About Fatal Wreck on Interstate 84 in Sherman County
Please contact Wrongful Death Attorney Bart Herron at Herron Law Firm 24×7 at 503-699-6496 to discuss your claim and legal options. We offer a Free Consultation, so you have nothing to lose by calling us today. Want to TEXT? Go ahead 503-367-0829
FATAL CRASH ON INTERSTATE 84 – SHERMAN COUNTY June 16th, 2020
1. What Happened:
On June 16 at 4:05 PM, Oregon State Police responded to a one-vehicle wreck on I-84 at milepost 10. The early investigation showed that a Ford van, driven by Shannon Gatlin, 45, was traveling westbound on the interstate when it entered the median and rolled. Gatlin was taken to a local hospital for serious injuries. DUI is suspected as a possible factor in the accident. The passenger, Vickie McDowell, 52, died at the crash scene.
2. What Should I Know About Drunk Driving And Wrongful Death Lawsuits?
Drunk driving is one of the top causes of traffic accidents in the United States. In 2017, there were 10,874 people killed in drunk driving crashes and alcohol factors in 30% of all US traffic deaths.
If you had a loved one killed in a DUI accident in Oregon, you are overwhelmed with grief and may wonder what your legal options are. You may be able to file a wrongful death lawsuit in Oregon.
Oregon’s wrongful death laws under ORS 30.020 allow loved ones to go after compensation for those negligent actions caused the person’s death. In Oregon, a wrongful death claim is like a personal injury claim, but the estate of the deceased is seeking compensation for that person. A wrongful death lawsuit can be brought by a personal representative, which under the law is the decedent’s spouse, parents, or children.
3. What Damages Am I Entitled To In A Wrongful Death Lawsuit?
The personal representative in the lawsuit can try to get compensation for medical bills, funeral expenses, memorial expenses, and lost earnings of the deceased between the time of injury and death.
The wrongful death statute in Oregon allows the personal representative to recover funds for loss of income in the future if the person had lived a normal lifespan. He or she also may be entitled to lost medical insurance, pensions, and other related losses. Beneficiaries in Oregon may also be compensated up to $500,000 for loss of companionship and society.
Punitive damages may be possible if the death of the loved one was caused by ‘severe recklessness’ or intentional conduct.
4. What Is The Statute of Limitations For A Wrongful Death Lawsuit?
In Oregon, you have three years from the date of death to file suit. Only the personal representative can settle or file the lawsuit. The personal representative has to be appointed by the court in the county where the deceased lived or died.
It is important to work within the statute of limitations on Oregon’s wrongful death lawsuits. If you wait too long, you will be unable to file a suit.
5. What To Do Next:
Talk To A Skilled Wrongful Death Attorney Today
If you lost a loved one in an Oregon DUI crash, you are faced with emotional and financial devastation. It is important to have a skilled personal injury attorney working to get you a complete compensation required. If the driver is convicted of DUI, be sure to talk to The Herron Law Firm today at no charge to learn about your legal options.
