Oregon Civil Litigation Lawyers
Under Oregon's law, civil litigation is a legal process brought by a private or public entity, which is not concerned with criminal activity.
Oregon civil litigation serves the purpose of providing persons with compensation for legal injustices or wrongs that have been committed against them.
In Oregon, the general purpose of civil litigation is not punishment or deterrence. Both of those goals are the province of the criminal justice system. Alternatively, civil litigation in Oregon is meant to provide the victims of wrongdoing with tangible (usually monetary) redress.
What Are Common Subjects of Civil Litigation in Oregon?
Oregon civil litigation can come up in practically any context. However, some situations are more likely to lead to civil litigation than others:
Personal Injury: Personal injury in Oregon is probably the issue that most frequently leads to civil litigation. When someone is physically injured because of the intentional or negligent conduct of another, they have a right to recover the costs associated with the injury, such as medical expenses, lost wages, etc.
Employment: It's also common for the employment relationship to lead to civil litigation in Oregon. This relationship can become very combative at times, so this shouldn't come as a surprise. Unlawful practices like racial discrimination, and failing to pay at least minimum wage, are prevalent sources of civil litigation in Oregon.
Family Disputes: Most people in Oregon know that the family relationship can be convoluted, to say the least. Disputes involving divorce, community property, and child custody can quickly lead to civil litigation in Oregon.
Do I Need a Oregon Civil Litigation Attorney?
In Oregon, the specter of a lawsuit, and accompanying litigation, can appear seemingly out of nowhere, and the concerns they raise can be extremely difficult.
If you have any reason to believe that you might be engaged in a civil lawsuit anytime soon, it's a very good idea to seek the advice of a skilled Oregon civil litigation attorney.
Interesting Facts About Oregon
The state of Oregon is located in the Pacific Northwest of the U.S. Oregon has a very rich geographic make-up, with many natural resources and pristine scenery. Thus, the state has some of the nation's strongest pro-environment laws and anti-urban growth policies. These are enforced in efforts to preserve the state's natural environment as the state economy expands.
Oregon is the only state in the U.S. where postal voting is the only method allowed for citizens to vote. The state pioneered voting by mail in 1998 and influenced many other U.S. areas that use postal voting. Also, in 1994 Oregon became the first state to establish state-wide health care through the Oregon Health Plan. In addition to its environmental laws, these developments have made Oregon a pioneer in terms of legal innovations.
There are many types of courts in Oregon, including the Supreme Court, Court of Appeals, and a variety of minor courts. Most Oregon lawsuits begin at the Circuit Court level. One of the most famous cases in U.S. law, Philip Morris USA v. Williams, originated in the state of Oregon. The Philip Morris case set precedents for claims involving large punitive damage awards, as the plaintiff was issued an award for $79.5 million.
Lawyers in Oregon focus on legal issues that can be quite specific to the region. Oregon laws contain regulations not found elsewhere in the U.S., but an experienced Oregon lawyer can provide expert advice on the state's laws. Attorneys in Oregon provide counsel and representation for clients with legal issues.
