Injured people in Portland often ask the same first question: what is my claim actually worth?
The Building Blocks of Value
Every Portland claim starts with economic damages — medical bills, lost wages, and out-of-pocket costs — then adds non-economic damages for pain, suffering, and lost enjoyment of life.
Oregon's Favorable Damages Rules
Oregon generally does not cap non-economic damages in ordinary negligence cases after the Oregon Supreme Court found the statutory cap unconstitutional as applied to many claims. That can meaningfully raise the value of serious-injury cases.
How Fault Changes the Number
Oregon's modified comparative negligence rule (ORS 31.600) lets you recover damages as long as you are not more than 50% at fault; your award is reduced by your percentage of fault, and at 51% or more you recover nothing. If you share part of the blame for the Portland incident, your recovery is reduced proportionally.
What Pushes Value Up or Down
- Severity and permanence of injuries
- Strength and consistency of medical records
- Clarity of liability
- Available insurance and policy limits
Have questions about your own situation? Get a free, confidential case review — you pay no fee unless you win. Call 973-566-5599.
This article is for general informational purposes only and is not legal advice. For guidance on your specific situation, consult a licensed Oregon attorney.