by Scott F. Kocher

J.D., Harvard Law School

Do I have a case?
Whether you have a case depends on many factors. First, you must have suffered injury, loss or harm. Second, that injury, loss or harm must have been caused by the wrongdoing of someone else. Third, the law must provide you the legal right to recover from the wrongdoer for your injury, loss or harm. Other important factors are the cost of taking the case to court and, if you win, whether the wrongdoer has any insurance, money or other assets to pay you.

Do I need to file a lawsuit to recover?
It depends. Sometimes it is necessary to file a lawsuit to force wrongdoers to pay for the injuries they cause. Other times, a wrongdoer or their insurer will settle before a lawsuit is filed. If the wrongdoer knows that you understand your legal rights and that you will file a lawsuit if necessary to enforce your rights, then the wrongdoer is often more likely to deal fairly with you.

Do I need to consult a lawyer?
Yes, if you have questions about your legal rights. Even if you choose to take no action, you empower yourself by knowing your legal rights. If you or a loved one has suffered injury, loss or harm, a lawyer can help you determine whether there is a case.

How can I afford a lawyer?
Vangelisti Kocher LLP provides free legal consultations to individuals who have suffered injury, loss or harm because of the wrongdoing of others. If you hire Vangelisti Kocher LLP to represent you, then you only pay an attorney fee if we obtain a recovery for you. This is commonly known as a contingency fee.

Please note that an attorney fee is different from costs, which are the necessary expenses incurred in representing a client. In some instances Vangelisti Kocher LLP will advance these costs for clients, which may later be recouped from a portion of the client's recovery if there is a favorable outcome of the matter. In some states, regulations require the client to be ultimately responsible for costs regardless of the outcome of the case. For example, Oregon Rule of Professional Conduct 1.8(e) in most cases allows an attorney to advance costs, but only if the client remains ultimately liable for such costs "to the extent of the client's ability to pay." Our firm has never had a dispute with a client regarding costs.

How long will it take to resolve my legal issue?
It depends on the complexity of your case. Frequently cases can be resolved through settlement in a matter of months. If a lawsuit is filed, it can take approximately 12 to 18 months to get the case to trial. Court delays and any appeal can increase the time to ultimately resolve the case. We strive to move our cases forward as quickly as possible, and to maintain a caseload that is not so heavy that any case falls behind. We communicate with our clients frequently so that if a case will take a long time, the client understands why the time is necessary for thorough preparation of the case.

How much will I recover?

The answer to this question depends on numerous factors, including the extent of your injury, whether the law will hold someone liable for your injury, whether the wrongdoer has insurance or money to pay for your injury, and the fees and costs required to obtain a recovery. No lawyer can guarantee a recovery or result.

Unfortunately, certain organizations have been active in petitioning our government in the name of tort "reform" to cap the amount of damages that an injured person can recover from wrongdoers, even if the losses far exceed the cap. In every case it is our job to understand these factors, and to provide our best guidance and counsel.

What is the Vangelisti Kocher LLP advantage?

Vangelisti Kocher LLP promises superior representation through:

• The personal attention each client deserves.

• The legal skill required to protect each client's legal rights and to pursue their claims for just compensation.

• The professionalism to represent each client fairly and ethically.

In short, we apply our experience, persistence and up-to-date knowledge of the law to seek the best possible result for you. With intelligent use of engineers, accident reconstructionists, appraisers and other experts, as well as private investigators, life care planners and litigation support professionals as appropriate, we can litigate efficiently and effectively against the largest defendants, including insurance companies. Whether your case is resolved by settlement before any lawsuit is filed, or by a jury verdict at the end of trial, we offer national experience with neighborhood service.

We invite you to learn more about our team's credentials and accomplishments.

Protect Your Rights

If you have been injured, it is important to have an Oregon or Washington attorney evaluate any personal injury claim you may have.

Oregon law provides strict deadlines for bringing personal injury, insurance and wrongful death claims. It is critical that you contact an Oregon injury attorney or Oregon accident attorney if you think that you may have a claim. A Portland personal injury attorney at Vangelisti Kocher LLP can provide a free consultation to discuss your injuries and legal rights. 

Washington law provides similarly strict statutes of limitations and other deadlines. A Washington injury attorney or Washington accident attorney at Vangelisti Kocher LLP can provide a free consultation to discuss your injuries and legal rights.