Dangerous Semi-Trucks in Portland – Understanding Oregon Wrongful Death Claims

As reported by Oregonlive, a devastating crash in Portland’s Lloyd District early Sunday morning left one pedestrian dead and another seriously injured after being struck by a tractor-trailer. The collision occurred near Northeast Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard and Northeast Holladay Street around 2:45 a.m., according to Portland Police.

Witnesses reported that the tractor-trailer driver did not stop after the crash. One witness followed the truck for miles until officers pulled it over on Oregon 224 near Clackamas. Investigators have not yet confirmed whether the driver was aware of the collision. Unfortunately, this is all too common. The families of the person who was killed now must deal with the grief of losing a loved one while also trying to navigate the various legal issues to hold the truck driver and the company employing them accountable.

Wrongful Death Lawsuits in Oregon

When a loved one is killed due to someone else’s negligence, Oregon law allows surviving family members to file a wrongful death lawsuit. These claims hold negligent drivers, trucking companies, and other responsible parties accountable while seeking financial recovery for the family.

A Portland wrongful death lawyer can help families recover damages for:

• Medical bills related to the fatal injury

• Funeral and burial expenses

• Lost financial support and income

• Loss of love, companionship, and care

• The pain and suffering the victim endured before death

The surviving pedestrian who was hospitalized may also bring a Portland personal injury claim to recover damages for medical costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Wrongful death suits in Oregon can be challenging because of the legal cap of $500,000 for the non-monetary losses such as loss of society and companionship.

Why Trucking Accident Cases Are Different

Trucking accidents often involve more than just the driver. Trucking companies, contractors, and even vehicle maintenance providers may share liability. A skilled Oregon trucking accident attorney investigates all possible causes—including driver fatigue, failure to follow safety regulations, and company negligence—to ensure victims and families receive maximum compensation.

Holding Negligent Drivers and Companies Accountable

Commercial truck drivers and trucking companies have a duty to operate safely—especially in pedestrian-heavy areas like Portland’s Lloyd District. When they fail, the consequences can be life-altering. Wrongful death and personal injury lawsuits not only provide justice for victims and families but also help improve public safety by holding negligent parties accountable.

Jeremiah Ross is an experienced Portland personal injury attorney and wrongful death lawyer have represented families throughout Oregon who lost loved ones in tragic accidents. We fight to secure full and fair compensation while guiding families through the legal process with compassion and care.

📞 Contact a Portland Wrongful Death Lawyer Today

If your family has suffered the loss of a loved one in a pedestrian accident or trucking collision, you do not have to go through this alone. Call Ross Law PDX today for a free consultation with an experienced wrongful death lawyer in Portland. We are here to protect your rights and pursue justice for your family.

👉 Free Consultation
📞 Call us at (503) 224-1658.
💻 Or reach out through our online contact form.

Oregon's DHS Disregarding Obligations in Deadly Child Medical Neglect Cases

Oregon lawmakers are pushing back against the Department of Human Services (DHS) Child Protective Services for what they see as a misinterpretation of state law—one that could undermine accountability in the child welfare system. The controversy centers on how DHS determines when to launch a Critical Incident Review (CIR) after a child dies in a household where a prior concern has been reported.

Under Oregon law, a CIR must be conducted when a child dies of suspected abuse or neglect, and the household was previously reported to the state for a suspected abuse concern within the past 12 months. However, Oregon’s DHS has taken a narrower view, saying it only initiates reviews when the initial report met the agency’s own threshold for an "abuse" allegation. Reports that DHS "screens out"—such as those involving children who are sick or lacking emergency contacts—are not counted as abuse concerns, even if they indicate potential risks. DHS’s interpretation permits it to put on legal blinders when addressing its failures to protect medically fragile children.

This interpretation came under fire after DHS failed to conduct a CIR following a child's death in a foster home, despite a prior hotline report about the household. When another child in the same home died a month later, the agency did conduct a review, revealing the earlier case and prompting scrutiny from lawmakers like Sen. Sara Gelser Blouin. She argues that DHS is sidestepping the law’s intent, which is to ensure a review whenever there’s been any prior report of suspected abuse or neglect—whether or not the agency agrees it meets the legal threshold for "abuse."

According to Oregonlive, Gelser Blouin has introduced an amendment to clarify the statute, adding the word “suspected” to make clear that DHS must launch a review whenever there’s a prior report of concern, not just when the agency decides to act on it. The amendment passed the Senate Human Services Committee last week, highlighting the legislature’s frustration with DHS’s approach.

DHS maintains it is following existing protocols and not seeking to reduce the number of reviews. But legislative attorneys disagree, and the proposed amendment underscores the tension between the agency and lawmakers over how Oregon protects vulnerable children.

Senator Blouin’s efforts are critical to ensuring that DHS holds itself accountable, learns from past mistakes, and improves its practices to better protect children. At Ross Law, we are dedicated to helping families when DHS fails in its duty—especially when those failures result in the injury or death of a child. This includes when medically fragile children do not receive the care they need and deserve, and we stand up for families when DHS’s inaction leads to preventable tragedies. If you or someone you know was abused or neglected as a result of Oregon’s DHS’s inaction, please call Oregon lawyer Jeremiah Ross and Ross Law PDX at 503.224.1658 to discuss your options.

Suing the State of Oregon DHS for Foster Child Abuse

In recent years, concerns have emerged regarding the well-being of foster children under the care of the State of Oregon Department of Human Services (DHS). Allegations of abuse and neglect have raised serious questions about the effectiveness of the state's foster care system, prompting some families to consider legal action. Some of those families have come to Ross Law which has successfully litigated cases against the State of Oregon for their failures to Oregon’s foster children. Suing the DHS for foster child abuse is a complex process, but it is a necessary process to ensure the protection of vulnerable children.

Understanding the Legal Landscape:

Taking legal action against a government agency like the DHS involves navigating a complex legal landscape. While the government is typically protected by sovereign immunity, there are exceptions that may allow individuals to sue for damages in cases of abuse or negligence. One such exception is when the government agency fails to uphold its duty to protect the rights and safety of foster children. Another legal issue that commonly arises is the Tort Claim Notice which may be necessary depending on the legal status of the custody of the child when the harm arose. Additionally, there are different legal claims ranging from negligence under Oregon’s Tort Claims Act, Strict Liability for Foster Children abusing others, and Civil Rights violation for the State’s violations of the child’s civil rights.

Building a Case:

To successfully sue the State of Oregon DHS, it's crucial to gather compelling evidence of abuse or neglect. This may involve obtaining medical records, testimonies from witnesses, DHS CPS Records (investigative reports and findings), police reports, and any documentation of any reported incidents. Engaging the services of an experienced attorney with expertise in child welfare cases is essential for building a strong case against the government agency.

Challenges and Considerations:

Suing a government entity comes with its own set of challenges, including legal hurdles and potential backlash. The process can be lengthy and emotionally draining, requiring a resilient commitment to the pursuit of justice. It's essential to weigh the potential benefits against the inherent difficulties, considering the impact on the affected children and their families.

Advocating for Change:

While legal action is a route for seeking justice for individual cases, it's also an opportunity to bring attention to systemic issues within the foster care system. Ross Law and others can leverage the legal process to push for policy changes, increased transparency, and improved oversight to prevent future cases of abuse and ensure the well-being of all Oregon’s foster children.

Conclusion:

Suing the State of Oregon DHS for foster child abuse is a challenging but potentially impactful endeavor. It requires dedication, a strong legal strategy, and a commitment to improving the overall welfare of vulnerable children. By holding the state accountable, individuals can contribute to a broader conversation about the need for reform within the foster care system, ultimately working towards a safer and more protective environment for all foster children.

Need Help?

If you or someone you know has been abused while in the custody of the State of Oregon please call Ross Law at 503.224.1658 to discuss your case. Attorney Jeremiah Ross has represented foster children and victims of Oregon’s DHS’s failures throughout the State of Oregon.