Portland, Oregon Injury Law FAQ

Portland Injury Attorney FAQ

To learn more about our legal services or if you need to be represented in a legal matter contact Gregory Zeuthen today.

Frequently Asked Legal Questions
  1. Q: What should I do first after being injured?
  2. A: If injured you should seek medical attention immediately. If you are injured in a car crash you should contact your own automobile insurance company.
  1. Q: Do I need an attorney to represent me?
  2. A: In those cases where the injury is minor, you may not need a lawyer. However, in more significant cases involving serious injury, extended medical treatment, permanent injury, or death, you should consult with a lawyer who has experience and training to effectively represent your interests with the responsible party.
  1. Q: What qualities do I look for in an attorney?
  2. A: It is important to choose an attorney who is experienced in the law, well known and respected in the legal community, and who will aggressively protect your rights.
  1. Q: What does it cost to have an attorney?
  2. A: Most cases are handled on a contingency, which means the fee is paid at the time the case is resolved if there is a recovery. If there is no recovery, there is no fee.
    In addition to fees are case costs. The Oregon State Bar regulations requires clients to pay the expenses of the case. In most cases, our office will advance the costs for you and will be reimbursed after the settlement or resolution of your case.
  1. Q: How long does this process take?
  2. A: Your case should not be settled until your doctor considers you medically stationary. Once you are medically stationary we can begin the settlement process, which could take several months. In the case of wrongful death, the claim can be worked up almost immediately depending on the complexity of the case and the damages claimed.
  1. Q: Will you take my case?
  2. A: Each case depends on the facts, so until I have an opportunity to review all pertinent information, I will not be in a position to tell you whether or not I think you have a case and if I will represent you. I do offer free initial consultations.
10 Questions to Ask Before Having Lasik Surgery ©
  1. Who will perform your preoperative work-up? Will it be an optometrist or technician, and if so, when will the ophthalmologist review the findings and discuss them with you? Will your surgeon review all of the tests that were performed before the day of surgery?

  2. Does the surgeon regularly practice medicine in the community where your surgery is being performed? In some cases, surgeons have a practice in another state, which means you may not have access to your doctor if there is a post-operative complication.

  3. What is size of your pupils at night? Get a number in millimeters. How does this number compare to the corrective zone of the laser in millimeters? If your pupils are larger than the area being treated, you might expect visual disturbances at night, the extent to which may be hard to quantify before surgery. You should talk to your doctor about the risk you face.

  4. How will the Lasik flap be made? Some surgeons use a mechanical microkeratome (the device used to cut the flap on your eyes) and rely on metal blades. Other surgeons create a flap with a laser instead of a blade. If your doctor is using blades, will new blades be used in the microkeratome for each eye? A new blade means a cleaner cut for you and therefore fewer visual disturbances. You want new blades for each eye.

  5. Are your corneas thick enough for the planned surgery? After the surgery, you should have at least 250 microns remaining in the corneal bed, preferably more. Are your corneas thick enough for any re-treatment that might be necessary?

  6. Do you have dry eyes? Dry eyes are the most common complaint after lasik surgery. If you have dry eyes even before Lasik, you are at risk for a permanent and severe problem following lasik surgery. If you have dry eyes, then first work with the doctor to treat the problem. If the problem cannot be treated, you are probably not a good candidate.

  7. Do you have an inability to wear contact lenses? This can be a red flag for a very significant problem often overlooked by Lasik surgeons. An inability to wear contact lenses may be due to either a dry eye problem or an abnormally shaped cornea. Both are problems that make Lasik surgery either inappropriate or highly risky.

  8. Have you met your surgeon at a pre-operative visit before the day of surgery? Sometimes patients do not meet their surgeon until the day of surgery when the surgeon is rushed. The day of surgery may be too late to have an in-depth discussion about the surgery with your doctor. Who will follow your care? In centers where optometrists, and not ophthalmologists, follow your care you may get less than appropriate treatment. Many centers are staffed with optometrists because they are set up on a business model that places money over safety.

  9. After your examination, ask your surgeon whether there are any findings or conditions that make you a less than ideal candidate for surgery. If there are, ask your doctor to tell you what additional risks you face because of this.

    NOTE: BEFORE SURGERY YOU WILL BE ASKED TO SIGN AN INFORMED CONSENT DOCUMENT, WHICH IS A MULTIPLE PAGE DOCUMENT THAT LISTS MOST OF THE RISKS OF LASIK SURGERY. THIS DOCUMENT IS PREPARED TO PROTECT THE DOCTOR IN THE EVENT THERE IS LITIGATION. WHILE THE DOCUMENT LISTS THEORETICAL RISKS, IT IS NOT DESIGNED TO GIVE ADVICE THAT IS PARTICULAR TO THE PATIENT.

    IF YOU DO PROCEED WITH SURGERY, WRITE DOWN ON THE INFORMED CONSENT SHEET WHAT QUESTIONS YOU ASKED AND WHAT YOU WERE TOLD. THIS MAY PROTECT YOU IN THE EVENT YOU WERE GIVEN BAD ADVICE BY THE DOCTOR.

  10. Have you considered a second opinion before permanently changing your eyesight with this elective procedure?

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Portland Oregon Injury Lawyer Contact
Call Today at 503-227-7257

Gregory Zeuthen is dedicated to gathering the facts, protecting your interests and recovering the compensation you deserve. Call today at 503-227-7257 or fill out the form for immediate assistance.