Portland Personal Injury Attorney

Portland Personal Injury Cases We Handle

We focus exclusively on personal injury law in Portland and across Oregon. Our attorneys know the real risks our city presents – from congested highways and popular bike lanes to neighborhood parks, busy retail areas, and aging apartment buildings. Below are the most common cases we handle for Portland clients. Each section explains how these injuries typically happen locally and what we prioritize to build a strong, fair claim for you.

Car / Automobile Accidents

Car accidents are the most common cause of serious injury claims we see in Portland. With constant traffic on I-5, I-405, US 26 (Sunset Highway), Powell Boulevard, Burnside Street, and Barbur Boulevard, crashes frequently happen because of distracted driving, speeding, unsafe lane changes, red-light running, and sudden stops in congestion.

Adrenaline can mask pain and other symptoms right after a crash. Many people walk away thinking they are “fine,” only to discover significant neck, back, shoulder, or head injuries days or even weeks later. That delay is very common and does not weaken your claim – but it does make early medical documentation extremely important.

In Portland car accident cases we focus on:

• Obtaining and carefully reviewing the police report
• Preserving photos of vehicle damage, scene conditions, and injuries
• Collecting witness statements and any available traffic or business camera footage quickly
• Working with medical providers to clearly connect your treatment to the collision
• Calculating not only current medical bills and lost wages, but also future care needs and reduced earning capacity

Oregon law requires you to report certain accidents to the DMV within 72 hours. We help make sure this step is handled correctly so your rights stay fully protected.

Learn more about car accidents in Portland

Bicycle Collisions and Accidents

Portland is one of the most bicycle-friendly cities in the country, with hundreds of miles of protected bike lanes, neighborhood greenways, and popular routes such as the Springwater Corridor, Hawthorne Bridge, and the Eastbank Esplanade. Unfortunately, that same popularity means bicycle crashes remain all too common.

Typical causes in Portland include “right-hook” turns, “left-cross” failures, dooring in bike lanes, drivers failing to yield at intersections, and sometimes poor road maintenance. These crashes often cause serious injuries because cyclists have little protection.

We build strong bicycle cases by:

• Proving the cyclist had the legal right of way under Oregon law (bicycles are treated as vehicles)
• Addressing common biases that riders sometimes face from adjusters or witnesses
• Documenting injuries such as fractures, road rash, head trauma, and soft-tissue damage
• Recovering costs for medical care, bicycle replacement or repair, lost income, and long-term effects on commuting or recreation

Learn more about bicycle accidents in Portland

Dog Attacks and Serious Dog Bites

Dog bites and attacks occur far too often in Portland – in neighborhoods, off-leash dog parks (Sellwood Riverfront, Gabriel Park, etc.), apartment complexes, and even during routine walks. Many incidents involve dogs that were not properly restrained or had a known history of aggression.

Oregon law holds dog owners strictly liable in many situations, especially if the dog had previously shown dangerous behavior. Beyond the physical pain, victims often face infections, scarring, nerve damage, and significant emotional trauma – particularly when children are involved.

We help dog bite victims by:

• Coordinating reporting to Multnomah County Animal Services
• Identifying the responsible owner and any applicable homeowners or renters insurance
• Pursuing claims against landlords or property managers when appropriate
• Recovering compensation for medical treatment, reconstructive surgery, scarring, therapy, and emotional distress

Learn more about dog bites in Portland
Dog Bite Victim Guide – What To Do After A Dog Bites You

Motorcycle and ATV Accidents

Motorcycle riding is very popular in Portland thanks to our mild weather and beautiful scenic routes. Unfortunately, motorcyclists are extremely vulnerable. The most common crashes involve drivers making left turns in front of riders, changing lanes without checking blind spots, or rear-ending motorcycles.

These accidents frequently cause severe injuries: road rash, broken bones, spinal damage, traumatic brain injuries, and long rehabilitation periods.

We work hard to counter the unfair bias many riders face and make sure every aspect of the recovery is accounted for in the claim.

Learn more about motorcycle accidents in Portland

Neck, Back, and Brain Injury Cases

Neck, back, and traumatic brain injuries are among the most serious and life-changing results of car crashes, falls, and other accidents in Portland. Even what seems like a “minor” collision can cause herniated discs, spinal cord damage, concussions, or diffuse axonal injury.

Symptoms often appear gradually: headaches, dizziness, memory problems, mood changes, chronic pain, and reduced ability to work or enjoy daily life. These injuries frequently require long-term medical care, therapy, and sometimes permanent lifestyle adjustments.

Our attorneys have recovered millions of dollars for clients with these injuries because we know how to document the full scope of the harm and fight for the compensation needed for future care.

Learn more about brain, neck, and back injuries

Trips, Slips and Fall Accidents

Slip, trip, and fall accidents happen everywhere in Portland: grocery stores, restaurants, office buildings, apartment stairwells, uneven sidewalks downtown, and parking lots during rainy months.

Many people blame themselves (“I wasn’t watching where I was going”), but the real question is whether the property owner failed to maintain reasonably safe conditions or warn about known hazards. Common causes include wet floors without signs, broken pavement, poor lighting, loose handrails, or debris.

We move quickly to preserve evidence before conditions are “fixed” and hold property owners accountable when their negligence caused preventable harm.

Learn more about slip, trip and fall accidents

Elder Law and Nursing Home Abuse

Portland has a large and growing senior population. While most care facilities do excellent work, abuse and neglect still occur far too often – sometimes from understaffing, inadequate training, or deliberate mistreatment.

Warning signs include unexplained bruises, frequent falls, bedsores, sudden weight loss, poor hygiene, emotional withdrawal, or medication errors. Families often feel guilty or helpless, but early action can protect the resident and hold the facility accountable.

We handle these sensitive cases with compassion, discretion, and determination.

Learn more about nursing home abuse

Semi-Truck and Tractor Trailer Accidents

Portland’s port, warehouses, and distribution centers generate constant semi-truck traffic on I-5, I-84, Hwy 26, and local industrial roads. When these large vehicles are involved in crashes, the results are often catastrophic due to size, weight, and blind spots.

Common causes include driver fatigue, overloading, poor maintenance, or aggressive driving. Liability can extend to the trucking company, driver, cargo loader, or even the truck manufacturer.

We have the resources to take on large trucking companies and their insurers to secure the compensation needed for long-term care or support after a tragic loss.

Learn more about truck accidents in Portland

Wrongful Death Claims

Losing a loved one because of someone else’s negligence is one of the most painful experiences any family can face. Whether caused by a drunk driver, unsafe property conditions, or a preventable truck crash, the financial and emotional burden can last for years.

We help families pursue wrongful death claims to cover funeral and burial costs, lost future income, loss of companionship, and emotional suffering. Oregon law allows certain family members to seek justice and financial stability.

Learn more about wrongful death claims

Workers’ Compensation

A work injury in Portland can be life-changing – especially when dealing with complex Oregon workers’ compensation rules, claim denials, permanent disability ratings, and disputes over medical treatment.

We help injured workers:

• File claims correctly and on time
• Appeal denials or unfair ratings
• Pursue third-party claims when another party (contractor, driver, equipment manufacturer) was also negligent
• Secure the full benefits you are entitled to under Oregon law

Learn more about workers’ compensation

Our Portland Branch

At Dwyer Williams Cherkoss Attorneys, PC, our Portland personal injury attorneys are committed to protecting our community from negligent parties, their insurance companies, and any legal teams they may hire to avoid responsibility. Our central location at 111 SW Columbia Street, Suite 710, Portland, OR 97201 gives clients convenient access to experienced representation.

We work on a contingency basis: you pay nothing unless we win your case. With over $50 million recovered in recent years, more than 650 cases handled, and a 98% success rate, we fight for the outcome you truly deserve.