Oregon at a glance
Oregon allows two years for injury to the person.[1] Notice of a claim against a public body is due within 180 days, or one year for wrongful death.[2] A plaintiff whose fault is greater than the combined fault of the defendants cannot recover.[3] Drivers must carry at least $25,000/$50,000 in bodily injury coverage.[4]
Filing deadlines
ORS 12.110(1)
An action for assault, battery, false imprisonment, or for any injury to the person or rights of another, not arising on contract, and not especially enumerated in this chapter, shall be commenced within two years
Source: [1]
In plain English, most injury lawsuits in Oregon must be filed within two years.[1]
Public bodies: ORS 30.275(2)
Notice of claim shall be given within the following applicable period of time … (a) For wrongful death, within one year after the alleged loss or injury. (b) For all other claims, within 180 days after the alleged loss or injury.
Source: [2]
Shared fault
ORS 31.600(1)
Contributory negligence shall not bar recovery in an action by any person or the legal representative of the person to recover damages for death or injury to person or property if the fault attributable to the claimant was not greater than the combined fault of all persons specified in subsection (2) of this section
Source: [3]
This is modified comparative fault, often called the 51% bar. An injured person who is 50% or less at fault can recover damages reduced by their share; one who is more at fault than the parties the statute compares them to cannot recover.
Auto insurance requirements
ORS 806.070 sets minimum payments of “$25,000 because of bodily injury to or death of one person in any one accident; … $50,000 because of bodily injury to or death of two or more persons in any one accident; and … $20,000 because of injury” to property.[4] Oregon is not one of the no-fault states.[5]
What this page does not cover
This page covers the main deadlines, fault rule, damage limits and auto insurance requirements. Statutes also contain exceptions, such as rules for minors, people who are incapacitated and claims discovered later, and special rules apply to medical malpractice and workers’ compensation. Always read the full statute at the official source linked below.
Frequently asked questions
How long do I have to file a head injury lawsuit in Oregon?
In plain English, most injury lawsuits in Oregon must be filed within two years.[1]
This page provides general information about the law from the sources listed below. It is not legal advice, and reading it does not create an attorney-client relationship. Laws vary by state and change over time. See our legal disclaimer.
Sources
- ORS 12.110. Oregon Legislature. https://www.oregonlegislature.gov/bills_laws/ors/ors012.html
- ORS 30.275. Oregon Legislature. https://www.oregonlegislature.gov/bills_laws/ors/ors030.html
- ORS 31.600. Oregon Legislature. https://www.oregonlegislature.gov/bills_laws/ors/ors031.html
- ORS 806.070. Oregon Legislature. https://www.oregonlegislature.gov/bills_laws/archive/2015ors806.pdf
- Insurance Information Institute. “Background on: No-fault auto insurance.” https://www.iii.org/article/background-on-no-fault-auto-insurance
Sources last checked: October 11, 2026
