A Lawyer Who Knows Milwaukie and Fights for Its People
We know that Milwaukie is more than just a location on a map; it's a community built on hard work, local businesses, and families who deserve to feel safe and protected. When someone in Milwaukie is injured because another person acted negligently, it affects the entire community.
That's why we're committed to providing Milwaukie residents with the same level of dedicated legal representation that we'd offer our own neighbors. We're not a huge, impersonal firm; we're a small team of legal professionals who take the time to understand the unique challenges facing our clients.
Each member of our team is familiar with Clackamas County courts, stays informed on local legal developments, and is ready to fight tirelessly to hold negligent individuals and companies responsible for the harm they do.
No Fees Unless We Win: Your Recovery Is Our Focus
We handle all personal injury cases on a contingency fee basis. This means that you don't pay us anything unless we win or settle your case. Since our fee comes out of the compensation we recover for you, you can focus on healing without worrying about legal bills.
Milwaukie Injury Cases We Handle
Whether your injury happened on River Road, at a local business, or anywhere else in Milwaukie, we're here to help.
Car Accidents
From fender benders on King Road to more serious collisions on McLoughlin Boulevard, we know the challenges drivers face on Milwaukie's busy streets. We'll investigate the cause of your accident, determine who was at fault, and seek compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Drunk Driving Accidents
Drunk driving accidents are entirely preventable. People who choose to drink and drive can cause serious injuries to other drivers and bystanders. We're dedicated to holding drunk drivers accountable for their reckless actions and will fight to get you the justice and compensation you deserve.
Truck Accidents
Accidents involving large commercial trucks are more likely to result in catastrophic injuries. Because of the massive size and force of these vehicles, truck drivers should be held to high standards. We are ready to hold negligent truck drivers and trucking companies accountable for the harm they cause, seeking justice for Milwaukie residents.
Bicycle Accidents
Milwaukie is becoming increasingly bike-friendly, but cyclists have little protection when they share the road with cars. We'll fight for you if you've been injured in a bicycle accident caused by a negligent driver.
Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcyclists are at high risk on the roads, and even a minor accident can lead to serious injuries. We understand the unique legal challenges facing injured riders and will advocate for your right to full compensation.
Pedestrian Accidents
Drivers in Milwaukie don’t always watch out for the most vulnerable road users. Whether you were struck by a car while crossing the street or injured at an intersection, we'll work to hold the responsible parties accountable and help you recover compensation for your injuries.
Slip and Fall Accidents
Property owners in Milwaukie have a legal duty to maintain safe environments for visitors. If you've been injured due to a hazardous condition on someone else's property, we can help you file a claim for your medical bills, lost wages, and other damages.
Dog Bites
Aggressive dogs can cause serious injuries and scars that never go away. We can help you understand your rights and pursue a claim against the dog owner's insurance company to cover your medical expenses and other losses.
Wrongful Death Claims
Losing a loved one due to someone else's negligence is devastating. We handle wrongful death cases with compassion and sensitivity, guiding families through the legal system and fighting to hold the responsible parties accountable.
Injured in Milwaukie? Get a Free Case Review Now
Take the first step toward getting your life back on track. Contact Newlin Law Offices today to book your free consultation.
Understanding Your Rights After an Accident in Milwaukie, Oregon
After you’ve been injured, your health and well-being are the top priorities. Once you’ve addressed those immediate needs, you may find yourself feeling lost and unsure about what to do next. Newlin Law Offices can help. Here's how Oregon laws could affect your claim.
Comparative Negligence in Oregon
Even if you were partially at fault for your injury, you might still be able to recover compensation. Oregon follows a modified comparative negligence rule. This means that your compensation will be reduced in proportion to your percentage of fault. However, if you are found to be 51% or more at fault, you will likely be barred from recovering any damages at all.
Oregon's Fault System
Oregon is a "fault" state for car insurance, which means that your path to compensation after a car accident will likely start with the insurance company of the driver who was at fault.
Winning your claim may involve demonstrating the other driver’s negligence. For example, you might show evidence that they directly caused your injuries by breaking traffic laws or otherwise acting recklessly.
Statute of Limitations in Oregon
There is a time limit for each type of legal action called the “statute of limitations.” Oregon law sets this time limit as two years for personal injury lawsuits. Failing to file within this time frame can result in losing your right to seek compensation.
Seeking Legal Counsel
An experienced Milwaukie personal injury attorney can explain how Oregon laws will affect your injury claim and guide you on the specific steps you need to take.
Don't Settle for Less — Know the Value of Your Milwaukie Injury Claim
The value of your claim can vary greatly depending on several factors:
- The severity of your injuries
- The impact of your injuries on your ability to work and earn a living
- The amount of medical treatment you’ve received and may need in the future
- The strength of the evidence supporting your claim
- Whether your injuries have resulted in any permanent disabilities or disfigurement
Oregon law offers a way to make injured parties whole by addressing both the financial and personal impacts of an accident.
Economic Damages
Economic damages have a clear financial value that can be documented. The court may award these damages to reimburse a plaintiff for the monetary losses they have already incurred and are likely to incur in the future. In your personal injury case, your economic damages may include the following:
- Medical expenses: All past, current, and reasonably anticipated future medical costs related to your injuries, such as:
- Emergency medical treatment
- Hospital stays
- Doctor visits
- Surgeries
- Medications
- Physical therapy
- Rehabilitation
- Medical equipment
- Lost wages: Wages, bonuses, commissions, and any other form of income you would have earned if not for the accident.
- Loss of earning capacity: Compensation for expected future wages and benefits if your injuries result in long-term or permanent disabilities that affect your ability to earn money.
- Loss of household services: The value of housekeeping, childcare, and similar services that are needed when a family member can no longer provide them due to a serious injury.
- Property damage: Reimbursement for the repair or replacement cost of your vehicle or other property that was damaged at the time of your injury.
Calculating the full financial impact of a serious injury is not always simple. An experienced Milwaukie personal injury attorney can review your losses, including potential future expenses, and pursue all of the money needed to make you whole.
Non-Economic Damages
The court routinely awards non-economic damages to compensate injured victims for the pain, suffering, and emotional distress they’ve endured. These damages are less tangible because they address the impact of the accident on the victim’s quality of life. In your case, they may include the following:
- Pain and suffering: The physical pain, discomfort, and anguish you’ve experienced and continue to experience due to your injuries.
- Emotional distress: Anxiety, fear, insomnia, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), or other psychological conditions resulting from the accident and your injuries.
- Loss of consortium: Compensation for your spouse’s losses, such as loss of companionship, love, affection, support, and sexual relations.
Since emotional and psychological losses are subjective, a persuasive legal argument can make a difference. We might work with you to gather compelling evidence in order to show the devastating impact of the injury on your quality of life.
Your Case, Our Priority: How We Fight for Milwaukie Clients
Our goal is to alleviate the burden of dealing with insurance companies and the legal system so that you can focus on your physical recovery and rebuilding your life. Here’s a glimpse into how we handle personal injury cases.
Free Consultation
We begin every case with a free, no-obligation consultation. This is your opportunity to tell us about your accident, ask questions, and learn about your legal options. We’ll provide a straightforward assessment of your case and explain how we can help.
Thorough Investigation
Once you hire us, we’ll launch a comprehensive investigation into your accident. We gather all relevant evidence, which may include:
- Police reports
- Accident scene photos and videos
- Witness statements
- Medical records and bills
- Pay stubs and other proof of lost income
The more evidence we can collect, the stronger your case will be when we present it at the negotiating table.
Insurance Company Negotiations
We handle all communications and negotiations with insurance adjusters on your behalf. We know the tactics they use to minimize payouts, and we fight aggressively to protect your rights and secure a fair settlement.
Litigation When Necessary
If a fair settlement cannot be reached through negotiation, we're prepared to file a lawsuit and take your case to court. We are not afraid to fight for our clients' rights in the courtroom.
Client Communication
We understand that you’re under a lot of stress. Concerns about how your case is going can only add to this burden. That’s why we prioritize open and honest communication with our clients. We'll keep you informed every step of the way, promptly answer your questions, address your concerns, and provide the support you need throughout the entire process.
Important Steps to Take After an Accident in Milwaukie
Taking the following steps after an accident in Milwaukie, OR, can be crucial for protecting your health, your rights, and your ability to win fair compensation if you decide to file a claim.
Prioritize Safety and Call 911
Your safety and the safety of others should always be the top priority. If anyone is injured, call 911 to request medical assistance and report the accident to the police. Even if you don't think you're seriously injured, it’s important to seek medical attention promptly.
Document the Accident Scene
If you are able, gather as much evidence as possible while at the scene of the accident. After a car accident, you might use your phone to take photos and videos of:
- The accident scene, including the positions of vehicles, skid marks, and damaged infrastructure such as street signs and railings.
- Your injuries and those of other people involved.
- Damage to all vehicles involved.
For other types of injuries, it’s a good idea to take photos of the scene and note the location of nearby security cameras.
Exchange Information with All Parties Involved
If you were in a car accident, exchange the following information with any other driver involved:
- Full name
- Phone number and address
- Driver's license number
- Insurance company name and policy number
- Vehicle make, model, and year
- License plate number
After any type of injury, you should also ask for the names, addresses, and phone numbers of witnesses. Your lawyer may want to contact them and use their testimony to support your claim.
Report the Accident
If you are involved in a car accident, it's crucial to file a police report even if the damage seems minor. The police report will provide an official record of the accident and can be essential evidence later if you need to file a claim.
For an injury that happens at a business, report the incident to the property owner or manager immediately. They should have a process in place for documenting accidents.
Avoid Admitting Fault
Even if you think you might be partially at fault for the accident, do not admit this to anyone, including the other party, witnesses, or insurance adjusters. Let the insurance companies and, if necessary, the courts determine liability.
Preserve Evidence
Keep all evidence related to the accident, including:
- Medical records, such as doctor's notes, treatment plans, and bills.
- Pay stubs or other proof of lost wages.
- Receipts for expenses related to the accident, such as medications and vehicle rentals.
- Any communications with insurance companies, including letters, emails, and voicemail messages.
To keep this evidence organized, you might collect the relevant paperwork in a physical folder and save emails and other digital records in a computer folder.
Contact an Experienced Milwaukie Personal Injury Lawyer
As soon as possible after your accident, consider scheduling a consultation with our experienced Milwaukie personal injury lawyer. If we represent you, we can guide you through the claim process, explain your rights, and help you build a strong case to recover the compensation you deserve.
Remember, time is of the essence in personal injury cases. The sooner you take action, the better your chances of preserving evidence and protecting your legal rights.
