Personal Injury Statistics in Oregon
Understanding personal injury statistics in Oregon helps you benchmark your case value, understand the legal environment, and set realistic expectations for your claim.
For informational purposes only. Not legal advice. Consult a licensed attorney.
$15,000 – $65,000
Average Settlement Range
Varies widely by injury severity and case type
Modified comparative fault (51% bar)
Fault System
Directly affects how damages are calculated
2 years
Statute of Limitations
Time to file from date of injury
At-Fault (Tort)
Auto Insurance System
At-fault driver's insurer liable
Oregon Injury Cases — By the Numbers
36,000 cases/yr
PI Cases Filed Annually
$48,000
Average Settlement
$29,000
Median Settlement
47%
Plaintiff Trial Win Rate
15 mo
Avg. Time to Settle
Motor Vehicle Accident
Top Injury Type
13 mo
Civil Court Backlog
34%
Avg. Contingency Fee
Key Facts About Oregon Injury Law
Oregon uses modified comparative fault under ORS § 31.600 with a 51% bar — if the plaintiff is found 51% or more at fault, all recovery is barred; awards for lesser fault percentages are reduced proportionally based on the plaintiff's assigned share of responsibility.
Personal injury lawsuits must be filed within 2 years from the date of injury or discovery under ORS § 12.110; claims against public bodies require a timely notice of claim under ORS § 30.275 within 180 days of the injury for most governmental tort claims.
Oregon does not require no-fault personal injury protection insurance as a mandatory auto insurance component, though PIP is available as optional coverage; Oregon operates as a traditional at-fault tort state for auto accident injury claims.
Oregon Personal Injury Law Overview
Oregon applies modified comparative fault with a 51% bar. The 2-year statute of limitations applies to most personal injury claims. Oregon does not mandate no-fault PIP coverage, though it is available optionally. Oregon's outdoor recreation industry — hiking, skiing, white-water rafting — generates distinctive personal injury litigation. Portland and the Willamette Valley corridor see significant personal injury caseloads. Oregon has no general cap on compensatory damages. Oregon's Economic Damages Act defines recoverable economic losses, while noneconomic damages including pain and suffering are fully recoverable in most cases. Medical malpractice cases in Oregon have a 2-year statute of limitations with a discovery rule. Oregon does not cap punitive damages by statute, but the Oregon Supreme Court has struck down excessive punitive awards on due process grounds. Oregon's Dram Shop Act creates liability for commercial vendors who serve visibly intoxicated patrons who subsequently injure third parties.