Stay Safe on Halloween

Pedestrians and Drivers - Stay Safe on Halloween!

On Halloween night please remember to slow down and be on alert by trick-or-treaters of all sizes, crossing the street mid-block or darting out from between parked cars.  Drivers should be extremely careful entering and exiting driveways.  Here are some Halloween tips:

Reflective tape: apply to the front and back of your child’s costume

Glow sticks:  Attach glow sticks to costumers or wear a glow necklace and/or bracelets

Flashlights:  Add fresh batteries and give each kid a flashlight.  Parents should also carry flashlights or lanterns

Costumes:  Make sure masks fit properly and costumes aren’t so long that they create a tripping hazard

Stay in a Group: Keeping the trick-or-treaters in a group may be difficult as they are going to be very excited and want to run from house to house.

Use the Sidewalk: to get from house to house.  Don’t let them cut across yards, driveways or alleys.

Crosswalks: Use crosswalks only.   No crossing the street at a driveway or from between parked cars.   Use caution while crossing, even in the crosswalk.  Don’t step out into the crosswalk assuming the car coming is going to stop for you.  Make sure the car is going to stop before committing to cross.

Learn how we can help –  Pedestrian-Accidents 

Wrongful Death Law in Oregon: Caps on Non-Economic Damages

ORS 31.710 limits the amount of non-economic damages to $500,000 in wrongful death cases.  In other words, any damages for non-economic things such as loss of care, comfort, companionship and society, pain, mental suffering or loss of consortium, are limited to $500,000. 

This does not “cap” the amount of economic damages that are recoverable.  Economic damages are verifiable monetary losses such as medical expenses, burial and memorial expenses, and loss of income.

The “cap” also does not apply to punitive damages, if punitive damages are found to be appropriate.

Under ORS 31.710, a jury is not allowed to know about this cap on damages, so even if a jury awards a personal representative of a decedent over $500,000, the Judge will reduce the award to this amount.   

Construction Outside Our Windows!

 

Brothers, Hawn & Coughlin in the middle of a construction zone

while the City of Bend is adding a bike lane to Riverside Blvd.!

 

To learn more about Brothers, Hawn & Coughlin, please visit our website at

www.brotherslaw.com.

 

Enjoy the summer in sunny Central Oregon!

 

As we move into the long holiday weekend, we ask that you please take a moment to remember those that have fallen in battles past and present.

These brave Marines, Soliders, Airmen & Sailors who have risked and lost all.   Let us not forget!

Central Oregon Beer Week

Central Oregon has one of the largest per-capita number of breweries of any region, and a thriving, exploding beer social scene-so it's only natural that we also have a Central Oregon Beer Week, a week-long celebration of Bend and Central Oregon's amazing beer culture.  Check out this website for all the activities, designate a driver and enjoy!  http://www.centraloregonbeerweek.com. 

Pole Pedal Paddle 2013

Bend, Oregon’s annual event, the Pole, Pedal, Paddle takes place this weekend on Saturday, May 18.  It's a relay race, with six legs that include alpine skiing/snowboarding, cross-country skiing, biking, running, canoe/kayaking and sprinting to the finish! 

I participated with my husband and father last year and this year I’m going to enjoy being a spectator.

The U.S. Bank Pole Pedal Paddle is a fundraiser for the Mt. Bachelor Sports Education Foundation. MBSEF is a non profit organization that’s mission is to be the Northwest’s leading youth sports training organization, promoting the positive values of competitive sports including Alpine and Nordic Skiing, Snowboarding and Cycling.  Spectator festivities start at 11:00 a.m. at the Les Schwab Amphitheater area of the Old Mill District.  See you there!

Devastating Hwy. 126 Crash

Yesterday's devastating head-on collision, involving Jessica Garcia, the Burdicks, and several others  on Highway 126 just outside of Redmond reminded me of the tragic consequences of driving while distracted.  Authorities have stated that alcohol was a factor in the collision.  So please, secure the kids and dogs, put the phone in the trunk, and don't drink and drive.

For more information on the crash, visit:  http://www.ktvz.com/news/headon-crash-blocks-hwy-126-west-of-redmond/-/413192/20055276/-/xd1dq8/-/index.html

For more information on what to do if you are involved in a crash and need an attorney advocate:  http://www.brotherslaw.com/Practice-Areas/Car-Accidents.shtml