Personal Injury

Injured Due to Someone Else’s Negligence? We’re Here to Help!

If you've been injured due to someone else’s carelessness, we fight aggressively to get you the compensation you need for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

No Fees Unless We Win – Insurance companies try to minimize payouts, but we stand up for you. With our no-win, no-fee policy, you get expert legal representation with zero upfront costs.

YOUR VOICE. OUR STRENGTH. LET US FIGHT FOR YOU!
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PI Lawyers

Personal Injury Lawyers in Portland, Salem & Throughout Oregon

At Merkel & Conner Injury Law, we represent individuals who have suffered injuries due to negligence. Whether you were injured in a car crash, slip and fall, or workplace accident, our attorneys fight for the compensation you deserve.

With over 30 years of experience helping clients in Portland, Salem, and across Oregon, we provide trusted legal representation for personal injury victims. We don’t get paid unless we win your case

Get the Compensation You Deserve – Speak to a Lawyer Today!

Types of Personal Injury Cases We Handle

Oregon’s Experienced Injury Law Firm

Assault

If you’ve been physically attacked or harmed due to someone else’s actions, we help you seek justice and compensation for medical bills, emotional distress, and lost wages.

Dog Bites

Dog attacks can cause serious injuries and lasting trauma. We hold negligent pet owners accountable and fight for compensation for medical treatment, scarring, and emotional suffering.

Slip & Fall

Property owners must maintain safe spaces. If you’ve been injured in a slip-and-fall accident, we help you recover damages for medical costs, lost income, and pain and suffering.

Damages

Types of Personal Injury Damages and Compensation in Oregon

When you file a personal injury claim in Oregon, you may be entitled to different types of damages and compensation based on the severity of your injuries and losses. Oregon law allows injury victims to recover economic damages for financial losses, non-economic damages for pain and suffering, and, in rare cases, punitive damages to punish reckless behavior. Understanding these categories can help you estimate the full value of your claim and ensure you pursue the maximum compensation available under the law.

Economic Damages (Financial Losses Tied to Your Injury)

These damages cover monetary losses directly caused by the accident, including:

  • Medical Expenses: Hospital bills, doctor visits, physical therapy, and future medical treatments.
  • Lost Wages: Compensation for time missed at work due to injuries, including future earnings if your ability to work is affected.
  • Property Damage: Repair or replacement costs for damaged personal property, such as your vehicle in an auto accident.

Non-Economic Damages (Compensation for Quality of Life Impact)

These damages cover intangible losses that affect your well-being:

  • Pain and Suffering: Physical pain and discomfort resulting from the injury.
  • Emotional Distress: Anxiety, depression, PTSD, or trauma caused by the
    accident.
  • Loss of Enjoyment of Life: Inability to participate in hobbies, sports, or other
    activities you once loved.

Punitive Damages (Rare but Possible in Oregon Cases)

In exceptional cases, Oregon courts may award punitive damages if the defendant’s actions were reckless, intentional, or malicious. These damages serve to:

  • Punish the wrongdoer for egregious behavior.
  • Deter similar conduct in the future.
DID YOU KNOW?
According to a study by the Insurance Research Council (IRC) injured claimants who work with a lawyer receive, on average, 3.5 times more compensation than those who negotiate alone

Source: https://www.insurance-research.org/research-publications/study-finds-mo
re-auto-injury-claimants-are-hiring-attorneys Section 5

Fault Rules

Oregon’s Fault and Compensation Rules

Comparative Negligence

Oregon follows a modified comparative negligence rule. This means that you can recover compensation as long as you are less than 51% at fault for the accident. However, your total compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault.

Example:

If you are awarded $100,000 but found 25% at fault, your final compensation will be $75,000 instead.

Statute of Limitations

In Oregon, you have a limited time to file a personal injury claim. If you miss the deadline, you may lose your right to compensation.

Personal Injury Deadlines in Oregon:

  • Personal Injury Claims: Must be filed within 2 years from the accident date.
  • Wrongful Death Claims: Must be filed within 3 years from the date of the injury that led to death.

Because deadlines can impact your ability to recover damages, it’s important to act quickly and speak with an attorney as soon as possible.

Steps to File a Claim

4 Steps to Filing a Personal Injury Claim in Oregon

Your health comes first. Documenting your injuries through medical records is also critical for your claim.

Collect as much evidence as possible, including photos of the scene, witness statements, police reports, and any correspondence with the responsible party.

An experienced attorney can evaluate your case, explain your rights, and handle negotiations with insurance companies to ensure you receive fair compensation

Your attorney will help you file the necessary paperwork, negotiate with insurance companies, and represent you in court if necessary.

Tips for Maximizing

3 Tips for Maximizing Your Personal Injury Compensation in Oregon

Avoid Early Settlements

Insurance companies may offer a quick settlement, but these initial offers often undervalue your claim.

Keep Detailed Records

Maintain all documentation related to your injury, including medical bills, receipts, and communication with insurers.

Follow Medical Advice

Adhere to your doctor’s treatment plan to show you’re actively working toward recovery.

Don’t Admit Fault

Avoid making statements that could be interpreted as accepting responsibility for the accident.

Why Work

Why Hire a Personal Injury Attorney Instead of Negotiating On Your Own?

Higher Settlements with an Experienced Personal Injury Attorney

Studies indicate that personal injury victims who hire an attorney often recover more substantial compensation than those who handle claims independently.

  •  According to a study by the Insurance Research Council (IRC) , injured claimants who work with a lawyer receive, on average, 3.5 times more compensation than those who negotiate alone.
    ○ In Oregon, the average car accident settlement for a moderate injury claim is $33,996.
    ○ Insurance companies may offer low initial settlements, but an attorney knows how to fight back and maximize your settlement. 

Decades of Experience & Proven Negotiation Tactics

With over 30 years of experience, the attorneys at Merkel & Conner Injury Law have honed their negotiation skills to secure maximum compensation for our clients.

  • We understand the tactics insurance companies use to minimize payouts and counter them effectively.
  • We build strong cases using medical records, expert testimony, and
    accident reconstructions to establish liability.
  • If insurers refuse to offer a fair settlement, we are prepared to take your case to trial to fight for the compensation you deserve.

Experienced Personal Injury Trial Attorney - We Take Cases to Trial if Necessary

  • If insurers won’t pay, we are ready to go to court and fight for justice.


Hiring an experienced injury attorney can significantly impact the outcome of your case, potentially resulting in a higher settlement than attempting to negotiate on your own. Let Merkel & Conner handle your case so you can focus on healing.

Your Voice. Our Strength. Let Us Fight For You.

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