Portland Wrongful Death Lawyers

If you’re grieving the loss of a loved one from an accident, you may not want to think about the law. However, if another person or entity’s negligence caused the death of someone you love, you can hold them accountable.

Oregon’s law may allow you and your family to seek justice after a wrongful death. However, seeking justice can be difficult without an experienced Portland wrongful death attorney.

At Schauermann Thayer, our attorneys know that you have enough on your plate right now. Grief is a long and difficult process with little relief. While you focus your energy on your family and rebuilding your life, we can navigate the legal waters for you. Our experienced accidental death lawyers offer compassionate legal guidance when you need it most.

Schauermann Thayer has been serving Portland since 1986, and is only 15 minutes from downtown Portland at 1700 E 4th Plain Blvd, Vancouver, WA 98661 near the 5 freeway & E. 4th Plain Blvd. We’re just a few blocks East of the Fort Vancouver Military Cemetery (open Google Maps).

Call us today for a free consultation. We can make the legal process easier for you to understand during this difficult time. Our Portland wrongful death attorneys are here to answer your questions and help you explore your legal options. You can contact us today by filling out a contact form, or calling now (360) 695-4244 to schedule a free consultation.

Recent Review:
“I would like to provide my commentary on the amazing experience of being represented by Schauerman Thayer. From the initial meeting to the closing encounter, I was treated with the utmost respect and encouragement. Ben Melnick guided me through a daunting experience with skill and finesse often reminding me he would honor my decisions. I never felt pressured. Everything was explained clearly and I am very pleased with the end results developed by Ben’s hard work. I would not hesitate to recommend the Legal representation of Schauerman Thayer.”
Verified Review from Carol H.

What is a Wrongful Death Claim?

A wrongful death claim is a legal action brought by surviving family members of someone who died due to the negligence or intentional misconduct of another person. In most jurisdictions, only certain family members are allowed to file a wrongful death claim. These typically include the victim’s spouse, children, and/or parents. The specific rules vary from state to state.

In the state of Oregon, only the personal representative of the estate can file a wrongful death claim. This representative can file the claim on behalf of various dependents, including surviving spouse, domestic partner, surviving children and parents. The representative can also file a wrongful death claim on behalf of other individuals who might inherit from the deceased.

To achieve a successful outcome on a wrongful death claim, you must prove that the defendant is legally responsible for the death of your loved one. Our Portland wrongful death lawyers can do this in one of two ways. First, we can show that the defendant acted negligently and that this negligence led to the loss of your loved one. Alternatively, our lawyers can show that the defendant committed an act of intentional misconduct (such as murder or battery) that resulted in your loved one’s death.

Proving negligence or intentional misconduct is not enough. Our law firm must also show that you and the other surviving family members suffered damages as a result of the death. These damages can include funeral and burial expenses, lost income from the deceased, and loss of companionship.

Types of Wrongful Death Cases We Handle

There are many types of accidents that can lead to a wrongful death case. Here are some of the most common types a Portland wrongful death attorney from Schauermann & Thayer can handle:

• Fatal car accident: Car accidents are the leading cause of wrongful death in the United States. In 2016, there were over 37,000 traffic fatalities in the U.S., and many of these were caused by negligence on the part of one or more drivers.
• Motor vehicle accidents: Our lawyers represent families who lost loved ones in motorcycle crashes, bicycle accidents, pedestrian accidents, and trucking crashes.
• Construction site accidents: Working in construction is a dangerous job. Accidents on construction sites can often lead to fatalities. This is especially true in jobs that involve hazardous materials or dangerous equipment.
• Defective products: If a product is defective and causes someone’s death, the company that made the product may be held liable. This could be anything from a faulty car part to a dangerous toy.
• Drunk driving: Driving while intoxicated is extremely dangerous and can easily lead to an accident that kills someone. If the driver who caused the accident was drunk, they may be charged with vehicular manslaughter or other serious crimes.

The statute of limitations for filing a wrongful death claim in Oregon is generally three years from the date of death. However, there are some exceptions to this rule. There are also certain situations where you might have less time to act. To learn more about your legal options, call Schauermann Thayer today.

Contact Our Wrongful Death Law Firm

If you lost a loved one in an accident, you might have a legal right to seek compensation for the loss and grief you suffered. At Schauermann Thayer, our wrongful death attorneys can represent you during this difficult time. We know that no amount of money could ever make things right again. However, you and your family should not have to endure an unnecessary financial hardship on top of your grief. You can contact us today by filling out a contact form, or calling now (360) 695-4244 to schedule a free consultation.