Another Multnomah County Jail Death Causes Concern About Conditions

Oregonlive recently reported on the recent tragic death of a 49-year-old woman who died last week while in custody at Northeast Portland’s Inverness Jail. This tragedy is sending renewed shockwaves through Multnomah County. The woman was booked on Monday on misdemeanor charges, including interfering with an officer, unlawful possession of heroin, trespassing, and providing false information to police. By Thursday morning, she was found unresponsive in her cell. Despite efforts from deputies and corrections health staff, Watkins was pronounced dead at the scene.

The woman's death marks the second in-custody fatality in Multnomah County this year. This is a troubling continuation of a pattern that has plagued the Multnomah County Jail for years. Following a staggering ten inmate deaths in 2022 and 2023, many advocates had hoped recent reforms would improve conditions. While fatalities declined to one in 2024, the woman’s death signals that underlying issues remain unresolved.

These deaths point to a jail system under profound strain due to reduced staffing and limited resources. The departure of the medical director of the county department overseeing inmate health after just 19 months further underscores the instability and challenges in providing adequate care to incarcerated individuals.

At Ross Law PDX, cases like this exemplify the urgent need for accountability and reform within the criminal justice system. Jeremiah Ross has been a steadfast advocate for individuals and families impacted by governmental negligence, civil rights violations, and misconduct.

For families impacted by in-custody deaths or other violations of civil rights, Ross Law PDX provide not only legal representation but a powerful voice for justice.

If you or someone you know has experienced civil rights violations while in custody, contact Ross Law PDX at 503.224.1658 to learn about your legal options.

2025 Multnomah County Judges Directory and Contact Information

As an Oregon personal injury law firm, Ross Law knows the frustration in navigating the Oregon Judicial Department’s Multnomah County Circuit Court’s website to find general contact information, Chambers location, office phone numbers for Judges and their staff.

Ross Law had previously had an easy to find link, but it needs to be updated. Please see the documents below or click on this links below to take you to the Multnomah County Court’s website for more information. Please reach out to Ross Law if you have questions regarding a personal injury case or you or someone you know where abused, assaulted, or injured by the negligence or intentional acts of others.

Click here for general court phone numbers, addresses, and emails.

Click here for Judges and their staff contact information.

Please remember that this post may not be up to date. Contact information as well as Judges and their staff are constantly changing so please refer to the Court’s current website for updated information.

Oregonlive Exposes Dangerous Truck Drivers on Oregon's Roads-What if you are hurt by them?

Oregonlive recently exposed a bribery scheme where a commercial truck driving school was paying an independent tester approximately $500 in exchange for a commercial driver’s license. According to Oregonlive, investigators suspected Skyline CDL school in Washington arranged for the Washington tester to be paid in exchange for the tester providing the students a passing grade on their commercial truck driver test regardless of whether the students passed the test or not. This resulted in many inexperienced and knowledgeable students receiving a commercial driver’s license when they did not meet the requirements.

This is a major concern because the scheme permitted numerous unqualified and inexperienced truck drivers to operate 80,000-pound tractor-trailer trucks on Oregon and Washington’s roads. 80% of the drivers who were retested and received suspected fraudulent licenses did not receive a passing grade.

These unqualified drivers can cause accidents that can result in catastrophic injuries, property damage, and even fatalities. When it turns out that the truck driver involved was operating without passing the commercial driver’s license (CDL) test, the legal implications become even more serious. In such cases, victims may have the right to pursue a civil lawsuit not only against the driver but also potentially against the trucking company, the school that arranged for the bribery, or other responsible parties. Here’s what you need to know if you’re considering legal action after an accident caused by an unqualified truck driver.

The Legal Duty of Truck Drivers and Trucking Companies

Truck drivers who operate large commercial vehicles are held to high safety standards under both state and federal regulations. Possessing a valid CDL is not just a formality—it signifies that the driver has undergone proper training and testing to safely operate a commercial vehicle. When a driver operates without passing the commercial driver’s license teste, they breach their legal duty to operate safely and legally.

Trucking companies also have a responsibility to verify that their drivers are properly licensed and qualified. Allowing or negligently failing to check a driver’s credentials can expose the company to liability under the legal doctrine of negligent hiring or retention.

Filing a Civil Lawsuit: Who Can Be Held Liable?

A civil lawsuit after an accident involving an unlicensed truck driver typically seeks compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, pain and suffering, and other related costs. Depending on the circumstances, you may be able to sue:

• The unlicensed truck driver: For negligence, recklessness, or illegal operation of a commercial vehicle.

• The trucking company or employer: If the company knowingly or negligently allowed the driver to operate without a license, or failed to perform proper background checks.

• Other third parties: Such as the school that arranged for the bribery scheme to pay for the license, or the tester or testing agency.

Proving Negligence in an Unlicensed Driver Case

To succeed in a civil lawsuit, the injured party (plaintiff) must prove that the driver and/or company were negligent. Key evidence may include:

• The driver’s driving record and proof of license status, and proof the driver took the driver’s test

• Employment records from the trucking company

• Police reports and accident investigation findings

• Witness statements and dashcam footage

The fact that the driver lacked a valid CDL can serve as strong evidence of negligence, but it must be tied directly to the cause of the accident. For example, was the driver unable to control the vehicle due to lack of training? Did their improper maneuver cause the collision?

Potential Damages and Compensation

Victims of accidents involving unlicensed truck drivers may be entitled to compensation for:

• Current and future medical expenses

• Lost income and reduced earning capacity

• Pain and suffering

• Emotional distress

• Property damage

• In a case involving a driver who received a commercial driver’s license through a bribe will certainly expose the defendants to punitive damages to punish egregious misconduct

The presence of an unlicensed driver may increase the likelihood of punitive damages, especially if the trucking company acted with gross negligence or willful disregard for public safety.

Why Legal Representation Matters

Cases involving unlicensed truck drivers can be complex, especially when corporate liability and insurance issues are involved. Trucking companies and their insurers may aggressively defend against claims to minimize payouts. An experienced personal injury attorney , such as Jeremiah Ross, and Ross Law LLC can help investigate the accident, identify all liable parties, negotiate with insurers, and advocate for maximum compensation.

Final Thoughts

An accident caused by an unlicensed truck driver is more than just a traffic violation—it’s a breach of public trust and safety that can have devastating consequences. Victims have legal rights to pursue compensation through a civil lawsuit, and holding negligent drivers and companies accountable is an important step toward justice and safety on the roads.

If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident involving an unlicensed truck driver, consulting with a qualified attorney, such as Jeremiah Ross, at 503.224.1658 can help you understand your legal options and protect your rights.

Need help navigating a truck accident case? Reach out to personal injury lawyer Jeremiah Ross to discuss your commercial vehicle accidents to get started with your claim. Please remember this post is for information purposes only.

Oregon Youth Authority's Transparency of Abuse Claims Questioned

Ross law has fought to obtain justice and compensation for adjudicated youth in the care of the Oregon Youth Authority (OYA) or the Oregon Department of Human Services (DHS) Child Protective Services (CPS). While pursuing civil claims for children, youth and families it becomes apparent that OYA and DHS have a lack of follow up on claims of abuse, sexual abuse, or neglect, or civil rights violations. This can result in the abuse continuing because there is no accountability for the abusers.

Recently Oregonlive reported that Oregon’s County Juvenile Directors are demanding the release of information regarding the abuse of OYA adjudicated youth who were physically or sexually abused or neglected by OYA Staff or other youth while in OYA custody. This is important because the County Juvenile Directors are currently blind as to which youth were abused, and when and where they were abused once they left the County Juvenile system and went into OYA custody which includes incarceration or parole.

Hopefully, OYA will release this information and it will help the County Juvenile Directors better understand the challenges that an adjudicated youth faced in OYA custody, as well as identifying systemic flaws that allowed the abuse to happen in the first place.

If you or someone you know has suffered from sexual abuse, physical abuse or violence, neglect, or a depravation of your civil rights while in OYA physical or legal custody please call Ross Law at 503.224.1658. Jeremiah Ross has experience obtaining compensation for victims of abuse that were OYA’s or DHS’s legal custody. Please remember certain time limitations may affect your ability to pursue a claim against DHS or OYA so it is best to call an attorney, such as Jeremai Ross, sooner rather than later.

Oregon Youth Authority Abuse Claims Prompt Change

Ross Law has fought to achieve civil justice for youth and their families that the Oregon Youth Authority (OYA) has failed. The OYA has been plagued with mismanagement for decades that has resulted in claims of physical abuse, sexual abuse, and neglect of incarcerated youth. To compound the issue, OYA failed to promptly investigate those claims and grievances of incarcerated youth which helped perpetuate the abuse. It appears the Governor is attempting to make change to break the cycle of abuse and mismanaged claims.

According to the Statesman Journal, Katherine O. Berger has been appointed as the new Youth and Family Advocate for the Oregon Youth Authority (OYA), starting May 1—a role created in response to growing concerns about systemic failures within OYA, including lawsuits alleging sexual abuse of youth and a large backlog of unresolved complaints. The position, designed to be independent and overseen by the governor’s office, aims to support youth and their families in navigating the system, raising concerns, and understanding their rights.

The need for stronger oversight became urgent after a January audit revealed that Raymond Byrd, former chief investigator of OYA’s Professional Standards Office (PSO), had failed to review thousands of complaints. His resignation, alongside the firing of former OYA Director Joe O’Leary, underscored the agency’s accountability crisis. Interim Director Jana McLellan proposed the advocate role as part of several reforms following this internal review.

Berger, a longtime youth defense attorney, will regularly visit correctional facilities, meet with youth and families, and report on systemic safety issues. She will deliver a comprehensive report by May 2026 recommending how to establish a permanent advocate role and improve protections for youth reporting abuse. Her appointment signals a shift toward addressing deeply rooted issues in OYA’s handling of youth safety and misconduct complaints.

This is a step in the right direction, and here at Ross Law we hope it will make positive change. However, it will not help those that are already endured sexual abuse, assault, a lack of medical or mental health care while incarcerated at McClaren, OYA Group homes, or other while in the custody of OYA.

If you or someone you know have questions about whether or not you or your family have a claim against OYA please reach out to Ross Law and Jeremiah Ross at 503.224.1658. Please remember that certain time limitations may affect your ability to pursue a claim against the Oregon Youth Authority, so it is best to contact a lawyer sooner rather than later.

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.