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.

Failure to Provide A Nursing Home Resident Medication Leads to Brain Injury and Death – $12 Million Lawsuit Filed

The Lund Report recently reported on the $12 million lawsuit that Ross Law filed in Multnomah County Circuit Court. The lawsuit alleges that severe negligence at a senior living and memory care center, Ackerly at Reed’s Crossing, caused a 71-year-old man to suffer permanent brain damage, which ultimately led to his death. The estate of Larry Pederson is seeking more than $12 million from The Ackerly at Reed’s Crossing and its parent company, Seattle-based Leisure Care.

Pederson moved into The Ackerly on July 2, 2024, with assurances that the facility would manage his complex medication regimen—a critical component of his care. Just three days later, he was found unresponsive and was hospitalized with severe brain damage caused by an apparent seizure. Medical staff found no trace of any of his essential medications in his system, including two powerful anti-seizure drugs: Levetiracetam (Keppra) and Divalproex.

The suit alleges that Pederson never received a single dose of his medications during his first three days at the facility. Even more troubling, staff allegedly failed to perform wellness checks, and no one informed hospital personnel of the missed medications, delaying critical medical care.

Ackerly management reportedly self-disclosed the incident to Oregon’s Adult Protective Services days later, admitting that Pederson’s medications—including Lacosamide and others—were never entered into their medication system. By then, the damage had already been done.

The brain injury Pederson suffered triggered a cascade of devastating effects. The lawsuit describes a heartbreaking decline: physical weakness, cognitive impairment, impaired speech, incontinence, tremors, and a severe loss of independence. He died on February 23, 2025—just eight months after entering the facility.

Portland Personal Injury Attorney Jeremiah Ross, representing Pederson’s estate. Ross contends that the facility’s failure to administer medication as promised directly led to the seizure that caused Pederson’s irreversible injuries and early death.

This case shines a stark light on the dangers vulnerable seniors face when facilities fail to uphold basic standards of care. When families entrust their loved ones to a memory care facility, especially one offering medication management services, they have every right to expect competence, diligence, and above all, safety. Tragically, Larry Pederson received none of those—and needlessly died as a result..

Ross Law continues to advocate for families who suffer when corporate or governmental systems break down, ensuring all that who are responsible are held accountable. If you know a senior citizen or vulnerable person that has been injured, neglected, physically abused, sexually assaulted, or killed due to the failures of a care facility, memory care facility, residential care facility, then please call 503.224.1658 to speak with Ross Law to discuss your options.

Tragic Number of Kids on Oregon DHS's Radar Die in 2025

Over the years, Ross Law has had great success in representing the interests of children who have been harmed, neglected, abused, or killed as a result of Oregon’s DHS and CPS’s failures. Despite holding the State accountable in these cases, it appears the system is still failing too many children.

OregonLive reported that in the first three months of 2025, ten children known to Oregon's Department of Human Services (DHS) died, prompting state investigations. This marks an increase from two deaths during the same period in 2024 and five in 2023. Though none of the children were in foster care, half were involved in active abuse investigations, and the others lived in households that DHS had previously checked on.

The deaths include five infants and toddlers—four of whom may have died due to unsafe sleep conditions while a parent or guardian was under the influence of marijuana—and five adolescents, including four teens who died within six days of each other in mid-February. The teen deaths were unrelated, but the number has raised concern among advocates, as adolescents now make up a larger share of fatalities than in past years.

Ross Law and attorney Jeremah Ross are dedicated to using the civil justice system to hold the State accountable for its failures that result in the tragic death, abuse, or neglect of children. If you or someone you know believe that Oregon’s DHS/CPS failed a child and the child was harmed and killed as a result, then please call 503.224.1658 to speak wth attorney Jeremah Ross.

Please note that all cases are different and that this article is for informational purposes only and is not to be considered legal advice. If you have questions about a potential case against the State of Oregon’s DHS or CPS then please call an attorney and do not rely solely on this post.

Statesman Journal Features Ross Law's $4,000,000 Recovery from OYA for Family

In a landmark settlement reported by The Statesman Journal, the state of Oregon has agreed to pay $4 million to the family of a 20-year-old who died by suicide while on parole with the Oregon Youth Authority (OYA). This significant settlement highlights the concerns about the treatment and supervision of the acutely mentally ill that are in the legal custody of the State of Oregon’s Youth Authority.

The lawsuit alleged that the state's negligence, violations of civil rights, and inadequate mental health care contributed directly to the young man's death. Jeremiah Ross was trusted by the family to obtain justice under these tragic circumstances. The settlement spotlights the need for systemic reforms to prevent similar tragedies in the future. It is Jeremiah Ross’s hope that the State of Oregon has acknowledged the severity of the case and expressed a commitment to improving mental health services within correctional facilities.

This case underscores the critical importance of proper mental health care and oversight in custodial settings, prompting discussions about policy changes and increased funding for mental health initiatives.

For the full article Click: Here.

The Case was Galm v. The State of Oregon (OYA), Et Al, United States District Court for the District of Oregon Case: 3:23-cv-00962.

This is the second time Ross Law and Jeremiah Ross have been featured by the Statesman Journal for representing a family seeking justice on behalf of a relative who tragically committed suicide. Click Here, for the previous article.

If you or someone you know were abused, neglected, sexually assaulted, severely injured, or have endured a tragic loss of a loved one, and believe it is the fault of the Oregon Youth Authority (OYA), Oregon Department of Human Services Child Protective Services (CPS), the Oregon Department of Corrections (DOC), or any local or state law enforcement agency, please call Ross Law at 503.224.1658 to discuss your options.

Please remember that each case is different and although this million-dollar recovery occurred in this case, it may not occur in every case.

Ross Law featured in OregonLive for Record $4,000,000 Recovery from OYA involving Suicide

In a landmark settlement reported by The Oregonian, the state of Oregon has agreed to pay $4 million to the family of a 20-year-old who died by suicide while on Oregon Youth Authority Parole. According to OregonLive this is a “record” settlement, highlighting significant concerns about the treatment and supervision of individuals in state care.

The lawsuit alleged that the state's negligence, violations of the young man’s civil rights, and inadequate mental health care contributed directly to the young man's death. Jeremiah Ross and Ross Law, were honored to be trusted by the family to try and acheive justice under these tragic circumstances. Jeremiah Ross hopes that this settlement will spotlight the need for systemic reforms to prevent similar tragedies in the future. It is Ross Law’s hopes that State officials have acknowledged the severity of the case and expressed a commitment to improving mental health services within correctional facilities.

This case underscores the critical importance of proper mental health care and oversight in custodial settings, prompting discussions about policy changes and increased funding for mental health initiatives.

For the full article Click: Here

The Case was Galm v. The State of Oregon (OYA), Et Al, United States District Court for the District of Oregon Case: 3:23-cv-00962.

If you or someone you know were abused, neglected, sexually assaulted, severely injured, or have endured a tragic loss of a loved one, and believe it is the fault of the Oregon Youth Authority (OYA), Oregon Department of Human Services Child Protective Services (CPS), the Oregon Department of Corrections (DOC), or any local or state law enforcement agency, please call Ross Law at 503.224.1658 to discuss your options.

Please remember that each case is different and although this million-dollar recovery occurred in this case, it may not occur in every case.

2019 Was An Incredible Year for Ross Law's Clients!

2019 was an amazing year for Ross Law and our Clients! Ross Law worked tirelessly to assist Oregonians to obtain maximum compensation for their Personal Injury cases, wrongful death cases, crime victim cases, insurance disputes, and consumer cases.

Below is a rundown on some of the results from 2019:

• $2,225,000.00 Jury Trial Verdict where Jeremiah Ross co-counseled a two-week medical malpractice & Patient Safety case with another attorney against one of Oregon’s top medical malpractice defense law firms. Click HERE for more information on that case.

• Significant Settlement in Case Against DHS and others in a case where our young client was abused and neglected while she was in the legal custody of the Department of Human Services. Click HERE for more information on the lawsuit against Oregon’s DHS & CPS.

• Confidential Settlement in Wrongful Death Case against a mental health provider whose negligence resulted in a schizophrenic’s suicide;

• Confidential Settlement received in a civil domestic violence case against an abuser. Ross Law represented a young survivor of domestic violence and filed a lawsuit against the abuser after he was convicted of his crimes in criminal court. As a crime victim’s lawyer, Ross Law fought tirelessly to cut through very complex legal issues to ensure the victim received compensation to regain the power and control of her life.

• $100,000.00 settlement for Ross Law’s client who was backed over by a vehicle while she was urinating behind the vehicle due to her intoxication. The bad driver’s insurance company denied any liability until Jeremiah Ross litigated the matter.

• Insurance Benefits obtained for a client who the insurer denied personal injury protection benefits to a cyclist who was thrown into a car at a stop sign. The stopped vehicle’s insurer denied benefits based on its interpretation of the law that the cyclist had to be “struck by” the vehicle. The judge ordered the Insurance Company to pay the cyclist $15,000.00 in denied insurance benefits and the cyclist’s costs and attorney fees. Click HERE for more information on that case.

• Insurance Benefits obtained for a client who was wrongfully denied Personal Injury Protection benefits from USAA and Auto Injury Solutions. The judge ordered USAA to pay the outstanding benefits and our client’s costs and attorney fees. Click HERE for more information on that case.

• Numerous favorable Settlements in Lemon Law and Auto Dealership Fraud Cases. These settlements included cash that was paid directly to our clients by the dealership, buy-backs of vehicles, unwinding car deals, and the dealership or auto manufacturers paid Ross Law’s consumer client’s costs and attorney fees.

There were many other amazing results for or clients! Please remember that results for all clients will vary. Each case is different. Some cases are better than others. If you, or someone you know, needs a personal injury lawyer, wrongful death lawyer, crime victim’s lawyer, or consumer lawyer please call Ross Law at 503.224.1658.

Jeremiah Ross Selected as a SuperLawyer! Again....

2019 was an incredible year for Ross Law and Jeremiah Ross! Ross Law fought tirelessly for our clients in personal injury cases, insurance disputes, wrongful death cases, medical malpractice cases, lemon law cases, auto dealership fraud cases, and crime victim cases. Ross law achieved incredible results for our clients.

Peers selected Jeremiah Ross as a 2020 SuperLawyer for personal injury general plaintiff’s practice. This is the fifth year Jeremiah Ross has been recognized by SuperLawyers.

• 2020 Oregon Super Lawyers

• 2019 Oregon Super Lawyers

• 2018 Oregon Super Lawyers

• 2017 Oregon Rising Stars

• 2016 Oregon Rising Stars

We look forward to continuing with the amazing success Ross Law has had and are thankful to be rated as a SuperLawyer!

Please remember the results may vary for each client. Each case is different. If you or someone you know needs to speak with a Personal Injury Lawyer, Wrongful Death Lawyer, Crime Victim Lawyer, or Consumer Lawyer, please call 503.224.1658 to speak with Ross Law. This post may be considered Attorney Advertising.

6 Fatal Traffic Crashes In 4 Days in Portland! WTH Portland Drivers?

SIX fatal traffic crashes have occurred in the past FOUR DAYS in Portland Oregon! As an Oregon wrongful death and personal injury lawyer this is extraordinarily alarming. Each and every one of these heartbreaking deaths were likely preventable if people used common sense and simply followed the law while they were driving. Portland Police Bureau Chief Outlaw is warning, “Drivers [to] slow down, don’t drive impaired/distracted. Bikes and peds use caution-don’t assume drivers see you.”

Chief Outlaw also warned that the PPB is going to stepping up traffic enforcement. Portland drivers take note that you may be ticketed for what you perceive as a minor traffic violation (driving 10 miles over the speed limit, rolling through a stop sign, failing to stop while a pedestrian is waiting at a cross walk.) Hopefully increased enforcement will work to change Portland driving behavior.

Law enforcement are not the only folks out there trying to change Portland’s driver’s behavior. Here at Ross Law, we believe that it is our duty to use the civil justice system make our community a safer place by holding wrongdoers accountable and hopefully deterring people from driving negligently, carelessly, or recklessly. We do this by filing lawsuits against the bad drivers that injure our clients. This will hopefully force the bad driver, their family, and their friends to change their driving behavior. We know that it is not easy to be sued and explain your actions that injured or killed someone. We use the civil justice process to attempt to force bad drivers that injure our clients to own up to what they did, and be held responsible by having to explain their actions, and admit they were at fault. Additionally, their insurer will have to pay to compensate the person they injured. We wholeheartedly agree with Chief Outlaw that drivers need to slow down, don’t drive impaired or distracted, and cyclist and pedestrians should be cautious on the roads.

If you or someone you know have been injured or killed in a Oregon motor vehicle crash, call Jeremiah Ross at 503.224.1658. Call Ross Law for your free personal injury case evaluation. We proudly represent people injured in car crashes, bicycle crashes, and pedestrians that were struck by a vehicle.