Finding the Portland Lawyer for You

Oregon Personal Injury Law Questions and Answers

Q: I have a lawyer for my Oregon accident case. But I’m not happy with the way things are going. Am I wrong, or is your lawyer supposed to do everything he can for you to help you win your case? The accident was not my fault. My PIP has run out. I have medical bills. Collectors are starting to call. And I’m still in pain. I need help. I’m scared. What do I do?

A: First of all, you’re absolutely correct in thinking that your attorney should do everything he can for you. He is not only ethically obligated, he is legally required to. The Oregon Rules of Professional Conduct (ORPC) states simply – and that’s rare in legal documents – that “[a] lawyer shall not neglect a legal matter entrusted to the lawyer.”

The lawyer also has the responsibility to communicate fully with the client. If you are not happy with the way things are going, or the way your attorney is handling your case, ask about it. State how you want the case handled. “[A] lawyer shall abide by a client’s decisions concerning the objectives of representation and . . . shall consult with the client as to the means by which they are pursued.”

You can find other rules of the client-lawyer relationship here. The client also has the right to speak with another attorney at any time.

Our website also has tips about how to pay for your medical bills and what to do if PIP, or personal injury protection, coverage runs out.