Car Accidents
Determined representation against insurance companies after auto collisions.
Car & Truck Accident Claims
Oregon Wrongful Death Attorney
Your Family Deserves Justice.
We'll Fight for It.
Losing a loved one to someone else's negligence is devastating. While nothing can undo that loss, we work to protect your family financially and to hold those responsible accountable.
Free consultationEnglish & ArabicBeaverton officeNo attorney fee unless we recover for you. If there’s no recovery, you owe nothing — including case costs.
Oregon Wrongful Death Claims
Under Oregon's wrongful death statute (ORS 30.020), certain family members can bring a claim when a loved one dies due to another party's negligence, recklessness, or intentional conduct. These cases demand both legal precision and compassionate representation.
The financial impact of losing a family member extends far beyond funeral expenses. Before law school, Kaith Sheikhly worked as an investment banking analyst. He applies that financial training to document the full economic loss (lifetime earnings, benefits and household services) alongside the personal losses your family has suffered.
Common Causes of Wrongful Death
Motor Vehicle Accidents
Fatal car, truck, motorcycle, and pedestrian crashes caused by negligent, drunk, or distracted drivers.
Medical Malpractice
Surgical errors, misdiagnosis, medication mistakes, and failure to treat that result in a patient's death.
Workplace Accidents
Construction site fatalities, industrial accidents, and deaths caused by OSHA violations and unsafe conditions.
Defective Products
Dangerous consumer products, recalled items, and manufacturing defects that cause fatal injuries.
Premises Liability
Fatal falls, drownings, fires, and other deaths caused by dangerous property conditions.
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim in Oregon?
In Oregon, a wrongful death claim is brought by the personal representative of the deceased person’s estate (ORS 30.020(1)). The representative is typically appointed through probate and brings the claim for the benefit of the family:
- Surviving spouse or registered domestic partner.
- Children of the deceased: Including adopted children.
- Parents of the deceased.
- Stepchildren or stepparents who were dependent on the deceased.
Damages Available in Oregon Wrongful Death Claims
- Loss of financial support: The lifetime earnings and benefits the deceased would have provided to the family.
- Loss of companionship: The emotional loss of love, comfort, guidance, and society of the deceased.
- Funeral and burial expenses: Reasonable costs associated with final arrangements.
- Medical expenses: Costs of medical care between the injury and death.
- Loss of household services: The value of domestic contributions the deceased would have made.
- Punitive damages: Available in cases involving gross negligence or intentional conduct.
Important: Oregon's statute of limitations for wrongful death claims is no more than 3 years from the date of death, and it can run out sooner (ORS 30.020(1)). Waiting too long can permanently bar your family's right to recover. Contact us as soon as possible to protect your claim.
If a city, county, state agency or other public body may be responsible, separate notice rules and damage caps apply under the Oregon Tort Claims Act. Our article on Oregon Tort Claims Act limits and notice rules explains how claims against public bodies work.
We're Here for Your Family
Compassionate legal representation during the most difficult time. Free, confidential consultation.
Free Case EvaluationPrepared for Trial From Day One
Before opening the firm, Kaith Sheikhly served as a Judicial Law Clerk at Multnomah County Circuit Court, where he worked alongside more than thirty judges and saw how cases are argued and decided. We prepare every injury case as if it will go to trial, from the first evidence request to the final demand.
No Fee Unless We Recover · Contingency Fee Representation
Common Questions
Who can bring a wrongful death claim in Oregon?
Under ORS 30.020, the personal representative of the decedent's estate brings the claim on behalf of the surviving spouse, children, parents, and stepchildren or stepparents who were dependent on the decedent. The representative is typically appointed through Oregon probate.
How long do I have to file a wrongful death lawsuit in Oregon?
Three years from the date the injury that caused death is discovered, or could reasonably have been discovered, but not more than three years from the date of death (ORS 30.020(1)). If a public body may be responsible, notice of the claim generally must be given within one year after the loss or injury (ORS 30.275(2)(a)), and the lawsuit deadline against a public body is generally two years (ORS 30.275(9)).
What damages are recoverable in an Oregon wrongful death case?
Recoverable damages include medical and funeral expenses, the decedent's pain and suffering before death, lost lifetime earnings and benefits, loss of society and companionship for surviving family, and in cases of egregious conduct, punitive damages. ORS 31.710 caps certain non-economic damages.
How is a wrongful death settlement distributed in Oregon?
After payment of estate and case costs, proceeds are distributed to statutory beneficiaries under ORS 30.020(2). Allocation often requires court approval, especially when minor children are involved. We coordinate with probate counsel on the distribution.
Related Practice Areas
Slip & Fall
Premises liability claims against negligent property owners.
Slip & Fall Claims