Legal Support After A Preventable Loss
Losing a family member unexpectedly because of someone else’s careless or wrongful conduct is devastating. In the middle of grief, it can be hard to know whether what happened was simply a tragedy or the kind of preventable loss that may call for help from a wrongful death attorney Lake Oswego families can rely on.
At Angel Law, P.C., we help families in Lake Oswego and throughout the Portland area seek answers, accountability, and financial recovery after a wrongful death. We are a Portland-based personal injury firm that handles serious injury, medical malpractice, and fatal cases, and we approach every family with compassion and careful attention.
Our founding attorney, Patrick D. Angel, has more than two decades of trial experience and has obtained significant results in high-stakes cases, including a $5.5 million civil rights or jail death matter and a $5 million medical malpractice case.
Losing a loved one to negligence is an unimaginable tragedy. Contact our compassionate legal team today to schedule a free and confidential consultation.
Why Families Choose Angel Law
When you are considering a wrongful death lawyer Lake Oswego families often want more than legal knowledge. You need a team that will truly listen, explain each step in clear terms, and treat your loved one with the respect they deserve. That is why we carefully manage our caseload, so we can devote the necessary time and resources to each wrongful death matter we accept.
Attorney Patrick D. Angel personally oversees every case our firm handles. He has been practicing law since 2003 and brings extensive trial experience in complex personal injury and death cases, including medical malpractice, birth injuries, and civil rights claims. As a former U.S. Marine, he approaches every case with discipline, persistence, and a strong sense of duty to our clients.
Our results reflect that commitment. Our firm has secured multi million dollar outcomes for families and injured clients, including a $5.5 million civil rights or jail death case and a $5 million medical malpractice claim involving severe harm. These results show that we are prepared to handle complex, contested cases that may involve powerful institutions such as correctional facilities or hospitals.
Independent organizations have also recognized our work. Attorney Angel holds a Superb 10.0 Avvo rating, has been named to Super Lawyers between 2014 and 2019, and has earned the AV Preeminent rating from Martindale Hubbell. Our firm is accredited by the Better Business Bureau with an A+ rating, which reflects our focus on ethical practices and client service.
Families throughout the Portland region, including Lake Oswego, also choose us because we make it easier to reach out for help. We offer bilingual services in English and Spanish, can meet virtually or in person, and provide around-the-clock access to our team for urgent concerns. Our goal is to reduce the burden on you, so you can focus on your family while we handle the legal details.
Understanding Wrongful Death In Oregon
Many people are unsure whether what happened to their loved one qualifies as wrongful death under Oregon law. Broadly speaking, a wrongful death claim arises when a person dies because of the careless, reckless, or intentional conduct of another person or entity. This can include fatal motor vehicle crashes, medical negligence in a hospital or clinic, unsafe conditions on property, or misconduct in a jail or other facility.
In Oregon, a wrongful death lawsuit Lake Oswego families may pursue is generally brought by a personal representative of the estate. That representative typically seeks compensation for the losses suffered by surviving family members, such as a spouse, children, or parents, as well as certain losses suffered by the estate. The details can be complex, which is why it is important to have a firm that understands how these cases work in practice.
There are also time limits on filing a wrongful death claim in Oregon. The specific deadline depends on several factors, including how the death occurred and when it was discovered that negligence may have played a role. Because evidence can be lost and memories fade, it is usually wise to speak with a lawyer as soon as you feel able, so potential deadlines can be evaluated.
A wrongful death case is about more than medical bills or funeral costs, although those are important. Families may also seek compensation for the income and benefits their loved one would have provided over time, as well as the loss of companionship, guidance, and emotional support. Although no result can replace the person you lost, financial recovery can help protect your household and recognize the full impact of the loss.
When we meet with families from Lake Oswego or other nearby communities, we walk through how Oregon law may apply to their unique situation. Our role is to translate legal rules into practical advice and to help you decide whether pursuing a claim is the right step for your family.
Our Approach To Wrongful Death Cases
Every family’s story is different, and so is every wrongful death case. Our approach is designed to give you clear information, strong advocacy, and consistent support from the first call through resolution.
The process typically begins with a free, confidential consultation. During this conversation, we listen carefully to what happened, answer your immediate questions, and review any documents you have, such as police reports, medical records, or correspondence from insurers. If we both decide to move forward, we explain our contingency fee agreement in writing, so you know exactly how fees and case expenses are handled.
From there, we conduct a thorough investigation. This may include gathering medical records, obtaining incident reports, interviewing witnesses, and consulting with appropriate professionals when needed to help analyze what went wrong. In some cases, such as deaths connected to medical malpractice, birth injury, or conditions in custody, understanding the full picture requires detailed review and careful coordination with people who understand the relevant standards of care.
Identifying who may be legally responsible is another key part of our work. Depending on the facts, potential defendants can include individual drivers, employers, hospitals or clinics, long term care facilities, contractors, or public entities. Our experience with civil rights and jail death litigation gives us insight into cases that involve government agencies and correctional institutions in and around Clackamas County and Multnomah County.
Throughout the case, we handle communication with insurance companies and defense lawyers, so you do not have to manage those difficult conversations. We keep you informed about developments, discuss important decisions with you, and provide guidance about options for settlement or continued litigation.
Because Attorney Angel has extensive trial experience in complex personal injury and death cases, we prepare each case as if it may go before a judge or jury. This approach helps us present a well supported claim during settlement discussions and puts us in a stronger position if trial becomes necessary. While many wrongful death claims resolve through negotiated agreements, having a lawyer who is prepared to go to court can influence how insurers and defendants respond.
Our fee structure is straightforward. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you do not pay attorney fees unless we achieve a successful outcome for you through settlement or verdict. We explain in advance how case expenses are handled and answer any questions you have, so you can make decisions with a clear understanding of the financial arrangements.
Wrongful Death Cases We Handle
Wrongful death can arise in many different settings. Because our practice includes serious personal injury, medical malpractice, birth injuries, catastrophic accidents, and civil rights matters, we are familiar with the kinds of events that often lead to fatal outcomes for families in Lake Oswego and the broader Portland region.
We represent families who have lost loved ones in a variety of circumstances, including fatal crashes on regional roads, deaths connected to alleged medical errors in hospitals or clinics, and deaths that occur while a person is in custody. We also handle cases involving unsafe premises or dangerous conditions that result in a fall or other fatal incident. Our focus is always on understanding exactly how the loss occurred and who may be responsible.
Examples of wrongful death situations we handle include:
- Fatal motor vehicle collisions involving cars, trucks, pedestrians, or cyclists
- Deaths linked to medical negligence in diagnosis, treatment, surgery, or follow-up care
- Birth-related deaths involving preventable injury to a parent or newborn
- Deaths occurring in jails or detention facilities, where civil rights violations are alleged
- Fatal incidents on unsafe property, such as falls or structural failures
Some of these matters can involve large corporations, health systems, or government agencies. Our firm has experience bringing cases against such entities and working to hold them accountable through careful preparation and focused advocacy. Whether the loss occurred in Lake Oswego itself or elsewhere in the Portland metropolitan area, we work to uncover the truth and pursue a result that helps your family move forward.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have a wrongful death case in Oregon?
You may have a wrongful death case if your loved one died because of another party’s negligent or wrongful conduct. The best way to know is to speak with a lawyer who can review the facts, applicable Oregon law, and any available records during a free consultation.
How much does it cost to hire your firm?
We handle wrongful death cases on a contingency fee basis, so you do not pay attorney fees upfront. Our firm is paid only if we obtain a recovery for you. During your consultation, we explain our fee agreement and how case expenses are handled, so you understand the financial terms.
Will my family have to go to court?
Many wrongful death cases resolve through settlement without a trial, although some do require court hearings or a jury trial. We prepare each case carefully in case court becomes necessary and guide you through what to expect. Any decision about settlement versus trial is made with your input.
How long does a wrongful death case usually take?
The length of a wrongful death case can vary based on factors like liability disputes, number of parties involved, and court scheduling. Some claims resolve within a year, while others take longer. We keep you informed about timelines and progress, so you always know where your case stands.
Can you handle cases against hospitals or jails?
Yes, our firm handles cases involving alleged medical negligence in hospitals and clinics, as well as civil rights and jail death matters. We have obtained significant results in these types of cases and work to carefully investigate what happened, identify responsible parties, and pursue accountability on behalf of your family.
Taking The Next Step After A Loss
Thinking about legal action while you are grieving can feel overwhelming. At the same time, you may have questions that will not go away, and you may be facing sudden financial pressure from lost income, medical bills, or funeral expenses. Speaking with a wrongful death attorney, Lake Oswego families can turn to may help you understand your options and regain a sense of control.
We offer complimentary consultations and can meet at our Portland office, by phone, or through a secure virtual meeting. Our firm regularly represents families from Lake Oswego and surrounding communities, and we adapt our process to what feels most comfortable for you. If we take your case, you will not pay attorney fees unless we obtain a financial recovery on your behalf.
To speak with our team about a potential wrongful death claim, call (503) 953-8224 or contact us online today.