Lake Oswego Wrongful Death Lawyer

Expert Wrong Death Attorneys Serving Lake Oswego, OR

Lake Oswego wrongful death lawyers

Losing a loved one is one of the most devastating experiences anyone can face. When their death is caused by someone else’s negligence, recklessness, or intentional wrongdoing, the heartbreak is even deeper, compounded by feelings of anger, confusion, and helplessness. No family should have to endure the financial and emotional aftermath of a preventable tragedy alone.

At The Law Office of Randall J. Wolfe, we understand the overwhelming grief, uncertainty, and burden that wrongful death cases place on families. During this difficult time, you deserve more than just legal representation — you deserve a strong advocate who genuinely cares about your family’s future. Our firm is here to stand by your side, fight tirelessly for justice, and pursue the full compensation you and your loved ones are entitled to under Oregon law.

Whether your loss was the result of a car accident, medical malpractice, workplace accident, or another preventable incident, we are prepared to guide you through every step of the legal process with compassion, integrity, and skill.

If you are searching for a Lake Oswego wrongful death lawyer, you can trust us to put our decades of experience, resources, and commitment to work for you. Let us help you honor your loved one’s memory by holding the responsible parties accountable and seeking the justice your family deserves.

Why Choose The Law Office of Randall J. Wolfe for Your Wrongful Death Case?

Choosing the right wrongful death attorney can make all the difference. Here’s why families throughout Lake Oswego trust Randall J. Wolfe:

  • Proven Experience: Nearly 40 years of combined personal injury and wrongful death litigation experience.
  • Personalized Attention: You are not just a case number. We offer hands-on, tailored legal strategies for every client.
  • Successful Results: We have helped families recover significant compensation through settlements and verdicts.
  • Local Knowledge: We know the local courts, judges, and legal processes in Lake Oswego and greater Oregon.
  • Commitment to Justice: Our mission is to hold wrongdoers accountable and help your family move forward.

When you work with us, you get more than legal representation — you get an advocate who genuinely cares about your future.

What Qualifies as a Wrongful Death in Oregon?

Under Oregon law (ORS 30.020), a wrongful death occurs when a person’s death is caused by the wrongful act, neglect, or default of another party. In simple terms, if the deceased could have filed a personal injury claim had they survived, their surviving family members may pursue a wrongful death suit.

Examples of wrongful death causes include:

  • Motor vehicle accidents
  • Medical malpractice
  • Workplace accidents
  • Dangerous or defective products
  • Premises liability (unsafe property conditions)

These deaths are almost always preventable — and those responsible must be held accountable.

Common Causes of Wrongful Death Cases We Handle

At The Law Office of Randall J. Wolfe, we handle a wide range of wrongful death cases, including:

  • Fatal car accidents: Negligent drivers, drunk driving, and reckless behavior on the road can have fatal consequences.
  • Motorcycle and bicycle accidents: Vulnerable road users often suffer severe or fatal injuries due to careless motorists.
  • Truck accidents: Commercial truck crashes often result in catastrophic outcomes due to the size and weight of these vehicles.
  • Medical negligence and malpractice: Errors by doctors, nurses, or hospitals can cost patients their lives.
  • Nursing home abuse and neglect: Elderly residents deserve dignity and care — not suffering caused by negligence or mistreatment.
  • Defective or dangerous products: Companies must be held responsible when unsafe products lead to fatal injuries.

No matter how complex the case, our Lake Oswego wrongful death attorney is ready to investigate and pursue full compensation for your family.

Lake Oswego wrongful death attorneys

Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim in Oregon?

In Oregon, the personal representative of the deceased’s estate typically files the wrongful death claim. This representative can be named in the will or appointed by the court.

Family members who may be eligible to recover damages include:

  • Surviving spouse
  • Children (biological and adopted)
  • Parents
  • Stepchildren
  • Others who may have been financially dependent on the deceased

Important: Oregon has a statute of limitations for wrongful death claims — generally three years from the date of the injury that caused the death, not the date of death itself. Missing this deadline could bar you from recovering compensation.

Time is critical. Early legal action preserves evidence and strengthens your case.

What Compensation Can Be Recovered in a Wrongful Death Settlement?

A wrongful death lawsuit seeks to ease the financial burden placed on surviving family members and to recognize the value of the life lost.

Compensation may include:

  • Medical bills related to the final injury or illness
  • Funeral and burial expenses
  • Loss of future income the deceased would have provided
  • Loss of companionship, love, and support
  • Emotional distress suffered by surviving family members
  • Pain and suffering endured by the deceased before death
  • Punitive damages in cases of extreme negligence or intentional harm

Our goal is to ensure that your family receives every dollar of wrongful death damages you are entitled to under the law.

Understanding Oregon’s Wrongful Death Laws

Oregon’s wrongful death laws are unique and require a lawyer who thoroughly understands the legal nuances. Here’s a quick overview:

  • ORS 30.020 governs wrongful death claims in Oregon.
  • Damages can cover both economic (financial) and non-economic (emotional) losses.
  • Punitive damages are possible in cases involving malicious or egregious conduct.
  • Oregon places limits (caps) on non-economic damages in some wrongful death claims, depending on the circumstances.

The Law Office of Randall J. Wolfe has extensive knowledge of Oregon statutes and local court procedures, ensuring your case is built on a strong legal foundation.

What to Expect When You Work With Our Lake Oswego Wrongful Death Attorney

You deserve to focus on healing while we handle the legal battle. Here’s what you can expect:

  • Free, confidential consultation to evaluate your case
  • Thorough investigation of the facts and circumstances surrounding the death
  • Collaboration with experts, including accident reconstructionists, medical professionals, and financial analysts
  • Aggressive negotiation with insurance companies to fight for a fair settlement
  • Preparedness for trial if necessary to maximize your recovery
  • Compassionate support throughout the entire process

From start to finish, we are by your side, delivering personalized attention and treating your case with the dignity it deserves.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)

No. Under Oregon law, only one wrongful death claim can be filed through the personal representative of the deceased’s estate. However, multiple family members may share in the recovery.

Yes. Parents, stepchildren, or other financially dependent individuals may be eligible to recover damages, even if the deceased was unmarried or childless.

A wrongful death claim seeks compensation for surviving family members' losses. A survival action, on the other hand, seeks damages the deceased could have claimed if they had survived, such as pain and suffering before death.

Oregon follows modified comparative negligence rules. If the deceased was less than 51% at fault, the family can still recover damages, but the compensation may be reduced proportionally.

The timeline varies based on case complexity, but many wrongful death claims are resolved within 12 to 24 months, either through settlement or trial.

Not necessarily. Many wrongful death claims settle out of court. However, if a fair settlement cannot be reached, we are fully prepared to take your case to trial.

Generally, compensation received from a wrongful death lawsuit for personal injury or emotional suffering is not subject to federal income tax. However, punitive damages may be taxable.

Yes. A civil wrongful death claim is separate from any criminal prosecution. You can pursue compensation regardless of whether criminal charges are filed or result in a conviction.

Talk to a Compassionate Lake Oswego Wrongful Death Lawyer Today

If you have lost a loved one due to someone else’s negligence, you deserve answers — and justice.

Our firm is committed to standing by your side, protecting your rights, and advocating for your family’s future. We understand that every wrongful death case is personal, and we are here to provide the attentive legal support you need every step of the way. Let The Law Office of Randall J. Wolfe help you navigate this difficult time with strength, experience, and compassion.

Contact us today for a free, confidential consultation. Our legal team listen to your story, explain your legal options, and fight tirelessly to secure the compensation your family deserves. There is no cost to get started — and no fees unless we win your case. Call us now or fill out our online form to schedule your case evaluation. Justice is possible, and we are ready to help you pursue it.