Oregon Law Helping Drivers Receive Fair Compensation from Insurers, According to Attorneys at Susak & Powell

Oregon Senate Bill 306 requires insurance companies to pay auto accident attorney fees if they decline a claim of $7,500 or less and subsequently lose a lawsuit filed by the claimant

Portland, OR (PRWEB) June 30, 2011

According to Portland, Oregon personal injury lawyers from the law firm of Susak & Powell, P.C., a law on the books in the state of Oregon is having the desired effect of helping Oregon drivers who have smaller insurance claims receive fairer compensation from automotive insurance companies.

Senate Bill 306, which was signed into law in Oregon in 2009 and took effect last year, amends ORS 20.080 that provides for attorney fees in small tort cases. The amendment raised the maximum amount of a claim in which attorney fees are allowed under the statute to $7,500 in personal injury and property damage claims. The claims limit will go up to $10,000 on January 1, 2012.

“Although long overdue, this law has had a positive impact in our state because it sends a loud and clear message to Oregon drivers that they don’t have to be bullied by their insurers anymore,” said Gary Susak, a partner at Susak & Powell. “If you have a smaller insurance claim and your insurance company is refusing to settle your claim, you can go out and find an attorney who is likely to be more willing to take your case because â€" if they prevail in a lawsuit â€" they will be able to collect reasonable fees from the insurance company.”

According to Susak, the purpose of the law was to prevent insurance companies from forcing claimants to settle cases for less than what they deserve because the insurers knew that it was unlikely the individual would be able to find a lawyer willing to take their case for minimal compensation. Now that the law has been in effect for several months, it appears to be having the desired impact, according to attorneys at Susak & Powell.

About Susak & Powell

Susak & Powell represents people who have suffered serious injuries as a result of the negligence of others. The firm, which recently celebrated its 30th anniversary of practicing law in Portland, has from its inception specialized in personal injury, auto accident and wrongful death cases.

Susak & Powell represents clients throughout the state of Oregon and the Vancouver, Washington area who are seeking to recover individual losses from car accidents, trucking accidents, motorcycle/bicycle accidents, defective products, insurance claims disputes, wrongful death, and premises liability. Together, the firm’s attorneys have a combined experience of more than 100 years in personal injury law. For more information, please go to http://www.oregonaccidenthelpcenter.com.

###

Debbie Strickler
Susak & Powell, P.C.
503.227.6722
Email Information