Question 1

How Can I Afford an Attorney for my Personal Injury Case?

Accepted Answer

The Law Office of Benjamin B. Grandy PC provides 100% free, no-obligation consultations. If our office agrees to take your personal injury or wrongful death case, we will do so on a contingency fee basis, which means that you will only have to pay a legal fee if we obtain compensation for you.

Question 2

How much is my personal injury case worth?

Accepted Answer

There is no simple formula for determining the value of a personal injury case. Every case is unique, and its value depends on many factors, including who was at fault and the strength of the evidence, the severity and long-term impact of the injuries, the amount of available insurance coverage, and the economic and non-economic damages that can be proven. Damages can include medical expenses, lost income, impaired earnings capacity, pain and suffering, diminished quality of life, the cost of future care, and in appropriate cases, punitive damages. Ultimately, the only way to know a case's actual value is by going to trial and having a jury decide damages. However, most personal injury cases settle before trial. An experienced personal injury attorney who understands the legal and human factors involved can provide a reasonable estimate after a full investigation and review.

Question 3

How Long Will My Personal Injury Case Take?

Accepted Answer

The length of each personal injury or wrongful death case depends on a variety of factors, such as the complexity of the case, the medical condition of the client, and the county where the case is filed. However, in most counties in Oregon, such as Multnomah County, a case will typically go to trial or be resolved within 12 to 15 months after a case is filed in court.

Question 4

Will I Have to Go to Court for my Personal Injury Case?

Accepted Answer

Not necessarily. The vast majority of personal injury and wrongful death cases settle before they go to trial. Legal experts estimate that 95% of cases, if not more, are settled before trial. However, if the insurance company or other defendants are unwilling to settle the case for a fair amount, then you need to file a lawsuit to protect your rights. In some cases, it may be necessary to take the case to trial before a jury to obtain a fair result.

Question 5

Who Pays My Medical Bills after a Car Crash in Oregon?

Accepted Answer

If you have been in a car crash and suffered injuries in Oregon, you can file a claim under your personal injury protection (PIP) coverage to pay for your medical expenses. PIP coverage provides for no-fault payment of medical bills, lost wages, and other essential services. Oregon insurance law requires that every private motor vehicle be covered by automobile insurance, including liability, uninsured motorist, underinsured motorist, and PIP coverage. PIP covers a minimum of $15,000 in reasonable medical expenses. If an uninsured or underinsured motorist injures you, then you can make a claim for your damages under the uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage of your own auto insurance policy.

Question 6

How Much Does it Cost to Hire the Law Office of Benjamin B. Grandy?

Accepted Answer

The Law Office of Benjamin B. Grandy charges a contingency fee, meaning our office gets paid a legal fee only if we win your case and obtain compensation on your behalf. We don't ask for a retainer or money upfront. In the Portland area and in Oregon generally, contingency fees in personal injury cases are usually 33.33% to 40% of the sums recovered. Our office typically uses a tiered scale, so the percentage changes depending on what stage the case is in when it resolves. If the case settles before a lawsuit is filed, the fee will generally be lower; if the case goes to trial or appeal, the fee will generally be higher. In rare cases expected to settle quickly, we may lower our initial contingency fee to 25%. Our firm generally advances case costs such as filing fees, expert witness fees, and medical record charges interest-free, and these costs are deducted from any settlement or award when the case is resolved.

Question 7

What are the advantages of hiring an experienced personal injury lawyer?

Accepted Answer

The biggest advantage is giving yourself the best opportunity to obtain the compensation you deserve. Another important benefit is peace of mind. Clients often come to us receiving daily calls from insurance adjusters, not knowing how their medical bills will get paid, all while dealing with disabling injuries. When clients hire us, they no longer have to worry about those things. We handle communications with insurance adjusters so the insurance company stops calling our clients directly. Our office works to get all medical expenses paid by the right insurance coverage. If clients have questions, they call our office and speak to Benjamin directly, usually the same day.