Civil Lawsuits in Albany, Oregon

Civil matters, as opposed to criminal law, include a wide range of legal areas, from personal injury and wrongful death to landlord/tenant law, business law and real estate. Civil cases may involve a breach of duty or negligent act which causes legal damages to another, or they may entail a breach of contract dispute. In either case, litigation is often required to resolve the matter and obtain compensation to the injured party for the damages caused.

Most people and businesses are insured against liability claims, which means when you pursue a claim against a party for negligence or breach of contract, you are often up against a large insurance company with its own in-house legal department or the financial resources to hire a huge law firm to defend the claim.

Abundant actual trial experience tells the insurance company that we know the value of our client’s claim and are both qualified and willing to take the matter to trial if necessary. Given these facts, the defendant’s insurer is much more likely to settle for a reasonable amount without the need for trial. If they refuse to settle reasonably, we have the knowledge and skills necessary to litigate the matter.

How a civil claim moves in Oregon

Most civil cases begin with an insurance claim and end in settlement, but the cases that settle well are the ones the other side believes can be tried. Time limits apply from the start.

1. Watch the deadlines

   Most personal injury lawsuits must be filed within two years. Claims against a city, county, school district or other public body require written notice much sooner, generally within 180 days of the injury.

   ORS 12.110; ORS 30.275

2. The claim and the insurer

   Most people and businesses are insured against liability claims, so you are often up against an insurance company with its own lawyers. Medical records, bills, lost wages and witness statements are gathered to show what the claim is worth.

3. Filing suit

   If the insurer will not settle reasonably, a complaint is filed in circuit court. Each side then exchanges documents and evidence, and witnesses may be deposed.

4. Settlement or trial

   An insurer that knows you have a lawyer qualified and willing to take the case to trial is much more likely to settle for a reasonable amount. If it will not, the matter is tried to a judge or jury.

General information about Oregon law (Oregon Revised Statutes, 2025 edition), not legal advice for your situation. Laws and amounts change; call to talk about your case.