show that the other driver was negligent and that it was their actions which led to the incident. In some cases, liability may be clear-cut while in others, it may require further investigation and evidence gathering.

Damages

Another essential component of a personal injury claim is damages, or the losses you have suffered as a result of your injuries. This can include medical expenses, lost income, property damage, pain and suffering, and more. It’s crucial to document and quantify your damages thoroughly, in particular medical expenses, as this will determine the amount of compensation you can receive.

When you sustain an injury, it is important to understand and note its severity so you can take the necessary steps to ensure your health and safety. Depending on how serious the injury is, you may need to seek medical attention as soon as possible. If you find yourself in a situation where no medical attention is deemed necessary, it is still wise to rest and avoid any strenuous activities. This will assist in your recovery.

Be aware of signs such as swelling, tenderness, bruising, and persistent pain which can indicate a more serious injury. Complications arising from an injury are also a possibility. While relying on your own judgment can at times be beneficial, it is important to have faith in professionals who are well-versed in these matters, and to rely on them. Taking care of your body should always be a top priority. If you are not sure about the severity of an injury then it is safer to err on the side of caution and consult your healthcare provider for advice.

Testimony from witnesses, photos of property damage, pay stubs, physicians’ reports, and tax returns showing lost wages can all be used as evidence of damages incurred by an attorney or jury. By presenting detailed proof of harm caused as part of a personal injury claim, victims have a better chance at fair reparations for pain, suffering, and financial losses that were caused by another party’s negligent behavior.

Causation

In addition to proving both liability and damages, there is also a need to establish causation, or a connection between the other party’s actions and your injuries. This means demonstrating that the injuries you sustained were a direct result of the other party’s negligence or misconduct. Your personal injury lawyer can help gather medical records, witness statements, and other evidence to support your claim.

Timing

Timing is critical in personal injury claims. In most cases, you have a limited amount of time to file a claim- this is known as the Statute of Limitations. The Statute of Limitations is a law that regulates the amount of time a person or organization has to bring a legal action, such as a lawsuit, against another party.

In most cases, this period is four years from the date of the allegedly wronged party’s harm or injury. However, there can be variations and exceptions depending on the situation and state in which it takes place.

Knowledge is vital when it comes to the Statute of Limitations. Understanding when the Statute of Limitations applies can be vital for preserving rights and getting justice. Failing to file your claim within the statute of limitations can result in your case being dismissed, so it’s essential to act promptly and consult with a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible.

Legal Representation

Finally, having the right legal representation can make all the difference in the outcome of your personal injury claim. A qualified personal injury lawyer in Portland can provide you with expert guidance and advocacy throughout the legal process, from filing your claim to negotiating with insurance companies to representing you in court if necessary. A good personal injury lawyer will also help you navigate the complexities of the legal system and ensure that your rights are protected.

A strong personal injury claim requires careful attention to liability, damages, causation, timing, and legal representation. If you’ve been injured due to someone else’s negligence or misconduct, don’t hesitate to seek help from a qualified personal injury lawyer in Portland.

Hiring an attorney is an important decision. You should thoroughly research their qualifications, experience, and specialty to make sure that their skill set matches your need for legal services. Before finalizing your decision, it is best to have a consultation with the potential attorney to discuss your particular situation in detail. During this time you can have an open conversation regarding the timeline, budget expectations, and general approach they would take if hired.

Ultimately you need to be comfortable with who you hire as they will be representing you in court and advocating on your behalf. When hiring an attorney to represent you, trust your gut feeling. We at Warren Allen LLP Attorneys at Law can help you obtain the compensation you deserve and move forward with your life after a traumatic experience.

What Happens After You Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer?

Written by George McCoy on March 10, 2023. Posted in Personal Injury. No Comments on What Happens After You Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer?

Have you hired a Portland personal injury attorney and are wondering what happens next? Warren Allen LLP will explain what to expect. On the other hand, if you have not yet hired a personal injury attorney, be sure to do your research and schedule an initial consultation first. Once you have your consultation scheduled, come back and review these steps so you know what questions to ask.

From initially retaining a personal injury attorney to case resolution, Warren Allen LLP will take the guesswork out of the experience so you can be as prepared as possible.

Collect Documentation

A personal injury attorney has to first be able to make your case for why the liable party is at fault and why you should be justly compensated for your injury. To do this, your attorney will need all the relevant evidence and documentation that you’ve collected about your injury.

For instance, if you’ve collected witness contact information or photos of the injury scene, you should turn those over to your attorney. You should also describe what happened in as much written detail as possible. If you’ve taken notes about your symptoms or medical visits, you should hand those over to your attorney as well.

As your case progresses, continue to keep notes about your medical visits, prescribed treatment plans, and any injury-related symptoms. Be sure to follow all of your doctor’s orders as you seek treatment. If you fail to do so and your injury worsens, you could be viewed as negligible and even perceived to be responsible for your deteriorating condition.

Everything related to your injury, regardless of how large or small, should be disclosed to your attorney. It may seem relatively insignificant to you, but it could have major importance to your case. For instance, if you get calls from the other party’s insurance adjuster, be sure to disclose that to your attorney and seek their counsel before speaking with anyone about your case.

Serve Notice

Once your personal injury attorney has all the relevant documentation, they will serve notice of your intent to pursue civil action to all the parties involved in the case. In fact, once the liable party’s insurance company receives notice that you have retained representation, they should not reach out to you going forward. If anyone reaches out to you regarding your case, direct them to speak with your legal counsel and notify your attorney right away.

Serving notice does not necessarily mean that the case will proceed to litigation. In fact, many people seek to avoid litigation altogether. Serving notice to the liable party simply starts the process so that both sides can begin negotiating a settlement.

Investigate the Case

Your attorney will then get to work on your personal injury claim in order to build the strongest case possible. For example, if you’ve provided witness contact information, your attorney will reach out to them to gather statements about what they saw or heard at the time of your injury. In some instances, your attorney may return to the scene to take photos and notes about where the injury occurred. Depending on the circumstances, your attorney may also hire a private investigator.

Attempt to Settle

Before your case goes through the formal legal process, your personal injury attorney will attempt to initiate settlement talks. Be prepared for this to be a somewhat lengthy process. Some settlement talks can take up to two years. It may take more or less time depending on the extent of your injury and the specifics of your particular situation. Oftentimes, a personal injury attorney will need to wait until the full scope of your injury is understood before accepting any settlement offers.

Your attorney will work to negotiate a settlement that’s fair and acceptable to you. Once a settlement offer is received, your attorney will notify you of the settlement terms so you can decide whether or not to accept the offer. Your attorney will explain whether the offer is fair and what your options are. Your attorney should also discuss the risks of proceeding to trial. Ultimately, you will need to decide whether to accept the settlement terms or reject the offer and proceed with filing a lawsuit.

File Suit

If you reject the settlement offer, you may need to sue for damages. When you decide to move forward with a lawsuit, your attorney will file a complaint with the court. Following the initial filing, there will be a pretrial discovery process during which both sides turn over evidence to the other.

As your case works its way through the legal system, there may still be an opportunity to settle outside court. For instance, both parties may agree to mediation. If so, a third party will attempt to reach an agreement that is suitable to both parties in a last attempt to settle the matter before it goes to trial.

The overwhelming majority of cases settle outside the courtroom. However, if settlement and mediation attempts are unsuccessful, you may have to proceed to a civil trial. If you decide to go this route, Warren Allen LLP has a skilled team of litigators who will fight on your behalf and diligently work to try to secure a favorable outcome.

If you need a Portland personal injury attorney, Warren Allen LLP serves the entire Pacific Northwest region. You can book a consultation with us so we can learn about your particular situation and provide you an honest evaluation of your case. We can also answer any specific questions you have about the personal injury claim process.

Recovering from an injury can be extremely difficult all on its own. That’s why we feel you shouldn’t have to navigate the legal process by yourself. We’ll be your advocates, by your side fighting for your interests throughout the process. We’ll explain your options and guide you through each stage of your personal injury claim with expertise and compassion.

If you want a skilled team to fight for the compensation you deserve, Warren Allen LLP will devote significant time, energy, and resources to your case. That way you can focus on what’s most important- your recovery.

How Do I Negotiate a Personal Injury Settlement With an Insurance Company?

Written by George McCoy on February 20, 2023. Posted in Car Accident, Personal Injury. No Comments on How Do I Negotiate a Personal Injury Settlement With an Insurance Company?

When you’ve been injured in a car crash or accident, you are entitled to financial compensation to cover your losses. In order to receive that, you will need to negotiate a settlement with an insurance company. You shouldn’t have to take that on alone, especially when you already have recovery to focus on. Thankfully, having an attorney in your corner will be a huge advantage.

Read on below to find out more about how an attorney can help with negotiating a personal injury settlement:

What Is the First Step Toward Negotiating a Personal Injury Settlement?

Before filing a claim, you should gather as much information about the accident as possible. There should be some important details within the accident report, and you’ll want to confirm that the date, location, and time are all correct.

You’ll also need to have information about the other parties, including the driver who was at fault. Most significant is their insurance information, as that’s where you’ll file your claim. You should also gather the contact information of witnesses and anyone else involved.

As for yourself, make sure to include details and evidence of the injuries you sustained in the accident. This can include medical bills and photos, but make sure these are copies; you should keep the originals for yourself.

How Do I Start Trying to Receive a Personal Injury Settlement?

To get the ball rolling, you would file a claim with the insurance company. If you want to receive the highest settlement possible, you should have an attorney at this point. They’ll take care of filing a claim on your behalf.

A personal injury attorney will make sure your demand letter is written to be as convincing as possible. This letter will state your requested settlement amount. Your lawyer will send this along with all the necessary supporting documents. Because of their experience with these matters, you’ll be assured everything was done correctly.

How Do I Decide the Requested Settlement Amount?

Work with an attorney to decide how much your case is worth. Every accident is different, so the attorney would have to review and evaluate the details before coming up with an estimate. Typically, you will discuss how it breaks down into special damages versus general damages.

Special damages are more objective items. These are the medical bills, any lost wages, and other expenses. You’ll already have the paperwork on hand to crunch those numbers.

General damages can be difficult to discuss. Instead of objective numbers, this category refers to the non-economic damage from the accident. How the accident has impacted your life, and the pain and suffering it caused you. Throughout the negotiation process, your attorney will make sure the emotional damage you’ve suffered never gets overlooked.

These numbers aren’t set in stone, as things are set to change throughout the negotiation process. But it’s good to have a general idea.

How Long Do I Have to File for a Personal Injury Settlement?

Though the exact time may depend on individual circumstances, there are some general timelines in the Pacific Northwest region. In Oregon, you have two years but inWashington, you have three. In both cases, that clock begins after the date of loss or discovery of loss.

How Will the Insurance Company Respond?

At first, you should expect to receive a reservation of rights letter. This is an acknowledgment that they’ve received your claim and will review it. You should keep this on file, as it will include your claim number and the adjuster’s contact information. This letter does not guarantee that the insurer won’t deny it.

How Do I Respond to the Insurance Company’s First Settlement Offer?

It’s advised not to jump at the first offer you get. Expect the insurance company to offer the smallest amount possible, and they’ll try to justify the low amount by arguing that you’re asking too much or that you haven’t provided enough evidence. A personal injury attorney will back you up and ensure that you receive what you actually deserve.

How Do I Successfully Negotiate a Settlement?

Before it officially starts, an attorney will make sure you understand exactly how the settlement process works. The insurance company will have its own lawyers, who will try to trick and intimidate you. Therefore, you shouldn’t go into a negotiation like this on your own.

Obviously, you would hope to receive the exact amount you requested, or even a bit more. At this time, you can also discuss the minimum amount you’d accept. While you should prepare not to get everything you want, you should also go in feeling confident and strong. Have faith in the evidence you and your attorney have gathered.

The negotiation process will include a lot of back-and-forth with the insurance company. With every offer and counteroffer, your attorney will argue to effectively defend your side. Considering attorneys literally negotiate, argue, and defend for a living, this puts much less pressure on you.

As difficult and intimidating as the negotiations may seem, hiring an attorney instantly gives you an advantage. It shows that you’re serious about receiving the best settlement, and it implies you would be ready to file a lawsuit if the insurance company doesn’t align. In almost every case, they would prefer to settle out of court.

How Do You Reach a Personal Injury Settlement Agreement?

Even when you think you’ve reached an agreement, your attorney will follow up and follow through to ensure everything is settled. They’ll make sure you get everything in writing, and make sure the amount agreed upon is adequate to cover your bills and any future related needs.

Your attorney will also thoroughly review the agreement to make sure you understand and approve it. After all, this settlement agreement is a legal contract with the insurance company.

Here at Warren Allen LLP, our attorneys have experience successfully negotiating personal injury settlements in Portland and the surrounding Pacific Northwest area. You can find more information about our personal injury attorneys and contact us by visiting our website. We look forward to working on your behalf to get the compensation you deserve.

Does Hiring a Personal Injury Attorney Mean That I Have to File a Lawsuit?

Written by George McCoy on February 10, 2023. Posted in Personal Injury. No Comments on Does Hiring a Personal Injury Attorney Mean That I Have to File a Lawsuit?

Filing a lawsuit can be a long, arduous process. It can sometimes take years before the matter is even heard before a judge. The good news is that hiring a personal injury attorney doesn’t mean you have to file a lawsuit. In fact, filing a lawsuit with a personal injury attorney is often the last resort.

Instead, think of a personal injury attorney as your advocate. They’re your champion, fighting to get you a fair resolution to your personal injury claim so that you are adequately compensated and can devote your full attention and energy toward your recovery efforts. Warren Allen LLP has a team of experienced Portland personal injury attorneys who will fight for your rights, both inside and outside the courtroom.

Here’s an overview of what you can expect when you retain the services of a personal injury attorney:

What Does a Personal Injury Attorney Do?

Personal injury attorneys work on your behalf to secure appropriate compensation following a physical injury to you or a loved one, or following the death of a loved one. Most personal injury attorneys work on a contingency basis, meaning they only take a portion of the final compensation amount awarded as opposed to an upfront fee. Since your attorney doesn’t get paid until a settlement amount is agreed upon or you are awarded damages, it is in your attorney’s best interest to fight for you to get the maximum amount possible.

If there’s a dispute as to who is responsible for the injury, a personal injury attorney will collect the necessary records and documentation to establish who is at fault. Even if the other party admits liability, many insurance companies will attempt to pay the bare minimum possible. Having a skilled personal injury attorney by your side will increase your chances of securing an equitable outcome.

What Happens Once I Hire a Personal Injury Attorney?

The first thing a personal injury attorney will do is collect supporting documentation for your case. If you have photos of the scene where the injury occurred, notes about what happened, eyewitness account information, medical records, or anything else that pertains to your case, you should give them to your attorney.

As you recover from your injury, keep a detailed account of any symptoms you experience as well as all of your medical visits. Write down any treatments you are prescribed or recommendations you receive from a medical provider. The more records and details you can provide your attorney, the better.

Your attorney will then get to work on your case. Typically, that begins with serving notice of your intent to file a personal injury claim with the responsible party. Your personal injury attorney will then begin settlement talks and work to secure a settlement that is fair and acceptable to you.

In some instances, settlement talks may be a fairly lengthy process. On average, negotiating a settlement takes about two years. But the length of time can vary considerably based on a number of factors, such as the extent of your injuries. A personal injury attorney often waits until the scope of your injuries, and the necessary medical treatment, are fully understood so that the most favorable settlement can be reached. Of course, this can increase the duration of your personal injury claim.

You may find it difficult to pay for your medical treatment while your personal injury claim is pending. If, for instance, you’re uninsured or your personal injury protection insurance doesn’t cover all your necessary expenses, your personal injury attorney can advise you on your available options. When you retain us, we are by your side throughout the claim process so that you don’t have to navigate these situations on your own.

What Happens If I’m Unable to Settle?

While most cases settle out of court, occasionally a personal injury attorney will need to take legal action. If we are unable to reach a settlement that is agreeable to you, the next step would be to proceed with filing a lawsuit. Once a complaint is filed with the court, there is typically a pretrial discovery process during which both sides collect information and evidence from the other.

While the case is working its way through the courts, there may still be an opportunity to reach an agreement. Both parties may agree to mediation, for instance. If so, a third party would attempt to work out an equitable arrangement for both sides.

However, if the mediation is unsuccessful, the case would proceed to trial. In the event your case does go to trial, Warren Allen’s experienced team of litigators will devote significant time, energy, and effort to ensure the best possible outcome.

That being said, the vast majority of personal injury cases settle out of court. If you’ve been injured and believe someone else is at fault, you should consult a personal injury attorney regarding your available options.

If you’re looking for a Portland personal injury attorney, Warren Allen may be able to help. We provide top-quality legal services in the Portland and Southwest Washington areas, as well as across both Washington State and Oregon. Give us a call to schedule a consultation, and we will answer your questions to the best of our ability to give you an honest assessment of your case.

Since this can be a difficult situation to navigate alone, the best decision you can make is to partner with an experienced attorney who knows the ins and outs of personal injury legalities. Getting the compensation you deserve can be a long, arduous process but we’ll be by your side the entire way and see your case through to the very end.

Leave it to the expert team at Warren Allen LLP to ensure you get the medical treatments you require, as well as adequate compensation to cover them!

Is Hiring a Personal Injury Law Firm Worth It?

Written by George McCoy on January 10, 2023. Posted in Personal Injury. No Comments on Is Hiring a Personal Injury Law Firm Worth It?

Nobody expects to be injured, but when it happens, it changes everything. Your focus turns to healing and protecting yourself and your family.

If someone else’s carelessness causes your injury, it can bring on many questions, including:

Will insurance cover this?
My injury wasn’t that bad; should I hire a law firm?
Can I afford to hire a lawyer?

In the middle of handling all of the things you’re facing as a result of your accident, choosing to work with a law firm and finding the right one to represent you may seem overwhelming. Where should you begin? Read on to learn the benefits of hiring personal injury law firms in Portland, Oregon

Is It Worth Hiring a Personal Injury Law Firm?

Facing a personal injury from an accident or workplace can be life-changing. The more serious the injury, the more beneficial working with a personal injury law firm in Portland, Oregon, will be. No matter what you’re facing, your situation deserves to be handled with care.

If you’re skeptical about how much you can gain, your best action step is to speak with a lawyer, as the one you hire will have a vested interest in your outcome.

Hiring a personal injury lawyer doesn’t cost you a thing unless you win, and they work hard to ensure a case has merit before moving forward. You’ll get an honest assessment of your situation, and understand what to expect before you move forward.

6 Reasons You Should Hire a Personal Injury Law Firm

If you’re wondering if talking with a lawyer is in your best interest, ask yourself these questions.

1. Did I Suffer Injuries in the Accident?

Today’s automobiles are safer than ever before. Still, thousands of people die each year in car accidents, and those numbers are climbing.

If you’ve been injured in an accident, a personal injury law firm can help you get the compensation you deserve. You should seek legal representation if you:

Have a severe injury
Have pain and suffering
Are temporary or permanently disabled

If you’re suffering from an injury that resulted from someone else’s negligence, it’s time to put the concern back on your needs. A personal injury law firm fights for your rights for fair compensation.

2. Do I Need Help Dealing With the Insurance Company?

Insurance adjusters have one goal: To save the insurance company as much money as possible. They review cases and handle claims daily. They know the law, and how to settle a case with as little payout as possible.

That’s rarely in your best interest. Instead of dealing with never-ending phone calls and paperwork, you should focus on your injuries and getting help to receive the maximum compensation. An experienced personal injury lawyer knows how to handle the insurance company, even out the playing field, and negotiate your case to ensure you get a fair offer.

3. Is There a Question of Who Is Liable?

Not all accidents have clear outcomes. Sometimes it’s unclear who the negligent party is. If there is any question of who is liable, it’s in your best interest to seek legal representation.

By hiring a personal injury law firm, they will work to prove your innocence. If you believe the other party was at fault, it’s up to you to confirm the responsible party’s negligence. A lawyer will look at the evidence, including:

Official accident reports
Medical records
Photos from the scene
Police records
Eyewitness testimony

They will build up enough evidence to prove you have a legitimate case. If you were partially or fully at fault, you should definitely seek out legal guidance.

4. Will My Future Be Impacted By a Settlement?

If you’re facing temporary or permanent disability, your future may seem uncertain. Now more than ever, a settlement will help you and your family retain some sense of hope as you move forward. According to studies by the Insurance Research Council, those who filed claims with attorney representation received significantly higher settlements than those without.

It’s easy to see why. When a law firm specializes in personal injury cases, they work with cases similar to yours daily. They understand the strategy, what to do, and how to approach it to reach an ideal resolution.

It’s about letting an experienced firm handle what they are in business for. They won’t be overwhelmed because they’ve been through it before.

5. Can I Manage My Own Case?

At first, it can seem straightforward. File paperwork, communicate clearly, and justice will prevail. However, there are a lot of little nuances that go into a case. Things you might not be aware of. Things that can be detrimental to your case.

Sometimes people do well in handling their own cases. It might be easy to take on your own if it’s a minor fender-bender in a parking lot without much damage. If you’re a confident negotiator, you might be able to handle all communications with the insurance adjuster and receive a maximum settlement offer.

When you add in injury and are dealing with the added stress that goes with extensive trauma, that’s where a personal injury lawyer can help. Their effective negotiation skills are the key to maximizing your settlement payout.

6. What Should I Do Next?

Personal injury isn’t something most of us expect to face. It happens suddenly and changes everything in the blink of an eye. Suddenly, you’re left with endless questions.

Working with a personal injury law firm in Portland, Oregon, gives you the answers to the endless questions. They’re there to guide you through every step of the process and be your negotiator as well as your advocate. They answer questions and provide guidance every step of the way.

When your world feels like it’s upside down, that can be a comforting feeling.

Should You Hire a Personal Injury Law Firm?

A personal injury lawyer can put your mind at ease, and they’ll work hard to get you the compensation you deserve. Because of their vast knowledge and experience working with the law, they are invaluable when you’re faced with the outcome of an accident. Hire one today, and let them go to work for you.

5 Tips for Hiring Personal Injury Lawyers in Portland Oregon

Written by George McCoy on December 9, 2022. Posted in Family Law, Personal Injury. No Comments on 5 Tips for Hiring Personal Injury Lawyers in Portland Oregon

Having to deal with a personal injury is stressful at the very least. If you have a personal injury case, such as a slip and fall accident, medical malpractice, or a car accident, you’ll have much better peace of mind hiring a professional to handle it for you.

You might balk at hiring a personal injury lawyer if your car was totaled but you appeared to have suffered no injuries, and you might think that the insurance company will help you through the claims process. However, liability might be unclear in the accident or incident, in which case the task falls to you to prove your innocence. You’ll need to have evidence to support your claim, and you may have no idea how to do this.

A personal injury lawyer will handle that evidence, but also handle a myriad of other tasks, such as negotiating with the insurance company to perhaps get you a bigger compensation package and handling your court case if it goes to trial.

So hiring an attorney to handle your case is the most beneficial path to take. There are a lot of personal lawyers in Portland, Oregon, so how do you decide who to go with?

Here are five tips to keep in mind when hiring a personal injury lawyer:

1. Experience

The first thing you want to know about any lawyer you’re hiring is what kind of experience they have. Many lawyers will handle many different kinds of personal injury cases, but none of them will have handled every single kind. The umbrella of personal injury can be very wide. For example, medical malpractice cases can subdivide into traumatic brain injuries, misdiagnosis, and surgical errors. Make sure to ask whether they’ve handled cases like yours before, how many, and whether they won those cases.

When asking about experience in personal injury cases, also ask what kind of experience they have in a courtroom setting. Most civil cases don’t go to trial, so if your case is one that does, you want to be sure you have someone who knows their way around a courtroom.

2. Expectations

When asking about the procedure for personal injury cases, make sure you understand what is expected of you as well. Your lawyer may not want you to speak with other witnesses, and if you do, you could end up jeopardizing the work your lawyer and their team will be doing on your behalf. If your lawyer gives you homework, such as filling out forms, taking pictures, or otherwise documenting your injury, make sure you do it!

Some questions you can ask your lawyer include: what do you need from me in order to be sure my case is as strong as possible? Is there anything I should do or avoid in order to win my claim?

Asking about how long the process should take will also help manage your expectations. It’s probably known that your personal injury case won’t be solved overnight. In fact, the average personal injury claim can take from six months to two years. There are many variables that factor into the timeline, including how long your treatment takes.

3. Money

Be certain of any fees your lawyer is going to charge you and what you can expect as far as the outcome. You may not receive a precise answer here. Lawyers may hesitate to give you a specific number because they may not want to create unrealistic expectations. Even if they won’t know the outcome at the start of the process, they should still be able to tell you whether you have a chance of winning your case and maybe a rough prediction of your compensation.

When you’re interviewing lawyers, keep track of their answers to this question and see if they’re all in the same general ballpark. If one of them promises you a significantly higher amount, take it with a grain of salt, unless they have a particularly persuasive piece of evidence that pertains to your case.

4. Team Effort

Oftentimes, you may meet with one lawyer, but they may have a team they work with to handle their personal injury claims. This might include a junior partner, another attorney, or a paralegal (or some combination of these three). While you may prefer having one lawyer handle all aspects of your case, a setup like this is fairly common.

The other team members will help gather the basic information and then your lawyer will handle the parts that require their specialist training. The team will let you know who your point of contact will be if you have any other questions or if you need to turn in paperwork. Make sure you understand who is going to handle the settlement, compensation negotiations, or the court case, so you know who to ask which questions.

One other question you can ask here is how often you can expect updates, and how you will receive those updates (whether it’s an email, a phone call, or an in-person meeting).

5. Priorities

No matter where you live, the legal system is definitely overburdened, so you can expect any lawyer to handle more than one case at a time. You might worry that if your lawyer is handling more than one case, your case won’t get the attention to detail it deserves. There is something of a deadline for you – once you’ve suffered the accident, you have two years to file the suit.

As mentioned above, a personal injury lawyer will probably tell you that it’s best to take some time to heal or recover from the event. This is partially so that you know how much compensation to ask for when settling with the insurance company. So since you have a deadline, make sure to get someone who has the ability to work on more than one case at a time. Ask how many cases the lawyer is handling at a time, and ask how big their team is if that number is larger than you expected.

Finding representation with a personal injury lawyer shouldn’t be a convoluted process! The team at Warren Allen will help you find compensation for your personal injury with grace and the highest degree of professionalism. Contact us today.

How To Find the Best Personal Injury Car Accident Lawyer

Written by George McCoy on October 10, 2022. Posted in Personal Injury. No Comments on How To Find the Best Personal Injury Car Accident Lawyer

If you’ve been injured in a car accident, finding the best personal injury accident lawyer will help you handle both personal injury and monetary losses. They will help prepare your case for small claims court or arbitration.

Not just any lawyer will do when it comes to a personal injury case. You want to retain a lawyer that specializes in personal injuries, one you can trust to help you get the most to assist you as you move towards recovery.

Where do you begin?

Finding an Experienced Lawyer Who Specializes in Personal Injury

The practice of law is highly specialized. When law students enter school, they quickly narrow their focus for their coursework. From bankruptcy and finance law to civil rights or constitutional law, there’s a niche for every lawyer.

Once a lawyer focuses on a specific field of law, they begin to dive deeper into their chosen area of study. A tax lawyer would know little about personal injury and car accidents because they spend most of their time working on business and taxes.

So your first step is finding a lawyer with experience representing claimants in vehicular accident cases. They will have experience working with insurance companies and will be best equipped to stand by your side through the process.

Why Should You Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer?

Technically, you can file a claim with the car insurance company yourself for your accident. People do this routinely when they’ve suffered minor injuries and have the time to work through the process themselves. Moving forward on your own without a lawyer can avoid lawyer fees.

But how you stand up to big insurance companies and their lawyers will ultimately determine the outcome. Not everyone is prepared to handle this on their own.

A personal injury lawyer will have experience handling sticky situations when it comes to car accidents and the resulting claims. A team of lawyers for an auto insurance company will have the knowledge and experience to fight hard against every type of claim. How well you stand up against them is determined by the experience you bring to the table. Hiring a personal injury lawyer is best if you’ve:

Suffered severe injuries
Received extensive medical bills
Experienced significant loss of wages due to your injuries
Have a complicated situation, not cut-and-dry
May be at fault

When Consulting With a Lawyer Makes Sense

When personal injury and monetary loss are at stake, it almost always makes sense to speak with a lawyer. Specifically, personal injury lawyers are often hired in the event of:

Severe Injuries

The severity of a personal injury is measured in one of three ways:

The type of injury sustained
How much time it takes for recovery
The cost of medical bills incurred or that will incur in the future

Long-Term or Permanent Disability

A long-term injury is one that impacts you for a year or more of your life; a permanent disability will affect you for life. Both can impact the quality of your life as well as your ability to return to work and remain employable.

The legal process can be complicated. It may be well worth hiring a personal injury accident lawyer to help you navigate the legal work necessary to prove your injury was a direct result of your car accident.

How Do You Choose the Right Lawyer?

Finding a personal injury lawyer who meets your qualifications is essential. You’ll be working with them until the close of the case. There are many ways to find a potential personal injury lawyer.

Ask friends and acquaintances
Ask for referrals
Search online
Look for someone in your local community

When you’ve settled on a few prospects, it’s a good idea to sit down and meet to discuss your potential claim. Bring copies of all documentation you have on file. This includes:

The police report
Medical bills
Income loss information
Correspondence with the insurance company

Most personal injury lawyers don’t charge for this initial interview because they’re interviewing you as much as you are interviewing them. This is the proper time to find out things like:

How long they’ve practiced personal injury law
How many personal injury cases they handle per year
How often they represent plaintiffs
How much experience they have working with insurance companies
If they’ve handled cases like yours before

This is where it’s important to learn who will handle your case. Lawyers and their staff often work together. Paralegals and less experienced attorneys will do routine tasks, which offers you a break in costs.

You should also discuss lines of communication. Ask questions. You can usually determine how willing a lawyer is to answer your questions in the future by looking at how well they handle the initial consultation. If you’re working with the right team, you should feel it in your gut.

Other Considerations

Communication is important. Don’t forget to get a general understanding of the settlement goal. The lawyer may give you a general opinion of how much the case is worth and how difficult it may be to see results.

If you have questions, ask. This is your time to get comfortable with the process. Sometimes, this is the best way to determine how well-suited you are at working together. Use this time to decide if you’ve found the lawyer who is best equipped to work with you through the end of your case.

This is about you. You’re the one who’s suffered personal injury and monetary loss due to someone else’s negligence. Using these tips, you’re sure to find the best personal injury accident lawyer you can trust.

If you’re searching for a personal injury lawyer in the Portland area, give Warren Allen a call. Let’s schedule a consultation and see if pairing with us is right for you.

What Is the Role of a Personal Injury Lawyer in a Claim?

Written by George McCoy on June 21, 2022. Posted in Personal Injury. No Comments on What Is the Role of a Personal Injury Lawyer in a Claim?

If you or a loved one has suffered an injury due to someone’s negligence, you need a personal injury lawyer to represent you should you decide you initiate legal action. Instead of engaging a general practitioner, having a specialized lawyer who is an expert in handling matters relating to the negligence of a third party can make a difference to the outcome of your case.

If you’re wondering about the specific role of a personal injury lawyer in such matters, here’s what you need to know:

Gathering Evidence

Gathering the right evidence is central to the success of your claim. The law has strict requirements about what can be accepted as evidence. Any oversight at this stage can completely change the outcome of your case.

A personal injury lawyer is trained to understand the fine print of the law and ascertain the type of evidence needed to raise a claim successfully. Physical evidence, medical reports, photographs, and witness and expert statements are all critical to establishing your case. Moreover, if not preserved or photographed properly, physical evidence can get destroyed within a few hours or days after the incident.

This is where a personal injury lawyer can help, as they ensure the evidence is gathered properly. They also make sure all witness and expert statements are recorded, as per the requirements of law.

Evaluating the Merit of Your Case

Until the case is settled or heard and decided by a jury, no one can guarantee the outcome. But it’s of no use to pursue legal remedies if the outcome is destined to go against you. A personal injury lawyer will evaluate your case by considering all aspects of your claim and tell you what your chances of success are. Moreover, it works in their favor to do an initial assessment since most personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee model.
Since they are familiar with the burden of proof, it’s their responsibility to tell you whether it will be too difficult to meet the requirements. And this examination goes beyond simply looking at the immediate facts of the case. Personal injury lawyers look at the entire incident comprehensively to determine how it has changed your life.

Help Negotiate a Settlement

Often, cases can be settled to achieve the best outcome. In fact, trials are riskier, expensive, and may go against you even if the odds are in your favor.
As an aggrieved party, you may hardly be in a position to negotiate with the party at fault. Even if you do it on your own, you may end up overlooking critical aspects of the case and negotiating a much lower amount than you deserve.
Luckily, that’s one of the advantages of getting a personal injury lawyer on board, as they can negotiate on your behalf. Armed with knowledge and years of experience, a lawyer knows the ins and outs of dealing with all other parties to ensure that you get a fair outcome.
Preparing Arguments
If your case is going to trial, you will need solid arguments. Even a single misstep here can impact the outcome of your case. A personal injury lawyer knows how to draft the pleadings based on tested strategies that appeal to the audience. They know how to present their arguments persuasively and succinctly so that both judge and jury are likely to rule in your favor. They also manage the finer details of the pleadings, such as using the correct format and filing the motion on time.

Preparing Deposition Strategies

The examination of witnesses, claimants, or defendants plays a pivotal role in your claim. How each participant narrates the events leading to the injury you have suffered is essential to making your case to the jury and judge. But in the absence of thorough preparation of plaintiffs and their witnesses, there is a chance that the case may get dismissed on summary judgment.
A personal injury lawyer helps their clients craft a compelling story and present it clearly and so the weaknesses aren’t highlighted. They also work out how to depose the defendants during cross-examination and poke holes in their statements to strengthen your case.

Negotiating With Insurance Companies and Sending Demand Letters

Insurance companies are key stakeholders in most personal injury claims, and dealing with them is often challenging. Personal injury lawyers are experts when it comes to negotiating with insurance companies. Not only do they go over the details of the policy statement to determine the exact compensation available, but they can also ensure regular communication with the insurer to avoid any untoward circumstances where the claim gets rejected or jeopardized.
A personal injury lawyer may also send demand letters to the insurer detailing the facts and the estimate of the claim amount payable on account of the injury. In fact, they also ensure that the insurance companies pay up the maximum amount possible following the policy terms, as insurers attempt to find loopholes in the claim to reduce their liability.

Are you looking for a personal injury lawyer to give you solid legal advice?

Now that you’re familiar with the role of a personal injury lawyer, make sure to approach one if you or a loved one has experienced an accident that has resulted in injury or even death. Suitable legal representation can help you obtain the compensation you deserve.
If you are looking for a personal injury lawyer in Portland and Pacific Northwest, reach out to Warren Allen LLP. Our attorneys are licensed to practice in Oregon, Washington, and Idaho courts and can help you litigate your personal injury claims successfully. Contact us to learn more.