Catastrophic Injuries Lawyer in Portland
Helping People Get the Compensation They Deserve
If you suffered a severe injury in an accident, you understand how difficult the days and weeks that follow can be. You may be coping with the initial shock of the accident, as well as the pain and trauma from your injuries. You might feel uncertain about your next steps, including medical treatment and managing your financial future.
Fortunately, you have access to compassionate and experienced catastrophic injury attorneys in Portland, OR at Pacific Cascade Legal who will help you navigate your case. Our team works with medical professionals to determine the full extent of your injuries and works to present your case to the insurance company.
Contact us online today to learn how we can help you with your case with our Portland catastrophic injuries attorneys.
What Is Considered a "Catastrophic Injury"?
Catastrophic injuries cause permanent damage, such as paralysis or brain damage. These types of injuries often require extensive, long-term medical care and can dramatically change the course of a person’s life.
The effects of a catastrophic injury extend to every aspect of daily living. Many individuals require adaptive equipment, home modifications, and ongoing care. Rehabilitation may include physical therapy, occupational therapy, and psychological support. Depending on the injury, family members often need to adjust work schedules and routines to provide care and accompany loved ones to medical appointments. These realities impact both emotional health and financial security for the entire household.
Catastrophic injuries can include:
- Spinal cord damage
- Brain damage
- Amputation
- Paralysis
- Partial or complete loss of sight or hearing
In Oregon, the law defines a catastrophic injury as “any injury that results in permanent and significant functional impairment, requiring either life-sustaining medical treatment or institutionalization for a period of more than 90 days.”
How Much Can You Recover From a Catastrophic Injury Case?
Oregon law allows you to recover up to $2 million in non-economic damages from a catastrophic injury case. This compensation covers things like pain and suffering, as well as emotional trauma.
The total amount you may be able to secure is influenced by the unique facts of your case, including the extent of your injuries, long-term medical needs, your ability to return to work, and how the injury affects your everyday activities. Medical records, evaluations from Portland healthcare specialists, and testimony from vocational and economic experts help to establish the true value of your claim. An attorney can help identify all possible categories of compensation and ensure that no aspect of your loss goes unrecognized.
To recover these damages, our Portland catastrophic injury lawyer will show that your injuries caused significant and permanent emotional trauma, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
You may also qualify to recover money for medical care, rehabilitation, and lost wages. The total amount of compensation you can recover depends on your unique circumstances and the severity of your injuries.
How Our Catastrophic Injury Attorneys Can Help You
After a catastrophic injury, you may be facing medical bills, lost wages, and mounting expenses. You might not know where to turn for help. At Pacific Cascade Legal, we guide you in pursuing the compensation you need to get back on your feet.
We can help you recover money for:
- Medical bills
- Rehabilitation
- Lost wages
- Permanent and significant functional impairment
- Pain and suffering
- And more
Oregon's No-Fault Law
Oregon operates under a “no-fault” system, which means you do not have to prove that the person who caused your accident acted negligently to recover compensation. Under Oregon’s no-fault law, you can file a claim for personal injury protection (PIP) benefits from the at-fault party’s insurance company if you were injured in an auto accident.
If you were injured in a non-auto accident, you may still file a claim for PIP benefits. You could be entitled to up to $50,000 in medical expenses, up to $25,000 in lost wages, and 90 days of in-home services. You may also apply for PIP benefits if you were injured by a dog or through intentional harm by another person.
If you were injured in a car accident and require life-sustaining medical treatment, you may be eligible for catastrophic injury benefits in Portland. Contact us today!
Common Causes & Types of Catastrophic Injuries in Portland
Catastrophic injuries often result from incidents with a high level of force or impact. In Portland, residents face unique risks due to the city’s active lifestyle and changing infrastructure. Motor vehicle collisions—including car, truck, pedestrian, and bicycle crashes—remain leading causes, especially near busy intersections and major corridors like I-5 and I-84. Workplace accidents at local manufacturers, distribution centers, and construction sites also account for a significant portion of serious injuries. Falls from height, recreational accidents on the Willamette River or in Portland’s many parks, and violent acts such as assaults or fires further contribute to the prevalence of catastrophic injuries in the area.
Specific types of catastrophic injuries commonly encountered in Portland include:
- Traumatic brain injuries resulting from motor vehicle collisions or falls
- Severe spinal cord injuries at job sites or from recreational activities
- Burns from fires, chemical incidents, or electrical accidents in industrial settings
- Multiple fractures and organ damage from bicycle and pedestrian accidents
- Amputations caused by heavy machinery malfunctions or crashes
Because each case is unique, a local catastrophic injury attorney can help evaluate the details and help you secure needed resources for recovery in the Portland area.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I have to file a catastrophic injury claim in Portland?
In Oregon, the statute of limitations for most personal injury claims, including catastrophic injuries, is generally two years from the date of the incident. Starting the process early ensures important evidence is collected and deadlines are not missed.
What makes a catastrophic injury case different from other personal injury claims?
Catastrophic injury cases typically involve permanent impairment, greater financial loss, and longer-term care needs. The legal and compensation process is often more complex, involving higher damages and detailed documentation to reflect ongoing medical and life care needs.
Will my case need to go to court?
Many catastrophic injury cases are resolved through settlement outside court, but some proceed to trial if disputes about fault or the full value of damages arise. An attorney can guide you through your options based on your situation and needs.
Contact Our Portland Catastrophic Injury Attorneys Today
At Pacific Cascade Legal, we have the experience to handle catastrophic injury cases. We understand the challenges you face and are prepared to help you pursue the compensation you need. Our team will advocate for you and your family and work diligently to secure the compensation you deserve.
Choosing the right attorney for a catastrophic injury case in Portland means working with someone who knows local procedures and the regional court system. At Pacific Cascade Legal, our attorneys are familiar with the unique requirements of Multnomah County courts and the local insurance landscape. We offer ongoing support, clear answers to your questions, and personalized service for each client. Our aftercare program keeps you connected to legal resources long after your case concludes, because your well-being continues to matter to us.
Contact us online to schedule a case evaluation with our Portland catastrophic injury lawyers.
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