Wrongful Death

Wrongful Death

The death of a loved one is always a great loss, but when preventable negligence causes an unnecessary fatal workplace tragedy, a car or truck crash, or a hospital or nursing home system error, the loss can be truly devastating.

The Corson & Johnson Law Firm has extensive experience in representing families in wrongful death cases, not only in the technical and legal aspects of winning settlements and judgments but also in compassionately dealing with the family of the victim. There is no charge for talking with us and, if we recommend a wrongful death case, you pay us no attorney fee until the case is over and your family has received compensation from the parties responsible for the wrongful death.

It is important to contact our attorneys promptly after the death so that deadlines are not missed and evidence is not lost.

Obtaining Justice For Families

In an Oregon wrongful death case, a Personal Representative brings the lawsuit for the benefit of surviving family members.  Our lead trial attorneys, Don Corson and Lara Johnson, counsel and represent the family’s representative through the legal process to obtain justice and compensation for their loved one’s wrongful death, including financial compensation for:

  • medical bills
  • funeral expenses
  • lost wages
  • loss of society and companionship
  • loss of services

Establishing Responsibility

Lawsuits may be brought for either an intentional or unintentional act that causes an injury that results in death. Determining and proving who is responsible can sometimes be difficult. The main offender might be easily identified, but there are sometimes other, less obvious parties whose conduct played an important contributing role.

Our wrongful death attorneys are experienced in investigating the facts of a case and learning the identities of the responsible parties. This information is crucial when determining fault and obtaining adequate financial compensation for the family.

Standing Strong for Your Family

We are experienced in the courtroom and do not shy from taking a family’s legitimate case to a jury if those responsible for the wrongful death do not accept their full responsibility. Our  willingness to try wrongful death cases improves the likelihood that cases will be settled in a way the family wants.

Most families want to make sure that no one else suffers what they are suffering. That is another reason The Corson & Johnson Law Firm aggressively holds accountable those who wrongfully harm members of our community.  Some wrongful death cases have also led to strengthened laws to protect Oregonians from unnecessary deaths.

Wrongful Death Cases

Whitewater Drowning Death

Case Leads to Improved Safety Laws.

Improperly Installed Propane Gas System Kills Couple

Case settled during litigation for $1.7 million.

The attorneys at Corson & Johnson have helped countless individuals and families over the past three-plus decades.
Please click on the Read More Cases link highlighted below to see additional Wrongful Death case examples.
If you think you may have a case, please call, email, or text us; we would be happy to talk with you.

Client Testimonials

Claire

“Lara represented my husband’s estate in a wrongful death case. I had spoken to a couple other lawyers that declined the case “for lack of a smoking gun”. She listened to my husband’s story with interest and compassion and felt there was a valid case. I found Lara to be very through and detailed in her investigation of the facts without being clinical or harsh. She was excellent at keeping me updated as things progressed and clear in her explanations and instructions. The wheels of justice seem to grind slowly, but Lara was supportive every step of the way and brought the case to a successful conclusion. I hope I never need this type of representation again, but if I do I would definitely choose Lara. I highly recommend her to anyone in need of a personal injury lawyer.”

Dick & Sue B.

“We could not have asked for better treatment especially under the horrible circumstances that we needed them when our daughter. Single parent of 4, was killed in a horrific head on collision with a tow truck. Thank you Don for truly caring about the outcome for our grandchildren. We thank you, Dick and Sue Bennink”

Matthew Kaplan

I have worked with Lara Johnson on a horrific wrongful death/dram shop case. I was very impressed by her knowledge, skill, and passion. Lara is a tireless advocate for her clients that understands all of the rigors of litigation. Lara gets fantastic results on very challenging cases.

Jay G.

“I worked with Don on the wrongful death case of Chapin Clark who tragically died when the boat capsized in a stretch of whitewater on the Rogue River. The outfitter and guide lacked the necessary rescue skills and safety equipment to save Mr. Clark’s life. All he could do was watch him drowned. Along with his client, Mr. Clark’s daughter, Don and his staff took this case beyond the courtroom and helped get legislation passed that required better rescue skills and equipment for Oregon’s whitewater outfitters.”

Jerry Sagen
Eugene, OR

“My beautiful healthy 45 year old wife, Mary, died suddenly in her sleep due to a fatal prescription drug combination. Mary’s physician had prescribed an antihistamine and an antibiotic, a lethal combination, warned against by both pharmaceutical companies and physician drug references. I researched and interviewed attorneys statewide before choosing the excellent firm of Johnson, Clifton, Larson and Corson. Don Corson was a firm partner prior to forming his new firm, The Corson & Johnson Law Firm. Don was the lead attorney in my case, backed by a very professional support group. Choosing an attorney in a medical malpractice case is a very important endeavor, because you will be challenged by the medical malpractice insurance industry whose resources will most likely exceed yours… choose wisely… choose the best! Don Corson in my opinion is a consummate trial attorney in case preparation and courtroom presence. Remember, the attorney you choose will be your teammate. Don Corson has the compassionate, caring human side that will make you a valuable member of that team. Don did an outstanding job of explaining a complicated case to the jury. The Lane County jury returned a substantial verdict in our favor. If you are a victim of serious injury or wrongful death, the justice of a monetary jury award may be vital to your future, but the justice of documenting a legal record of accountability will remain forever and provide spiritual healing. My beautiful wife Mary is gone, but the light of justice allows Mary’s legacy in the public record to protect others. I can offer you both an intellectual and heartfelt unqualified “yes” in recommending Don Corson as an attorney of compassion and unusual excellence.”

Bev RatheLeGurche
Sublimity, OR

“Don Corson represented me several years ago. He responded to my questions quickly and explained the whole process as to what would take place during the lawsuit in order to ease my tensions and fears. He was extremely easy to work with, very knowledgeable, and made the whole process as smooth as it could be. I would highly recommend him to anyone, as he is one of the most professional, honest, and caring individuals I have had the pleasure to know. Knowledge, integrity, and professionalism are a must in a lawyer and Don Corson is all of them without a doubt.”

How can we help you?

Our team is ready

If you would like to speak with a member of our legal team, please call us at 541-484-2525 or contact us using the form. There is no charge for this initial consultation. We offer Free Virtual Consultations using Zoom. Please fill out the contact form to request an initial consultation.

Please keep in mind that we can only help a limited number of people at one time, and that we try to focus on serious cases where we think we might be able to make a meaningful difference in a person’s life. We will promptly follow-up and be in contact with you.

Or give us a call or text message

(541) 484-2525

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