Representation of Injured Persons


Our Portland personal injury lawyers fight for our injured clients throughout the state of Oregon.  Most of Olson Brooksby's personal injury cases involve serious and catastrophic injuries.  Our personal injury attorneys handle your case every step of the way, from intake to settlement or trial.  Our clients do not get handed off to a receptionist or a legal assistant at any time.  We pride ourselves on providing our personal injury clients the service they deserve, whether their cases are settled or tried; whether the duration is short or proceeds to a jury trial.  Our personal injury attorneys have tried cases in both state and federal courts throughout the state of Oregon and our opponents know that, which provides us leverage in settlement negotiations.

Regardless of the kind of personal injury case you have, our attorneys will go to court if necessary to get you the fair trial you deserve.

The chair of our personal injury group, Kristin Olson, can be reached at 503.740.7608.  If you have been injured, please contact Kristin as soon as possible. The law provides strict deadlines (statutes of limitation) for filing personal injury and wrongful death claims. 

If you are wrongfully injured in Oregon, it is common to be unsure about what to do.  Our experienced personal injury attorneys will navigate the legal system for you so that you can focus on your health and your family.

Whether you have been injured in an accident or by an intentional act, our Oregon personal injury attorneys provide free consultations, and we can assist you with the process of determining whether to file a lawsuit.

EXPERIENCED OREGON PERSONAL INJURY LAWYERS

Examples of our Oregon personal injury attorneys' accomplishments: 

  • Kristin Olson represented a victim of sexual assault involving a massage at ClubSport Oregon (since acquired by Bay Club), and was able to achieve a settlement for her clients approximately one month prior to trial.  In order to achieve that resolution for her clients, Kristin:
    • Won a motion to allow allegations of $1 million in punitive damages against SMG Properties Oregon LLC, doing business as ClubSport Oregon ("ClubSport Oregon") and its managing company, Leisure Sports, Inc.  To win her Motion to add allegations of punitive damages, Kristin had to show that there was evidence that ClubSport Oregon and Leisure Sports acted with malice or have "shown a reckless and outrageous indifference to a highly unreasonable risk of harm and has acted with a conscious indifference to the health, safety and welfare of others.”  Oregon Revised Statute 31.730.  Freifeld v. Leisure Sports Inc., et al., Washington County Case No. 18CV12178 (April 1, 2019).
    • Won a motion to amend to allege additional claims against ClubSport Oregon and Leisure Sports, including claims for negligence per se, negligent training and supervision, and negligent infliction of emotional distress.  To win this Motion, Kristin had to show that there was evidence to support these claims.  Kristin was allowed leave to file a Second Amended Complaint to add these claims, as well as her claims for punitive damages.  (Freifeld v. Leisure Sports Inc., et al., Washington County Case No. 18CV12178 (April 1, 2019).
    • Won a motion to compel documentation concerning the Oregon Board of Massage Therapists' investigation into the assault on her client. This documentation was being withheld by the defendant massage therapist, who argued that it was confidential and not subject to discovery.  Freifeld v. Leisure Sports, Inc., et al., Washington County Case No. 18CV12178 (November 9, 2018).  
    • Successfully defeated a motion to strike allegations in the lawsuit regarding a previous sexual assault victim at the same ClubSport Oregon location.  Freifeld v. Leisure Sports, Inc., et al., Washington County Case No. 18CV12178 (September 10, 2018).  
  • Kristin Olson represented a woman who was severely injured by falling down stairs at Brix Tavern.  Kristin achieved a settlement for her client just prior to trial.  In order to achieve that settlement, Kristin: 
    • Won a motion to amend to allow allegations of punitive damages of $1 million against Brix Tavern, the restaurant where Kristin's client was severely injured.  To win her Motion to add allegations of punitive damages, Kristin had to show that there was evidence that Brix Tavern acted with malice or have "shown a reckless and outrageous indifference to a highly unreasonable risk of harm and has acted with a conscious indifference to the health, safety and welfare of others.”  Oregon Revised Statute 31.730.  Johnpoll v. Brix Tavern, LLC, Multnomah County Case No. 17CV33824 (April 11, 2018).  
    • Won a motion for sanctions.  Kristin requested documents regarding other falls at Brix Tavern, but Brix claimed that there were no documents.  Months later, Brix produced documents that showed, among other things, that it knew that a different patron fell down the same stairs and necessitated a trip to the emergency room just days before Kristin's client fell.  The documents also showed that, days before Kristin's client fell, a manager of the restaurant drew lines on the stairs to make them more visible, but the owner, Mark Byrum, ordered that the markings be removed. As a result of the failure to produce the documents for over six months after they were requested, Kristin won a motion for sanctions and an award of $3,290 in attorney fees to be paid by the restaurant and its attorneys to Kristin's client.  Johnpoll v. Brix Tavern, LLC, Multnomah County Case No. 17CV33824 (June 1, 2018).    
    • Won a motion to amend the lawsuit to add Mark Byrum, the man who owned Brix Tavern where Kristin's client was severely injured, as a defendant.   Johnpoll v. Brix Tavern, LLC, Multnomah County Case No. 17CV33824 (July 27, 2018).   
    • Won a motion to amend to allow allegations of punitive damages of $1 million against Defendant Mr. Byrum, the owner of Brix Tavern.  To win her Motion to add allegations of punitive damages, Kristin had to show that there was evidence that Mr. Byrum acted with malice or have "shown a reckless and outrageous indifference to a highly unreasonable risk of harm and has acted with a conscious indifference to the health, safety and welfare of others.”  Oregon Revised Statute 31.730. Johnpoll v. Brix Tavern, LLC, Multnomah County Case No. 17CV33824 (September 14, 2018).   
  • Represented a woman who tore her rotator cuff in an automobile accident. Within days of filing the lawsuit, Kristin Olson negotiated a settlement for the full amount of the insurance company's policy limits.  Olson [no relation] v. Kaufman, Clark County Case No. 15-2-02501-9 (September 9, 2015).  
  • Represented a man who was hit at an intersection while driving his motorcycle.  Without filing a lawsuit, Kristin Olson negotiated a settlement with the at-fault driver for the full amount of her insurance company's policy limits.  Kristin then successfully argued that the at-fault driver was underinsured and obtained the full policy limits from her own client's insurance company.

Our practice includes cases regarding:

  • Wrongful death and catastrophic injury
  • Product liability and defective products
  • Sexual abuse, including civil claims brought by victims of sex trafficking
  • Civil personal injury claims brought by crime victims
  • Assault and battery
  • Automobile accidents
  • Pedestrian accidents
  • Bicycle accidents
  • Child injuries
  • Dog bites
  • Burn injuries
  • Brain injuries
  • Trucking accidents
  • Construction accidents

We are committed to representing our clients with compassion and we have the tenacity to see your case through to jury trial, if necessary. We prepare our cases as if they will go to trial, which properly positions us to negotiate with companies who know that we can, and do, try cases. 

When representing injured individuals, we take most of our cases on a contingency fee basis, which means that we only get our attorney fees if we recover money for you. Our case load is small, so our clients get the attention that they deserve.

Whether your case is settled or tried, you can count on us to see you through even the most contentious lawsuit.

EXPERIENCED OREGON SEXUAL ABUSE ATTORNEYS

Our Oregon sexual abuse lawyers bring civil claims for monetary damages on behalf of adults and children who have been sexually abused and sexually assaulted. 

Experienced Portland sexual abuse lawyers who will fight for you

If you have been the victim of a sex crime, or if you are a survivor of any type of abuse that is or was sexual in nature, it is important to contact a civil attorney so that you can quickly determine if you have a civil case due to the statutes of limitations that may apply and may prevent you from filing a lawsuit if you wait.  You may have legal options that will allow you to bring your abuser to justice and to seek monetary compensation through the civil court process in Oregon.  Please contact our experienced Oregon sexual abuse lawyer, Kristin Olson, at 503.740.7608 to discuss your case.  

Our Oregon sexual abuse attorneys have over a decade of experience in this unique and sensitive area of litigation.  The attorneys at Olson Brooksby know that you are facing complex challenges.  Our entire legal team is particularly suited to provide the care and attention to these cases that you deserve.  We will fight for you to obtain both justice and monetary compensation.  You deserve to be heard.  

If you have an Oregon sexual abuse case, our lawyers will listen with compassion and explain your legal options so that you can make a thoughtful decision

If you are a survivor of sexual abuse, you may be able to pursue civil (monetary) legal claims against those responsible.  We understand that confronting sexual abuse is difficult and can be extremely traumatic.  We will fight for justice for you every step of the way and empower you to pursue a civil claim against your abusers if you decide that is a step you would like to take in order to heal.  

We understand that you may need time to thoughtfully consider whether to pursue your abuser and seek justice through a civil lawsuit.  If you are interested in seeking monetary compensation for your abuse, we will explain the legal options you have if you seek to hold your abuser accountable so that you can make the right decision for you, and so that you can decide whether to move forward with a civil claim against your abuser.  

Selecting the right Oregon sexual abuse lawyer can be a difficult process.  Kristin Olson leads our sexual abuse practice and tried her first case to a jury during her service the King County District Attorney's office in Seattle, Washington.  Kristin has experience advocating for crime victims of all ages, and can provide advice on whether to pursue a civil case against the perpetrators.

Sexual abuse survivors are uniquely vulnerable.  Sexual assault and molestation are some of the most painful and difficult experiences a person may endure.  It is devastating and traumatic.  Whether the abuse was recent or took place years ago, pursuing a sexual abuse case can be a traumatic ordeal for sexual abuse survivors, their families, and their loved ones.  

The sexual abuse lawyers at Olson Brooksby are here to listen to you and to help you understand your legal options so that you can obtain the information necessary to make an informed decision about whether to pursue legal action.  Our lawyers have successfully litigated on behalf of sexual abuse survivors against a variety of defendants, including individuals, organizations, and corporations.  

As Oregon sexual abuse lawyers, we recognize that our clients are uniquely brave individuals who deserve compassion and care.  Initially, it will likely be overwhelming and frightening to consider filing a civil lawsuit.  Our job is to assist you to overcome your fears and empower you to take action against the people who are responsible for perpetrating these horrific acts.    

We understand that our clients may need time to heal and to thoughtfully decide whether they would like to pursue justice by filing a civil lawsuit.  Our Oregon sexual abuse lawyers listen to our clients with care, sensitivity, and individualized attention.  We will help you confront those responsible for your trauma and abuse, with a focus on healing and results.

Our Oregon sexual abuse attorneys will discuss your legal options and the potential range of recovery available to you, while allowing you the time to make informed decisions.   

If you are a survivor of sexual abuse, it is important that you select a sexual assault or sexual abuse lawyer who will give you and your case the individualized, unique attention you deserve.  Our Oregon sexual abuse lawyers are dedicated to our sexual abuse clients, and we will treat you and your case with care and sensitivity, while working tenaciously on your behalf.  

At Olson Brooksby, you will not be handed off to staff.  You will be given personal attention from an Oregon sexual abuse lawyer throughout the entire life of your case.  We are dedicated to our clients who are sexual abuse survivors, and we will give your case the attention and compassion it deserves.  

Litigating sexual abuse cases in Oregon civil courts

Our experienced sexual abuse attorneys have handled Oregon sexual abuse cases for decades, and we understand the complex nature of challenges that our clients are facing.  The lawyers at Olson Brooksby want to empower sexual abuse and sexual assault survivors to hold their perpetrators legally accountable. Our Oregon sexual abuse lawyers will fight for you and will seek justice and compensation for you.  

Our sexual abuse lawyers also have experience bringing loss of consortium claims on behalf of survivors' spouses, and we will help support the friends and families of our clients. 

Our firm works closely with experienced and effective sexual abuse psychologists and experts who assist us in building cases against perpetrators, institutions, and corporations who perpetrated the sexual abuse, encouraged it, or allowed it to happen. 

The burden of proof in a civil case is different than the burden of proof in a criminal case.  In a civil case, you must prove your claims by a preponderance of the evidence, i.e., that the claims are more likely true than not true.  (Uniform Civil Jury Instruction No. 14.20.)  Depending on the claim, your burden of proof may be subjected to a higher, clear and convincing standard, which means that the truth of the claim is highly probable.  (Uniform Civil Jury Instruction No. 14.03.)  However, even a clear and convincing standard is a lower standard than in a criminal case, where the standard is beyond a reasonable doubt.  (Id.)  

Oregon sexual abuse attorneys with the experience and compassion survivors deserve

The sexual abuse lawyers at Olson Brooksby use the tools provided to us by the Oregon Rules of Civil Procedure, such as depositions, document discovery, and motion practice.  These tools allow us to work to uncover any systemic failures or cover-ups that left you vulnerable and may pose risks to other potential sexual abuse victims and survivors.  We are uniquely skilled at developing the factual support we need to achieve a favorable settlement or, if necessary, to pursue a jury trial on behalf of our sexual abuse clients who deserve restitution.  While representing survivors of sexual abuse, we have uncovered evidence that has led to additional claims of negligent training and supervision, and even evidence to support allegations of punitive damages.    

We are one of the few Oregon sexual abuse injury law firms with a lawyer who has actually taken sexual abuse cases to trial.  Our experienced sexual abuse lawyers are uniquely positioned to help you value your case.  We work for survivors of sexual abuse to obtain the fullest amount of compensation possible.  

Sexual abuse is never your fault, and perpetrators should be held accountable and brought to justice

We believe in holding perpetrators of sexual abuse accountable, to the fullest extent possible under civil law.  Sexual abuse can, and does, happen to anyone, regardless of circumstances.  Sexual abuse happens to people of all genders, all races, and all ages.  It is normal to worry that you will not be believed, or even that you will be blamed for what happened to you.  If you are a sexual abuse survivor, please know that sexual abuse is never your fault. 

We have experience representing survivors of sexual abuse against sex offenders and the organizations that hire and staff them.  Our sexual abuse attorneys believe that perpetrators of sexual abuse should be held legally accountable, and that no one should be denied the right to pursue justice for monetary reasons.  This is why our Oregon sexual abuse cases are pursued on a contingent fee basis, meaning that we do not receive attorney fees unless we recover money for you.  Our law firm usually advances all costs and expenses involved in bringing sexual abuse lawsuits.  

Sexual assault usually happens when you least expect it and can take many forms, including, but not limited to: offensive unwanted touching, molestation, incest, rape, attempted rape, and other sexual offenses. 

After a sexual assault, survivors are often stunned and confused.  Sometimes, survivors of sexual abuse "freeze" during the abuse and do not know what to do.  Whether the sexual abuse has occurred once, or many times, we are here to fight for you.  

After a sexual assault, a survivor may incur expenses for emergency department visits, doctor’s visits, sessions with therapists or psychologists, and more.  The costs of a sexual assault--both monetary and psychological--can vary on a case-by-case basis.  By hiring our Oregon sexual abuse lawyers, you may be able to obtain recovery for some, or all, of these expenses through a civil lawsuit. 

Our Oregon sexual abuse lawyers believe that all sexual abuse survivors deserve a voice.  No amount of money will ever make up for what happened to you.  However, should you choose to exercise your right to file a civil lawsuit, we are here to stand up for you in court and to fight for the justice and compensation you deserve.  We will be there with you every step of the way, from case investigation to settlement or trial.  Please contact us for a free consultation so that you can make an informed decision about whether filing a civil lawsuit is right for you.  If you or someone you love has been sexually abused or exploited, please contact our Oregon sexual abuse and child sexual abuse lawyers at 503.740.7608.  

Resources for sexual abuse survivors: 

Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN)

Oregon Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence 

Multnomah County Domestic and Sexual Violence Resource Page

Oregon Sexual Assault Task Force

City of Portland information on Oregon sexual assault laws

Oregon Department of Justice Crime Victim and Survivor Services