Oregon Negligence Laws
By FindLaw Staff | Legally reviewed by Garrett Monteagudo, Esq. | Last reviewed January 10, 2023
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Most personal injury cases hinge on the legal theory of negligence, whereby an individual who owes a duty to another fails to exercise a certain degree of care, causing injury. These are accidents where a party is at fault, at least partially, because they weren't exercising the standard of care towards others we expect in society. For more detailed information, read FindLaw's negligence articles.
This article provides a brief overview of negligence laws in the state of Oregon.
Oregon Negligence Laws: At a Glance
The following table outlines the main parts of Oregon negligence laws.
| Code Sections | §§ 31.600 to 31.620 of the Oregon Revised Statutes |
| Modified Comparative Negligence | Oregon law has a modified comparative negligence law where the plaintiff can still collect as long as the fault attributed to him or her doesn't exceed 50% of the total fault. |
| Contribution Among Defendants | Oregon allows joint and several liability, but a defendant can only obtain contribution for amounts paid beyond their pro rata share |
| Uniform Contribution Among Tortfeasors Act | No, Oregon legislators didn't enact the Uniform Contribution Among Tortfeasors Act, nor the more recent Apportionment of Tort Responsibility Act completed by the Uniform Law Commissioners in 2002 |
Note: State laws are always subject to change through the passage of new legislation, rulings in the higher courts (including federal decisions), ballot initiatives, and other means. While we strive to provide the most current information available, please consult an attorney or conduct your own legal research to verify the state law(s) you are researching.
Research the Law
- Oregon Laws
- Official State Codes — Links to the official online statutes (laws) in all 50 states and D.C.
- Negligence and the "Reasonable" Person
Have Specific Questions About Oregon Negligence Laws? Talk to a Lawyer
If you were harmed by another person's negligence, whether in a car accident, slip-and-fall, or some other event, it's important to know your rights under the law. There are also time limits on filing lawsuits, so the sooner you speak to an attorney, the better. To learn more about your rights and whether you might be entitled to compensation, contact an experienced personal injury attorney today.
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