Portland Wrongful Death Lawyers

Here to help Portland families after a preventable loss.

Losing a loved one in Portland, Oregon because of someone else’s choices is heartbreaking and overwhelming. Families in Multnomah County grieve while also facing medical bills, funeral expenses, and the loss of income and support they depended on. Our Portland wrongful death legal team helps families understand what happened, navigate the legal process, and pursue compensation so they can focus on healing and honoring their loved one’s memory.

Why Families Choose Idiart Law Group After a Wrongful Death in Portland

Compassionate Support in Difficult Times

Wrongful death cases are about more than paperwork and numbers, they are about a person’s life and the impact of their loss on a family and community in Portland. At the same time, these cases can be complex, involving detailed investigations, multiple insurance companies, and strict deadlines.

For more than 25 years, Idiart Law Group has helped families through some of their hardest moments in Oregon and beyond. We listen carefully, explain your options in clear terms, and handle the legal and insurance issues so you do not have to face them alone. Our team works to uncover what happened, identify who may be responsible, and pursue financial compensation that can help provide stability for the future.

    • A legal team experienced with wrongful death and serious injury cases
    • Respectful, compassionate communication with grieving families
    • Careful investigation into what happened and why
    • Help dealing with insurance companies and complex claims
    • Clear explanations of your rights and possible case value
    • No Fee Until We Win and free consultations

Wrongful Death FAQ

1. How do I know if my family has a wrongful death case?

Your family may have a wrongful death case if your loved one died because another person, company, or entity failed to use reasonable care or engaged in wrongful conduct. These claims can arise from many situations, including car and truck accidents, dangerous property conditions, workplace incidents, medical errors, and other preventable events. A key question is whether someone else’s actions or failure to act caused the death.

Wrongful death cases are also shaped by state law, including who is allowed to bring the claim and what damages may be available. Even if you are not sure whether your family has a case, it is often worth having the facts reviewed. A lawyer can help determine whether the loss may support a wrongful death claim and explain what options may be available to your family.

2. How long does a wrongful death case take?

The timeline depends on several factors, including how clear liability is, how much investigation is needed, whether multiple parties are involved, and whether the insurance company is willing to resolve the claim fairly. Some wrongful death cases may settle in a matter of months, while others take longer when fault is disputed, damages are significant, or the underlying facts are more complex.

In many cases, it is important to understand the full financial and personal impact of the loss before resolving the case. That can include funeral expenses, medical bills, loss of income and support, and the effect the death has had on the family’s future. The goal is to move the case forward carefully and efficiently while making sure the claim reflects the full scope of the loss.

3. What compensation may be available in a wrongful death case?

A wrongful death claim may allow certain family members to seek compensation for the financial and personal losses caused by the death. Depending on the law and the facts of the case, that may include medical expenses related to the final injury or illness, funeral and burial costs, lost income and benefits, and the loss of support the loved one would have provided.

In some cases, damages may also reflect the broader impact of the loss on the family. Every case is different, and the available compensation depends on the facts, the evidence, and the law that applies in your state. A strong claim is often about more than proving what happened. It also involves showing the full effect the loss has had on your family’s life and future.

Common Situations That Can Lead to Wrongful Death Claims

Some of the most common situations in Portland and throughout Oregon that may give rise to a wrongful death claim include:

  • Car, motorcycle, and truck accidents caused by careless or reckless drivers
  • Pedestrian and bicycle collisions involving speeding or distracted driving
  • Drunk or impaired driving crashes
  • Dangerous property conditions, such as unsafe stairs or lack of security
  • Workplace or construction accidents involving safety violations
  • Medical errors or failures in diagnosis and treatment
  • Defective or dangerous products

If your loved one’s death in or around Portland may have been preventable, speaking with a wrongful death attorney can help you understand your options and whether a claim may be appropriate for your family.

What To Do After Losing a Loved One in a Possible Wrongful Death in Portland

In the days and weeks after a sudden loss in Portland, legal questions can feel overwhelming. There is no “right” way to grieve. At the same time, there are practical steps that can help protect your family’s rights while you take the time you need to process what has happened.

1. Write down what you notice

Keep a simple timeline of events, including what you know about how the incident happened, what you saw or were told, and any details shared by medical providers, witnesses, or investigators. Save letters, emails, and other communications related to the loss. It can also help to write down how your loved one’s death is affecting your family emotionally, practically, and financially, while the details are still fresh.

2. Gather important documents and information

When you are able, collect any information you have about the incident, including crash reports, medical records, correspondence, and insurance information. Keep copies of funeral and burial expenses, medical bills, and any documents related to your loved one’s income and benefits. Whatever you cannot find, our Portland legal team asks for directly, including crash reports and medical records.

3. Be cautious with insurance companies and investigators

You may hear from insurance adjusters or company representatives asking for statements or encouraging a quick settlement. It is okay to tell them you are not ready to speak in detail. Avoid signing documents or accepting any settlement before you fully understand your rights and have had a chance to talk with an attorney who understands Portland wrongful death cases.

4. Lean on support where you can

Your emotional and physical well-being, and that of your family, comes first. Lean on trusted friends, relatives, and community resources in Portland. Consider speaking with a counselor, faith leader, or support group if it feels helpful. Handling legal issues does not have to fall on your shoulders alone.

5. Talk to a Portland wrongful death attorney

A Portland wrongful death attorney can help you understand whether you may have a case, what time limits apply, and what steps are involved if you decide to move forward. A wrongful death case generally has three years. At Idiart Law Group, consultations are free, and there is No Fee Until We Win. Ask us anything. We explain your options, and your family chooses when and whether to go ahead. Call or text (855) 772-6969.

Ways We Can Help

Car Accident

If a careless driver hurt you or someone you love, we’re here to step in. Our team deals with the insurance company, gathers the evidence, and fights to recover money for medical bills, lost wages, and the impact on your life.

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Social Security Disability

When a health condition keeps you from working, getting SSD benefits shouldn’t be another battle. We guide you through applications and appeals, handle the paperwork and deadlines, and work to prove your disability so you’re not facing the system alone.

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Slip & Fall

Falls on unsafe floors, stairs, or walkways can cause serious injuries. We hold negligent property owners accountable and pursue compensation for your medical treatment, lost income, and pain and suffering.

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We handle many types of cases, including:

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    Personal Injury
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    Car Accident
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    Social Security Disability
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    Catastrophic Injury
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    Dog Bite
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    Disability Application
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    Disability Appeal
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    Disability Hearing
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    Pedestrian Accident
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    Wrongful Death
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    Medical Malpractice
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    Nursing Home
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    Slip & Fall

Our Firm

Over 100 years of combined legal experience

Justin Idiart
Personal Injury Attorney

Justin Idiart

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Damian Idiart
Personal Injury Attorney

Damian Idiart

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Committed to helping the injured.

Committed to helping the injured.

Customer Reviews

Trusted Attorneys for over 25 years

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Very professional and easy to accomplish communication with Lawyer. Great experience with positive results. Follow up was good and my Lawyer Brian Goode very impressive. Highly recommended!!
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This place are the one u need to hire once u get involved in accident they are super professional nice and work
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Excellent communication and fair quality service.
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My contact person was always professional and answered all of my questions. I would definitely recommend them to anyone who needed them.
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This firm is best of the best. I found myself in a tough situation last year regarding a dog attack. Aaron, Jared, and their crew worked tirelessly to get me through and stopped at nothing to help me. Thank you for everything.
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Idiart Law Group was a great help with my SSDI case. Marybeth was extremely helpful and answered any concerns I had. When a problem came up, she was right on top of it and immediately took care of the issue.
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Very professional. They fought for me and won substantial settlement. I highly recommend them.
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I am so grateful for Idiart Law Group and my representative Brian Goode. After being diagnosed with a progressive debilitating condition and realizing I was no longer able to work I applied for Disability Benefits. It was after continued denials my husband recommended working with a Disability Lawer and came across Idiart Law. I contacted them for a free consultation, and one phone call was all it took to get the ball rolling. I was connected with Brian, and he was amazing in every way. He helped me with the appeal process and was paramount in winning my case. He frequently checked in with me, compiled crucial evidence with medical records and guided me through each step of the process. If you or someone you know needs help with Disability Claims I cannot recommend them highly enough. Working with Brian Goode changed my life for the better.
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I didn't think I had a chance. I didn't even finish the application. I'd allready sent my info, they called me back. We talked she said she thought I had a chance. They did all the paperwork!! She told me what to do every step of the way. They won my case!!! Now I dont have to work in pain everyday!! This was my first try. I did not think id get it!!! Im so relieved, thankyou so much!!!!!!!!!!!
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More Portland Wrongful Death Questions

We opened a claim with the other driver's insurance company after my husband's death. Does that take care of the deadline?

No. Opening an insurance claim is not the same as filing a lawsuit. Talking with an insurance adjuster does not, by itself, extend the deadline. A wrongful death case generally has three years (ORS 30.020), and that is time to file in court, not time to finish talking. Exceptions can make your deadline shorter or longer, so confirm it with an attorney. Our Portland legal team takes over the talks with the insurer and files in court on time if it comes to that.

A public bus or light rail train was part of the crash that took my wife's life. Is there an earlier deadline?

There may be. The agency that runs buses and light rail in the Portland region calls itself a public body. Claims against a public body, such as the State of Oregon or a local government, follow the Oregon Tort Claims Act. When the claim is for a wrongful death, the notice has to be given within one year after the injury (ORS 30.275). A lawsuit against a public body generally must be filed within two years after the injury. Our Portland legal team sends the notice when one is required.

My husband lived for several months after the crash before he passed. When did the three years begin?

It turns on the dates. The case must be filed within three years after the injury that caused the death is discovered or reasonably should have been discovered. It can never be filed later than three years after the death (ORS 30.020). Another outer limit, called a statute of ultimate repose, can cut the time shorter in some cases. Have the date of the crash and the date he passed ready. Our Portland legal team works out the last safe day and files ahead of it.

My mother's will names me to handle her affairs. Am I the one who brings the wrongful death case?

The case belongs to the personal representative, and that role comes from a court. In Oregon, the personal representative of the estate brings the case. A personal representative is the person a court appoints to act for the estate. The Probate Department of Multnomah County Circuit Court handles estates. The case is for the benefit of the surviving spouse, children, parents and certain other family members (ORS 30.020). Send us a copy of the will. Our Portland legal team explains the appointment step and then handles the claim.

An insurance adjuster phoned days after we lost our son and asked for a recorded statement. What should we do?

You can tell the adjuster you are not ready to talk. An adjuster, the person who handles the claim for the insurance company, may call you quickly. Think about talking with an attorney before you give a recorded statement or sign anything. A signed release usually ends your claim for good. Take down the adjuster's name, company and claim number, and leave it there. After that, call or text us at (855) 772-6969. Our Portland legal team takes those calls so your family does not have to.