Tag: lawyers in portland oregon

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!

When to Contact a Medical Malpractice Attorney

Written by George McCoy on May 10, 2023. Posted in Medical Malpractice. No Comments on When to Contact a Medical Malpractice Attorney

The COVID-19 crisis showed us that medical professionals like doctors and nurses are brave and incredibly hardworking. Most of the time, you can be sure that the healthcare professionals in your life are doing their best to help you, but there may be incidents where doctors, nurses, or medical institutions result in inadvertent harm rather than aid. Through negligence or error, medical professionals can hurt instead of heal, and those are the times when you might consider hiring a medical malpractice attorney in Oregon or wherever else it is you might be.

In the case you’ve suffered injury as a result of medical malpractice, it may be necessary for you to work with a medical malpractice attorney to help you be made whole again. In this blog, we’ll examine the following questions:

What is medical malpractice?
What are some common examples of medical malpractice?
When should you hire a medical malpractice attorney?

What Is Medical Malpractice?

Medical malpractice is harm done by a medical practitioner, from a doctor to an anesthesiologist to a nurse or nurse practitioner. In layman’s speak, medical malpractice can refer to any treatment from a medical professional that results in substandard care.

From a legal perspective, there are three key components to medical malpractice:

There must be a relationship between doctor and patient. A medical professional who published a paper about a new treatment that wound up causing harm could not be accused of medical malpractice; only the doctor who recommended the treatment to their patient.
The medical professional must have been negligent. A healthcare professional who can argue that they were doing their best for the patient would have a potent defense against malpractice. For instance, the doctor who recommended the revolutionary new treatment mentioned in the first point would have an argument against malpractice. Similarly, a neurologist on a plane flight who was asked to help a patient suffering a heart attack could plausibly argue that they didn’t have the tools or expertise to properly help.
The negligence had a direct connection with the injury in question. The worst ophthalmologist in the world negligently giving an eye exam probably won’t be on the hook for medical malpractice if a patient has a heart attack while in their doctor’s office. Unless it can be shown that there is a direct line between negligence and harm, a medical malpractice claim is unlikely to stick.

What Are Common Types of Medical Malpractice?

Now that we’ve examined the criteria that define medical malpractice, let’s look at some of the most common types of malpractice that people might be unfortunate enough to encounter.

Misdiagnosis. An incorrect diagnosis can cost people valuable time in pursuing the correct treatment, and in the worst cases, by the time the real problem is identified it may be too late.
Medication. If a doctor prescribes you medication that has a poor reaction either with medication you’re already taking or a condition you’re known to have, then that is a classic example of malpractice.
Birth injuries. Childbirth can be a very dangerous time for both parent and child. Improperly handled childbirth that leads to injury for either party can be certainly considered malpractice.
Surgical mistakes. Errors during surgery that leave lasting harm instead of correcting the issue are a prime candidate for being considered medical malpractice.

When Should You Contact a Medical Malpractice Attorney?

Now that we’ve examined the sorts of scenarios that can be called medical malpractice, if you’ve encountered these situations, does that mean you should hire a medical malpractice attorney right away, whether you’re in Oregon or some other state?

The honest answer is “it depends.” If you think your case falls under the three criteria outlined in the first part of this post, then you certainly can consider hiring a medical malpractice attorney.

However, do keep in mind that medical malpractice can be difficult to prove and even with the best medical malpractice attorney in Oregon, you may be looking forward to a costly, prolonged legal battle. Therefore, if you believe you’ve suffered injury as a result of negligent care, your first step should be to file a medical malpractice claim with your state’s medical licensing board.

This will both inform your physician or health care facility that you are seriously unhappy with the quality of care received, and put pressure on them to reach an agreement that may result in your financial compensation without ever having to properly work with a medical malpractice attorney.

This will also result in your harm being officially investigated by the licensing bureau . While this may not directly result in restitution being made to you, it will make it more likely that harm does not come to any other people in the future as part of negligent behavior on the healthcare provider or institution.

Also, the medical licensing board can appoint an impartial arbitrator to analyze the facts and determine whether or not your medical malpractice case has enough substance to move forward, all without you having to spend a dime on a medical malpractice attorney.

However, if you do not have the time to wait for a medical licensing board to work, or if you believe your case is substantial, then you should contact a medical malpractice attorney as soon as you see fit. Medical malpractice attorneys are excellent partners for navigating the complex world of medical malpractice, and they can put together documents or navigate the law in a way that benefits you.

A medical malpractice attorney perhaps should not be your first go-to option, but in the event that you have suffered real harm at the hands of a negligent medical professional, hiring a medical malpractice attorney is a no-brainer.

If you’re looking for a top-class medical malpractice attorney in Oregon, it’s time to contact Warren Allen, LLP. We can help you find the restitution you seek and make you whole again.

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.

Are Family Law Attorneys Just for Divorces?

Written by George McCoy on March 20, 2023. Posted in Family Law. No Comments on Are Family Law Attorneys Just for Divorces?

When you’re looking to hire an attorney in Portland, it’s important to know what the different fields of law cover. If you’ve never needed a family law attorney before, you may be thinking that family law lawyers only handle divorces. While divorces are a large segment of this field of law, it’s far from the only thing they help clients with.

Why Might I Need a Family Law Attorney in Portland?

When it comes to major life changes, it helps to consult with an expert. For major shifts such as getting divorced, separating, or requesting a change in custody of a child, a family law attorney would be the expert to consult with.

The family law field covers legal disputes between two parties, usually family members, spouses, former spouses, domestic partners, or parents and children. Family law attorneys will help you navigate and resolve the issues involving that kind of relationship. They also understand the sensitivities involved because of personal matters.

Another thing to keep in mind is that laws, rules, required actions, and regulations vary for each state. Thankfully, experienced attorneys are experts in the guidelines of the states where they practice.

Aside from divorce, Portland family law attorney services include legal advice, support, and representation on nonmarital cohabitation, conservatorships, and family law-related appeals. Read on to find some more examples:

Prenuptial Agreements

As the name implies, this is a legal service conducted before a marriage is made legal. It often includes things like how property will be divided in case of a divorce. Family law attorneys can also help with postnuptial agreements.

Child Custody and Visitation Rights

Whether or not you were ever married, custody and visitation are an important part of a separation if you share children. This area entails creating guidelines for co-parenting, such as figuring out parenting plans and time schedules.

There are different kinds of custody:

Physical, or the amount of time spent with each parent.
Legal means the parents have a say in matters such as schooling, healthcare, and general lifestyle.
Sole custody means only one parent has primary physical and legal custody of the child, although the other parent may be allowed visitation.
Joint custody means it is split between both parents. This is not necessarily a 50/50 split. Decisions like the exact amount of time spent residing with a parent will vary depending on several factors.

Some parents can agree to an arrangement that satisfies them both, but some custody and visitation discussions can be very contentious. This is one of the very sensitive and emotional issues that family law attorneys are equipped to handle. If the parents cannot come to an agreement, the court will decide based on the children’s best interests.

Child Support

Attorneys can help come up with a child support agreement based on custody, income, and client’s wishes. Each state has its own child support guidelines, which a family law attorney will be familiar with. Attorneys are also used if a parent is not supplying the child support they were ordered to by the court.

Establishing Paternity

Establishing paternity can be an important aspect of deciding child custody and support. It’s another delicate and emotional legal matter where family law attorneys will provide immeasurable help.

Alimony and Spousal Support

Alimony or spousal support is a financial arrangement post-divorce. Typically, if one party makes significantly more than the other, they will pay a certain amount per month to their former spouse. It enables the spouse to continue living a similar lifestyle.

This is an agreement that can be temporary or permanent. The exact parameters of alimony will depend on the individuals and the state where they reside. For instance, certain jurisdictions have time limits.

Family law attorneys also handle palimony, which is a similar financial arrangement, only between two separated parties who were not legally married.

Marital Property

Division of property and/or assets may already be laid out in a prenuptial agreement, or the former spouses could come up with an arrangement that satisfies them both amid the divorce. In that case, it’s still wise to have an attorney to consult, as they’ll make sure everything is up to snuff.

There’s also a possibility that the division of property will be contentious. In some cases, this can be worked out and resolved with each party and their attorney. But if that still doesn’t settle things, the decision may be turned over to a judge and a court.

Some determining factors include income, length of marriage, the amount of property, and the spouses’ respective ages. The division of property can also vary by state. In some areas, a court will most likely determine that marital or community property should be divided up 50/50.

Legal Separation

Some choose a legal separation over a divorce. Since it is also a legal arrangement, it helps to have an attorney in your corner.

Adoption and Foster Care

Family law attorneys can act in facilitating a private adoption. Adoption can include a stepparent legally adopting their stepchild, and may require one or both biological parents to abdicate their status as parents.

Guardianship

Guardianship refers to being legally able to make decisions on behalf of another individual. It is often used for children and can be a step toward adoption. It can also be used when an adult is unable to take care of themselves. When guardianship is granted, the adult or child is then referred to as a protected person.

Emancipation

In family law, emancipation refers to a minor requesting to be released from the custody and control of a parent or guardian. Once granted, the minor will typically be enabled to make legal decisions for themselves instead.

Domestic Abuse

Family law attorneys take these accusations very seriously and will help with obtaining orders of protection.

For the best family law attorneys in Portland, look no further than our team at Warren Allen LLP. We have provided top-of-the-line legal services to the Pacific Northwest area for over fifty years now. For more information on our Portland family law attorneys, visit our website.

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.

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.

Tips for Vetting Law Firms in Portland Oregon

Written by George McCoy on October 20, 2022. Posted in General Law. No Comments on Tips for Vetting Law Firms in Portland Oregon

Finding a lawyer during an already stressful time in your life can feel like an insurmountable task. Typically, people don’t have a relationship with a lawyer already in place when something happens to them that requires legal assistance. Usually, when someone requires legal guidance, it’s due to an unpleasant and stressful situation that has happened unexpectedly, such as a car accident, a bad fall or personal injury, or a family law issue like divorce or a child custody disagreement. No attorney will completely eliminate the stress of the situation, but the right attorney can help allay some of your concerns.

When you need legal advice, it’s best not to just accept the very first law firm you find in a random online search for help. You want to make sure you are finding quality legal representation that will represent you and your needs with care and expertise. If you are looking for law firms in Portland, Oregon, or wherever you may live, the litigation experts at Warren Allen LLP list below how to find a law firm that best suits your specific legal needs.

Make Sure You Find a Law Firm That Specializes in the Area of Law You Require Help With

It’s always important to find a law firm that has extensive experience in litigating within the specialty you need. For example, if you are looking for a divorce lawyer, it is not enough to find a lawyer with a website that says they practice family law. You want to ensure your law firm specializes in family law and has a history of representing clients within this field.

Look for blog posts or social media posts from the law firm. Do they talk about the area of law that you need? Are there signs of innovation in the field where you need representation? If the law firm demonstrates authority in that area of law, this is a great sign that they are current and active in that field of law and can be a potentially good fit for your legal needs.

Ensure You Can Afford the Law Firm’s Fee

When choosing the law firm that best fits your needs, one factor that is very important to consider is the cost of legal representation. It is important to ask up front what the costs of representation will be to ensure it is an affordable option for you before deciding on which law firm will be the best fit for you. While your instinct might be to opt for the best attorney money can buy, it’s not actually realistic. You also don’t want to just blindly choose the cheapest service either. The truth is that you need to look at law firms in Portland, Oregon, that meet both your needs and your budget.

Typically, law firms that specialize will cost more than a generalist firm that tends to deal more in volume of clients rather than focusing on each client in depth. Most law firms charge hourly, ranging in price from $300 to $1,000 per hour.

Ask About the Attorney’s and the Law Firm’s Experience

It’s crucial to ask prospective lawyers how many years they have practiced and, in particular, how many years in the field of law you need before deciding on which law firm is right for you. Training and specialization are important, but years of experience in practicing law means they have been through trials and have lost some, won some, and learned from each experience. Go ahead and ask if they’ve handled cases similar to yours and how those turned out.

Choosing local law firms, like Warren Allen in Portland, Oregon, can also be important to the outcome of your case. They’ll be familiar with how the court systems work in the area and have experience working with different judges and attorneys. They’ll also be up to date on all county and state laws, procedures, and policies, better ensuring you get the highest level of representation.

Check Online Reviews and Get Personal References

If you are unsure where to begin your search for a trusted lawyer in your area, start by asking around. If you know a friend, family member, neighbor, or professional who has been through your situation before, it could be helpful to ask if they have a referral to a lawyer who they trust. If you happen to have an existing relationship with a lawyer in another field of law, consider asking them for a recommendation to a lawyer in your area of need. You can even ask your doctor or other professional if they have a trusted lawyer they would recommend.

You should also read reviews online to see what people are saying about their experiences with various law firms in your area. It’s always a good idea to read reviews and ask around before signing a contract with a new law firm.

Consider Your Attorney’s Availability and Ease of Communication

When you first meet with your new attorney, this is your time to interview them as if you were hiring them for a new position at your company. This is a great time to ask about their availability when you have follow-up questions, as they will most definitely arise, and not all lawyers are available at the same rate. Some law firms have paralegals who can answer your questions more readily than the lawyers, who may frequently be in court and unavailable to field your various questions. It is always a good idea to make sure you can communicate with your lawyer or their staff when needed.

If you are looking for law firms in Portland, Oregon, consider hiring the legal experts at Warren Allen LLP. Our team specializes in personal injury, family law, and more. Reach out today.

5 Tips for Finding a Qualified Family Law Attorney in Portland Oregon

Written by George McCoy on September 19, 2022. Posted in Family Law. No Comments on 5 Tips for Finding a Qualified Family Law Attorney in Portland Oregon

If you’re getting married, going through a divorce, or in the midst of a custody battle, you know how important it is to have a good family law attorney by your side. You want to find someone who will protect your assets and fight for your interests. But where do you begin?

Warren Allen LLP is experienced in all types of family law matters, and we have some great tips for finding a qualified family law attorney in the Portland, Oregon, area.

1. Ask for Referrals

The best place to start is with your own personal network. If you know anyone who has hired a family law attorney in Portland, Oregon, recently, ask them about their experience. Were they satisfied with their representation? Did they receive a favorable outcome? If so, ask questions about whether they settled the matter out of court or if litigation was involved. What was it about the attorney that made them particularly effective at handling this particular family law matter?

If the person was unsatisfied with their representation, find out why. Getting information about which attorneys to avoid is just as helpful as getting a recommendation for who to hire. If you don’t personally know anyone who has retained a family law attorney in the Portland, Oregon, area, there are other ways to find a reputable attorney.

2. Check Professional Associations

Another option for locating a family law attorney is to check professional membership associations. For instance, the American Bar Association (ABA) has a lawyer referral directory. You can also search your local and state bar associations to find a family law attorney near you. For instance, the Oregon State Bar has both a lawyer referral service and a searchable membership directory.

If you decide to choose an outside lawyer referral and information service, make sure it has the ABA logo. The use of the logo ensures the service meets ABA public service standards.

Whether using your own personal network, checking professional membership organizations, or paying for a lawyer referral service, be sure to properly vet the attorneys you are considering by doing your due diligence in researching their backgrounds and credentials.

Choosing a family law attorney is an important decision. Never make a decision to hire a family law attorney solely based on a recommendation or referral. Instead, gather as much information as you can before making a final decision.

3. Conduct an Internet Search

You can uncover a lot of information about an attorney through a simple internet search; think of it as doing a background check for free. When you’ve narrowed your search for a family law attorney down to a select few, do some internet sleuthing and see what you can find out about each. At a minimum, most lawyers will have a website bio that outlines their background and experience.

You may also be able to find online reviews that will tell you whether the attorney has a favorable track record with former clients. You should also check both their personal and professional social media profiles. LinkedIn, for instance, may provide a breakdown of their employment history and professional accolades. Other social media platforms could give you a glimpse at how they conduct themselves in their personal lives as well.

4. Verify Track Record

Be sure to verify an attorney’s track record beyond a simple Internet search. If you’re using the Oregon Bar Association lawyer referral service (LRS), you can be confident LRS attorneys “are in good standing with the bar, have no current disciplinary proceedings pending, carry malpractice insurance” and agree to abide by customer service standards.

On the other hand, if you find an attorney through another means, you may need to do your own research. If you’re based in Oregon, you can obtain information regarding a state bar member’s current status, past complaints, and history of disciplinary action by calling 503-620-0222, ext. 394. If you’re based outside of Oregon, check your own state bar association to confirm whether the attorney you are considering is in good standing.

5. Schedule a Consultation

Once you’ve narrowed your search, the best thing you can do is schedule an in-person consultation. Some attorneys charge for a consult, while others do not. Contact the firm to see if there is a charge and if so, inquire about the cost.

If there is a fee for an in-person consultation and you’re trying to save money, ask if there is a fee for a phone consult. Whenever possible, you should try to meet in person with any family law attorney you’re considering. At your consultation, ask them about their background and experience, whether they specialize in your particular family law matter, how many similar cases they’ve worked in the past, and for an overview of your options.

Be as detailed and specific as possible with your questions. Take notes. Get a sense of the attorney’s communication skills and whether you feel you could foster a strong attorney-client relationship with them. The impression you get when meeting an attorney face-to-face can go a long way in helping you decide if they’re the right one for you.

If you’re looking for a family law attorney in Portland, Oregon, area, add Warren Allen LLP to your list. We have experienced attorneys skilled in an array of family law matters, from prenuptial agreements to separations and paternity issues. Whether a marriage, civil union, or domestic partnership, we handle each case personally and with the utmost integrity.

As we’ve discussed, first do your due diligence by conducting some research and then schedule a consult with us. We’ll provide you with an honest assessment of your case and if you choose to retain us, we’ll provide you with top-notch legal representation at every stage.

Avoid These Common Divorce Mistakes in Oregon

Written by George McCoy on July 8, 2022. Posted in Family Law. No Comments on Avoid These Common Divorce Mistakes in Oregon

Understanding common mistakes people make during their divorce can help you avoid the same traps. Your Portland divorce attorney will be your ally and can advise you during the divorce while offering advice specific to your individual situation.
Going through a divorce is stressful, and the resulting emotions are not unexpected. It’s helpful to be aware of how these emotions may impact decision-making during this time. Whether you are working through a collaborative and civilized divorce or one that is fueled with difficulty and conflict, the approach should be the same. What’s important is to not allow stress or confusion to overwhelm your decisions during the process.
Though this may be a difficult time, keep in mind that there are certain pitfalls you need to watch out for while negotiating and filing for divorce.

Rushing to Settle

It’s understandable to want to finalize a divorce quickly and move forward to end this chapter and start a new one, but this can compromise a fair outcome. Full information is essential in settling on a proposal that is the best resolution for all parties. Though it may be tempting to accept the first settlement proposed or settle before all pertinent information is available, it may leave you with an unfavorable result. Sitting down with an experienced divorce mediator may be best for both parties to work toward a solution.
It’s helpful to take your time and think through these decisions carefully while consulting your Portland divorce attorney. Once an agreement has been signed by a judge, it cannot be reversed or changed unless you go through additional court proceedings, and often only if there were assets omitted (either intentionally or unintentionally). Take the time to carefully consider settlement proposals before accepting them and work toward a resolution that is best for your situation.

Not Setting Appropriate Boundaries for Your Children

Age-appropriate communication with your children is crucial during a divorce. It can be a confusing time, and it’s important they work through their feelings and have a safe place to ask questions. It’s also essential to clarify that it’s not their fault and to provide reassurance.
Healthy communication with your children about the divorce should include balance. It’s important to not overshare or fail to prepare them by not discussing it all or avoiding the subject. Keep the conversation age-specific and avoid speaking negatively about the other parent.
Before discussing the divorce with them, take time to think about what is appropriate and what is inappropriate for them to know and set healthy boundaries. There are several books available that cover how to speak to your children about divorce, or a family therapist may be a viable option.

Losing Focus

At the time, every detail may seem critical to take to court. In the interest of not dragging out the process, select which issues are worth taking to court and which ones can be negotiated. Your Portland divorce attorney can help decide which issues fall into which category if you are struggling.
Keep the end goal in focus when making these decisions so you can secure a positive future.

Refusing to Negotiate

A common mistake in divorce is rushing the process, but the opposite can be true as well. Negative feelings or a desire to make a spouse “pay” for their shortcomings in the relationship can unnecessarily drag out a divorce.
This may not be true in each divorce, but unresolved issues or anger in some separations may lead to attempting to use the legal process as an opportunity to get even. Refusing to compromise and insisting on going to court or dragging out court appearances can cost time and money. The court may not view this favorably and it could cost you. It’s natural to be angry, but do your best to stay focused so you can focus on the best outcome for yourself.

Listening to Misinformation

Everyone has advice and opinions when it comes to a divorce, whether it’s your family, friends, or the internet. Though some of this counsel may be wise, especially from someone who has previous experience with divorce, keep in mind that a legal process requires the services of an attorney local to you who specializes in family law and how it relates to your situation. With the internet putting a lot of sources at our fingertips, there can be a lot of misinformation that will lead you astray.
An experienced attorney specializing in family law will have detailed knowledge in divorce, as well as other areas of legal practice, and can help you reach the best resolution possible. They will be your ally, help mediate, and help advise you in obtaining the best possible outcome in your divorce.
Whether you need help with legal representation or advice in separation, divorce, custody, or establishing parenting time, Warren Allen LLP is here to help. Our experienced attorneys have detailed knowledge of family law and other areas of legal practice that may arise in domestic relations. Contact us today and let our attorneys help you secure a positive future and the best resolution possible.

Forgetting to Keep Long-Term Goals in Mind

It’s easy to get stuck in the past and forget to create a plan for your future. There are a lot of factors to consider that can be overlooked when dealing with the overwhelming and immediate details. Receiving helpful counsel from professionals like a Portland divorce attorney, counselors, or financial experts may be helpful in staying grounded and creating a plan for the future. This can include protecting the future well-being of children, your mental health, property, and finances.
You may need to make a plan for parenting time, keeping your children’s best interests in mind. You may need to account for financial changes such as a change in income, the differences in separate property and marital property, as well as changes in income tax post-divorce.
Seeking the counsel of professionals, family, and friends can help you create a support team for your family, so you don’t have to go through the process alone. Having help from a knowledgeable and supportive team will help you avoid some of the common divorce mistakes.
Going through a divorce can be a difficult time, but making careful decisions and accepting the correct types of help can guide you to a more favorable future.