Updated on 3/26/2024
This article helps plaintiffs and attorneys alike learn more about lawsuit loans and alternatives in Oregon. Below you will find the following information:
Lawsuit loan companies serving Oregon
Below you will find a list of companies that provide funding in Oregon. We highlight lawsuit loan companies we recommend, as well as local and regional funding companies where applicable.
Recommended lawsuit loan companies funding Oregon residents
We recommend the following companies for plaintiffs residing in Oregon.
Our pick for low rate lawsuit loans
USClaims offers some of the lowest, non-compounding rates in the industry. Many companies claim to offer “the lowest rates in the industry” – we recommend comparing them against an offer from USClaims to see for yourself.
Our pick for fast lawsuit settlement loans
Thrivest Link Legal Funding offers reasonable funding terms often with simple, non-compounding rates. Their expert underwriting allows them to fund larger sums than many of their competitors. They frequently approve claims for funding within 24 hours.
See our full list of recommended companies here.
Lawsuit funding laws, regulation, and relevant ethics opinions in Oregon
Oregon does not have any state laws regulating consumer lawsuit loans. Common law leads the industry to believe that contracts would not be invalidated on the basis of champerty. The Oregon State Bar allows lawyers to participate in pre-settlement funding transactions on behalf of clients and does not allow lawyers to lend directly to clients for living expenses. Most if not all lawsuit lending companies can service the state of Oregon.
Legal funding case law in Oregon
In Brown v. Bigne, the Oregon Supreme Court decided that the contract between the two parties was champertous and void. The Supreme court did indicate however than a limited version of the champerty doctrine was necessary in modern times to prevent third-parties from meddling in and stirring up litigation.
Source: Brown v. Bigne
Can a lawyer lend money to a client in Oregon?
While representing a client, an Oregon lawyer cannot grant any financial assistance to clients. However, an attorney may finance the costs of litigation.
Source: Oregon Rules of Professional Conduct Rule 1.8(e)
Can attorneys help clients receive lawsuit loans in Oregon?
Provided that lawyers avoid conflicts of interest, maintain attorney-client privilege and do not share legal fees with a non-lawyer, they may inform clients of and assist clients with lawsuit lending arrangements.
Source: Oregon State Bar Formal Opinion No 2005-133
Lawsuit loan alternatives in Oregon
Lawsuit loans are expensive. Plaintiffs in Oregon should exhaust all other options before seeking legal funding. Check out the local resources below for some ideas:
- Oregon Energy Fund – the Oregon Energy Fund is a non-profit program that offers assistance with energy bills to qualifying low-income Oregonians. Since 1989, the program has supported over 300,000 individuals.
- Cash Assistance For Families (TANF) – Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), a cash assistance program, offers cash stipends to support self-sufficiency. The program is open to those with little income or assets and has a monthly cap of $506.
- Oregon Emergency Rental Assistance Program – this program provides help with rental payments to prevent homelessness or housing instability. Eligible individuals can qualify for up to twelve months of assistance, including three future months.