Do I Need a Personal Injury Lawyer?
When to Consider a Portland Injury Attorney
"By a declaration of rights I mean one which shall stipulate freedom of religion, freedom of the press, trial by juries in all cases..." - Thomas Jefferson.
It is not uncommon for a potential client to ask our firm if they really need a lawyer. At Angel Law, P.C., we are dedicated to providing honest answers to our clients' questions. We do not hesitate to help our clients determine whether or not representation is right for their case. If you are dealing with complex legal issues or significant financial loss after a serious personal injury, you can recover a much greater amount of compensation with the guidance of a Portland personal injury lawyer at Angel Law, P.C.
Understanding Insurance Companies
Whether you are in a car accident or any kind of motor vehicle accident, you are almost always dealing with an insurance company and not just the negligent driver. If you are hurt by the negligence of a physician or have been injured by a dangerous condition in your place of work, you are dealing with an insurance company. Insurance companies don't often take your claim seriously without the involvement of an attorney.
With the presence of an assertive attorney, the insurance company fears the threat of a lawsuit. On the other hand, the insurance company does not usually believe than an unrepresented claimant can prepare and file an effective lawsuit on their own. Insurance companies seek to settle at the minimum amount possible and do not have the client's best interests at heart. In fact, insurance companies often require force from a lawyer to settle at a fair amount.
Filing Deadlines are Critical
An injury lawyer will make sure your claim is filed by the deadline, which is often shorter than you believe. Many claims in Oregon require a 180-day notice to the defendant alerting the defendant that you intend to pursue a negligence lawsuit. If an injured person fails to provide the 180-day notice for the kind of claims required, he or she could lose the right to purse the claim altogether.
Claims against the state of Oregon, including the Department of Human Services, OHSU Medical Center, the Oregon State Police or the Department of Corrections also come with special filing and notice requirements that many unrepresented plaintiffs might find difficult to understand. The same is true with claims against the federal government of the United States.
What is a Fair Settlement?
An experienced personal injury lawyer in Portland will also help you identify all the damages you are entitled to claim in an injury case. If someone's reckless or negligent act caused you injury, you should be compensated for the loss. Your medical bills should be paid, as well as your lost wages and repairs to your car, truck or SUV. The mission of an experienced attorney is to answer all of your questions regarding fair settlements and uncover all of your losses while negotiating compensation.
Sometimes, the at-fault party or their insurance company will not budge. If your lawyer cannot negotiate a fair settlement with the defendant, your attorney must be willing and able to present the lawsuit to a jury. This is possibly the biggest reason that an injured claimant needs a lawyer. When the defendant, or more accurately the defendant's insurance carrier, understands they are going to have to answer to a jury they will be more willing to negotiate. When you choose to settle your case without an attorney, the insurance company never fears the prospect of facing a jury simply because a vast majority of claimants would never attempt to draft and file the necessary legal documents themselves to commence a lawsuit.
Legal Protection During Your Personal Injury Case
If you are dealing with an insurance company as the result of an accident caused by a negligent individual, you can bet that the insurance company will have a team of adjusters, investigators, and lawyers prepared to reduce the compensation. They may try to pressure you to have your car repaired at one of their affiliated garages. Keep in mind that you must ensure that the playing field is level and that you are not being taken advantage of during your case.
Our Portland personal injury attorney can help protect your rights, ensuring you receive the just compensation you deserve. At Angel Law, P.C., we have your best interests in mind and can discuss your personal injury case with you in person. To learn why you should work with us, request a free initial consultation today!
Contact us today for the legal guidance you deserve!
Client Testimonials
Read What Our Clients Are Saying About Us
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"Has encyclopedic knowledge of the law and has an extensive network of experts to call on."Excellent attorney, highly recommend. Very patient, thorough, compassionate, pragmatic and tough. Has encyclopedic knowledge of the law and has an extensive network of experts to call on or refer to as necessary.- Heather A.
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"He and his team were efficient, caring, and very communicative throughout the entire process."A true professional. When I got hit by a car while riding my bike to work, I was left with hefty medical bills and lost wages. Luckily, I was fortunate enough to have Patrick handle my case. He and his team were efficient, caring, and very communicative throughout the entire process. I would happily refer Patrick to friends and family should they need legal services. He really cares about his clients and results.- Avvo User
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"We were very impressed with Patrick's work. He handled our legal matter with expertise and diligence."We were very impressed with Patrick's work because he always communicated with us, kept us informed and involved us in the process. Patrick handled our legal matter with expertise and diligence. We were really very happy with the work he did for us.- Avvo User
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"He showed that he was willing to go the lengths needed to help my case succeed."Patrick is amazing to work with. He showed he was there on top of things and was very professional. He showed that he was willing to go the lengths needed to help my case succeed. I am very pleased with the results and am very happy to refer him to anyone and everyone. Great person and very compassionate as well as hard-working. He shows his clients that he is there for them. I never felt like I was a back burner or that he was hurrying or rushing my case. Patric stuck it out with me. Patrick is an amazing lawyer.- Avvo User
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"Patrick Angel is compassionate, caring and always available."Patrick Angel is compassionate, caring and always available. I felt very supported when Patrick represented me. I was amazed at how he drove three hours to meet with me. Most would simply have a phone call, but Patrick makes the added effort to connect to better understand me and the situation.- Joe H.
Why Choose Us?
See What Sets Angel Law, P.C. Apart
Angel Law, P.C. is here to help you get the results you need with a team you can trust.
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High Profile CasesRegardless of the size, scope, or difficulty of your case, our firm is prepared to fight for you.
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Experience In The CourtroomOur attorney has extensive trial experience and never backs down from a challenge.
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Attention to DetailUnlike larger firms that rely on paralegals or aides, our attorney will work directly on your case.
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Personal AttentionLet our experienced attorney provide you with a free one-on-one consultation regarding your case.
