If you’ve been injured in an accident, whether it’s a car crash, a workplace incident, or a slip and fall, you’re likely wondering: Will hiring a lawyer cost more than it’s worth? At Dwyer Williams Cherkoss, we hear this question often. While no attorney can guarantee results, our experience is that clients who work with us consistently walk away with more compensation than they would have secured on their own. 

One of the reasons is that we don’t believe in BS-ing folks or tricking them into hiring us just to make a buck.  From the outset, we look to see if we can provide a meaningful service to net our potential clients more money than they could on their own, and we let them know at their free consultation if we think we can help them do just that!  But almost 100% of the time, folks who hire us end up with more in their pocket than they would have with less experienced firms, or on their own.

Here’s why partnering with an experienced personal injury lawyer makes a real difference.

Why Handling Your Claim Alone Can Cost You

Insurance companies are in the business of minimizing payouts. Without a skilled lawyer, you’re facing seasoned adjusters trained to offer settlements far below what your case is worth. It’s easy to miss out on compensation for things like lost wages, future medical expenses, or pain and suffering. Most people don’t have the expertise to accurately value their claim or navigate the complex legal process.

Without legal representation, you lack the leverage to push back against lowball offers. Insurance companies know this and often take advantage, leaving you with less than you deserve. At Dwyer Williams Cherkoss, we level the playing field. With decades of experience serving clients across Oregon, we know how to build a strong case and fight for the full value of your personal injury claim.

How a Personal Injury Lawyer Maximizes Your Recovery

Our team has helped injury victims throughout Oregon, from Portland to Bend to Medford to Eugene, secure the compensation they deserve. We understand how insurance companies operate and use that knowledge to pursue the maximum value for your case. If an insurer refuses a fair settlement, we’re prepared to escalate to arbitration or trial, a threat that often leads to better offers.

Beyond negotiations, we work diligently behind the scenes to increase your net recovery. Our services include:

• Negotiating reductions on medical liens from health insurers
• Coordinating with medical providers to delay billing or prevent collections
• Reducing outstanding medical bills whenever possible
• Structuring settlements to ensure you keep more of your award
• Investigating alternate avenues of responsibility and recovery
• Finding additional insurance policies that cover the claim

These efforts can save you thousands, ensuring you walk away with more money in your pocket. Curious about what we can do for you? Contact us for a free consultation at (541) 617-0555.

Navigating Medical Liens in Oregon

Many clients are surprised to learn that if their health insurance covers accident-related medical costs, the insurer may place a lien on their claim to recover those expenses, as permitted under Oregon law. Without experience, it’s tough to know these liens exist or how to address them.

At Dwyer Williams Cherkoss, we’ve successfully negotiated lien reductions in numerous cases, often cutting them by a third or more, and sometimes to zero. This means more of your settlement stays with you, not your insurer, often offsetting our fees and leaving you better off financially.

Why Insurance Companies Respect Our Representation

Insurance companies don’t take unrepresented individuals seriously. They know most people lack the knowledge to litigate effectively or navigate the legal system. With an experienced personal injury lawyer from our firm, the dynamic changes. We understand the process, whether it’s handling motions, preparing for trial, or building a compelling case. Whether your injury stems from a car accident, slip and fall, dog bite, or workplace incident, we tailor our approach to secure the best possible outcome.

Additional Benefits of Hiring a Lawyer

A personal injury lawyer does more than negotiate settlements. We protect you from costly mistakes, like missing Oregon’s two-year statute of limitations for most personal injury claims (ORS 12.110) or submitting incomplete documentation. Our team handles every detail, allowing you to focus on healing. We also:

• Gather evidence and secure witness statements
• Manage all communications with insurance companies
• Document all damages, including emotional distress
• Account for future expenses, such as ongoing therapy or surgeries
• Consult with experts, like medical professionals or accident reconstruction specialists, when needed
• Strike agreements with health insurers so that they don’t claim reimbursement for future treatment or otherwise require a spenddown for related future care

You Don’t Have to Face This Alone

Hiring a personal injury lawyer isn’t just about the financial outcome. It’s about peace of mind. Knowing an experienced team is fighting for your rights can ease the stress of recovering from an accident. At Dwyer Williams Cherkoss, we believe every Oregonian deserves access to justice, regardless of their financial situation. That’s why we offer free consultations and work on a contingency fee basis: you pay nothing unless we win.

Frequently Asked Questions About Personal Injury Lawyers

How much does it cost to hire a personal injury lawyer?

At Dwyer Williams Cherkoss, we work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing upfront. Our fees come from a percentage of your settlement or award, so there’s no cost unless we win.  That makes our interests aligned with our client - the more money we can get them, the more it benefits the client and the firm.  And the quicker we can get our clients’ claims settled, the more it benefits both our client and us.  Unlike hourly lawyers who might be more interested in billing as much time to their clients as possible, we strive to maximize our client’s recovery as quickly and efficiently as possible.

How long do I have to file a personal injury claim in Oregon?

Oregon law generally gives you two years from the injury date to file a claim. Missing this deadline can bar your case, so contact us to protect your rights.  This is true even for some elements of claims that seemingly have a longer statute of limitations - for example, while a wrongful death claim generally provides three years in which to settle or file suit, any related uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage claim requires you do so within two years.  That’s easy to miss, even for lawyers who don’t specialize in this area!

What types of cases do you handle?

We represent clients in a wide range of cases, including car accidents, trucking accidents, slip and falls, dog bites, dangerous products, wrongful death, and workplace injuries. Explore our practice areas for more details.

Why choose Dwyer Williams Cherkoss?

Our deep experience, local knowledge, and client-first approach set us apart. We’ve helped countless Oregonians, from Medford to Portland, Eugene to Bend, and areas far beyond secure fair compensation, and we’re ready to fight for you.

Contact Dwyer Williams Cherkoss today at (541) 617-0555 for a free consultation. We’re here to fight for your best outcome, financially, legally, and personally.