I am frequently asked by clients to define the meaning of certain legal terms and concepts. In the law, there are many things that we, as lawyers, refer to that are foreign to the layperson. One of the more important concepts to be aware of is the Statute of Limitations. Virtually every legal claim is … Read more
Labor Day weekend is typically the last weekend families head out for three days to spend time together before the kids return to school. Traffic in Oregon on the long weekend is usually an issue with long lines of vehicles leaving home to travel for fun and relaxation. The extra traffic affects travel time and … Read more
During tax season, many clients ask me if they owe taxes on their personal injury settlement or award. My usual answer is that, generally speaking, compensation for physical injuries is non-taxable and the money does not need to be reported on your income tax return. There are a few exceptions such as punitive damage awards … Read more
During the winter, there is a significant upswing in motor vehicle accidents. The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) has a comprehensive checklist regarding safe driving during the winter months. The highlights are: 1. Make sure your vehicle is ready for travel. Make sure to use antifreeze. Carry a flashlight. Carry chains or use traction tires. … Read more
Spring break for Oregon schools means more people on the roads traveling for vacations, skiing, or trips to the beach. It isn’t just families out on the road; there are a number of youthful drivers out on day trips with their friends, shopping, or returning home late at night after parties. Traffic will be heavier … Read more
Each year before St. Patrick’s Day, Oregon law enforcement urges everyone going out to celebrate to designate a sober driver before going, get home safely after the celebration, and don’t take the chance of being pulled over for drunk driving. “Unfortunately, one of the most widely celebrated days of the year all too often shares … Read more
Too often victims are denied financial compensation because of mistakes made before they hire a lawyer. Here are some common mistakes to avoid: Waiting too long before contacting an attorney. The passage of time works against you after damages and injuries occur. Witnesses will forget crucial details and frequently important documents are lost or destroyed. … Read more
Oregon State Police (OSP) offers travel tips in order to make the Holiday Weekend safe. Getting Ready for the Trip Plan ahead to give yourself plenty of extra time to get to your destination Stay informed about weather conditions, potential traffic hazards, and highway closures. Check road conditions by visiting http://www.TripCheck.com or calling 5-1-1. Make … Read more
The Fourth of July weekend is the deadliest time of the year on Oregon roads. Oregon State Police, Oregon State Sheriff’s Association, Oregon Association of Chiefs of Police, and Oregon Department of Transportation offer the following safety reminders for holiday travel: Get rested before you are tested. Fatigued drivers are more frequent during holiday weekends … Read more
LASIK, a form of refractive surgery that has been around since the mid-90s, stands for laser in-situ keratomileusis, which means using a laser underneath a corneal flap (in situ) to reshape the cornea. While statistically, LASIK is a safe procedure, sometimes there are adverse consequences. Since the end of 1999, I have represented over one … Read more
