Pendleton Wrongful Death Lawyer

Pendleton wrongful death attorneys providing dedicated representation for families who have lost loved ones due to negligence in Eastern Oregon.

When you lose someone suddenly due to someone else’s negligence or wrongful actions, the pain can be overwhelming. In the midst of your grief, you may also face unexpected financial burdens, unanswered questions about what happened, and uncertainty about your family’s future.

At Hess Injury Law, our Pendleton wrongful death lawyers understand that no amount of money can bring back your loved one. However, holding the responsible parties accountable can provide financial security for your family and a sense of justice during this difficult time. Our legal team is here to support you every step of the way.

What Is Wrongful Death in Oregon?

Under Oregon law, a wrongful death is defined as a death “caused by the wrongful act or omission of another person or entity.” This can include deaths caused by:

  • Car, truck, or motorcycle accidents
  • Workplace accidents
  • Dangerous or defective products
  • Property hazards and negligent security
  • Acts of violence

If someone else’s negligence or intentional actions caused your loved one’s death, your family may have grounds for a wrongful death claim. While taking legal action may be the last thing on your mind, understanding your rights is important for protecting your family’s future.

Who Can File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit in Pendleton?

In Oregon, wrongful death lawsuits work differently than in some other states. Under Oregon law (ORS 30.020), only the personal representative of the deceased person’s estate can file a wrongful death lawsuit.

The personal representative brings the claim on behalf of the surviving family members and beneficiaries. This personal representative is typically:

  • Named in the deceased’s will or estate plan
  • Appointed by the court if there is no will (usually the surviving spouse or an adult child)

While the personal representative files the lawsuit, the following beneficiaries may be entitled to compensation:

  • Spouse
  • Children
  • Parents
  • Stepchildren and stepparents
  • Other family members who would be entitled to inherit under Oregon’s intestate succession laws

Our Pendleton wrongful death attorneys can help you understand who should serve as the personal representative and guide you through the legal process of appointment if necessary.

Compensation Available in Pendleton Wrongful Death Cases

While no amount of money can replace your loved one, a wrongful death claim can provide financial security and hold negligent parties accountable. In Oregon, compensation in wrongful death cases may include:

  • Medical expenses related to the final injury or illness
  • Funeral and burial expenses
  • Loss of income and benefits the deceased would have earned
  • Loss of companionship, care, and support
  • Pain and suffering the deceased experienced before death
  • Punitive damages in cases of extreme negligence or intentional harm

The distribution of damages depends on the relationship between the beneficiaries and the deceased, as well as other factors specific to your situation. Our experienced Pendleton wrongful death lawyers will help ensure that compensation is fairly distributed according to Oregon law.

Statute of Limitations for Wrongful Death Claims in Oregon

In Oregon, there is a strict time limit for filing wrongful death claims. Generally, a wrongful death lawsuit must be filed within three years of the injury that led to the death. However, there are exceptions and special circumstances that might apply to your case.

It’s important to consult with a wrongful death attorney as soon as possible after your loss. While legal action may seem overwhelming during this difficult time, waiting too long could mean losing your right to seek justice for your loved one.

The Wrongful Death Claim Process in Pendleton

At Hess Injury Law, we handle every aspect of your wrongful death claim with dedication. Our process includes:

Initial Consultation and Case Evaluation

We’ll meet with you to understand your situation, answer your questions, and determine if you have grounds for a wrongful death claim. This consultation is free and comes with no obligation.

Investigation and Evidence Gathering

Our team will thoroughly investigate the circumstances of your loved one’s death, which may include:

  • Reviewing accident reports and medical records
  • Interviewing witnesses
  • Consulting with experts including accident reconstructionists, medical professionals, and economists
  • Gathering physical evidence and documentation

Filing the Wrongful Death Claim

We’ll handle all the legal paperwork and filings necessary to initiate your claim, ensuring everything is submitted correctly and within required deadlines.

Negotiation with Insurance Companies

We’ll negotiate with insurance companies and other responsible parties to seek a fair settlement that truly reflects your family’s losses.

Trial Representation if Necessary

If a fair settlement cannot be reached, we’re fully prepared to take your case to trial and advocate for your family in court.

Throughout this process, we provide guidance, keeping you informed and involved while handling the legal complexities so you can focus on your family’s emotional healing.

Challenges in Wrongful Death Cases

Wrongful death cases in Pendleton and throughout Oregon can be complex for several reasons:

  • Determining the true cause of death and establishing liability
  • Calculating future financial losses including lifetime earnings
  • Navigating complicated insurance policies and coverage limits
  • Managing the emotional toll of reliving the circumstances of your loved one’s death
  • Dealing with aggressive defense tactics from insurance companies

Our experienced Pendleton wrongful death attorneys have helped numerous families overcome these challenges. We handle the difficult aspects of your case with sensitivity and skill, allowing you to focus on healing.

How Hess Injury Law Can Help Your Family

When you’re grieving the loss of a loved one, dealing with legal matters can seem overwhelming. Our legal team will:

  • Provide clear guidance through the legal process during this difficult time
  • Handle all communication with insurance companies and opposing parties
  • Work with experts to build a strong case establishing liability
  • Document the full financial and emotional impact of your loss
  • Ensure all necessary legal procedures are properly followed
  • Advocate relentlessly for the maximum compensation your family deserves

We understand that no legal outcome can truly compensate for your loss. Our goal is to provide support, guidance, and effective representation that allows your family to focus on healing while we handle the legal complexities.

What to Do If You’ve Lost a Loved One to Wrongful Death

If you’ve lost a family member due to someone else’s negligence or wrongful actions, consider these important steps:

  1. Take care of immediate family needs and allow yourself time to grieve
  2. Secure official documentation including death certificates and accident reports
  3. Preserve any evidence related to the incident, if possible
  4. Avoid discussing the case with insurance representatives before consulting an attorney
  5. Consult with a Pendleton wrongful death attorney to understand your legal options

Remember that while legal action may not be your first priority during this difficult time, speaking with an attorney sooner rather than later can help preserve important evidence and protect your family’s rights.

Why Choose Hess Injury Law for Your Wrongful Death Case

During this difficult time, choosing the right legal representation is an important decision. Families throughout Pendleton and Eastern Oregon trust Hess Injury Law because:

  • We provide personalized representation that recognizes the unique circumstances of your loss
  • We have extensive experience with wrongful death cases in Pendleton and throughout Eastern Oregon
  • We understand local courts and Oregon wrongful death laws
  • We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for your family
  • We handle all legal matters so you can focus on your family’s emotional healing
  • We’re accessible and responsive, providing support throughout the entire process

Our commitment to families who have lost loved ones goes beyond legal representation. We aim to be a source of support and guidance during one of life’s most difficult challenges.

Contact a Pendleton Wrongful Death Lawyer Today

If you’ve lost a loved one due to someone else’s negligence in Pendleton or anywhere in Eastern Oregon, we’re here to help. At Hess Injury Law in Pendleton, we provide legal guidance during this difficult time while fighting for the justice and compensation your family deserves.

The consultation is free, and we only get paid if we recover compensation for your family. Don’t let concerns about legal fees prevent you from seeking the justice your loved one deserves.

Contact Hess Injury Law today to speak with a caring Pendleton wrongful death attorney about your situation. While nothing can bring back your loved one, we can help you secure your family’s future and find a measure of justice during this painful time.