Smith Freed Eberhard PC

WE PLAY TO WIN.

Litigation is a zero sum game. There are winners and losers. We play by the rules—period. Winning the right way is the only way.

For more than 30 years Smith Freed Eberhard has been the leader in insurance defense litigation in Oregon and Washington. We believe that successful litigation results are a blend of both art and science. Our innovative litigation analytics, legal project management, and client service have put us at the forefront of litigation management and at the top of many insurance companies' defense panels.

Our focus on up-front and early case evaluation, settlement, timely reporting, and guideline adherence through litigation analytics is why insurance carriers throughout the world choose SFE to defend their insureds in Oregon and Washington. We work skillfully and cost-effectively to find a favorable resolution to your litigation challenge, focusing on any (or all) four of our primary practice areas:

Commercial General Liability: Dram Shop Liability, Assault and Battery / Bodily Injury, Fractures and Broken Bones, Neck and Back Injuries, Spinal Cord Injuries / Maritime Accidents / Municipal Liability / Sexual Abuse / Traumatic Brain Injuries / Wrongful Death / Bad Faith / Premises Liability, Slip, Trip, and Fall Accidents / Product Liability, Marijuana, Cannabis Law, Manufacturing / Trucking Accidents / Job Site Injury / Garage Liability / Auto Dealers / Timber Trespass.

Personal Lines: Automobile Accidents / Minor Impact / Motorcycle / Renters / Condos / Inland Marine RV / Homeowners / Dog Bite / Boundary Disputes / Timber Trespass / ORS 20.080.

Construction Defect: Construction Company Owners / General Contractors / Subcontractors / Developers / Product Liability / Carpenter & Framer / Cement & Concrete Finisher / Construction Laborer / Construction Foreman / Electrician / Estimator / Flooring Installer / General Contractor / HVAC Tech / Kitchen Designer / Landscaper / Mason / Painter / Pipe Layer / Plumber / Roofing Foreman / Roofing Laborer / Roofing Mechanic / Safety Manager / Sheet Metal Worker / Welder.

Excess and Surplus Lines: Product liability for chemical and flammable incidents / safety-critical products for transportation / structural integrity products for construction / pharmaceutical and medical products against product failure / environmental liability products / privacy protection products against identity theft.

The attorneys at Smith Freed Eberhard are dedicated, energetic advocates who always look for the right solution to our clients’ problems, and the most efficient manner of solving them. We attempt to resolve cases at the earliest point possible, by settlement or by using alternative means of resolution; but we realize that not all cases can be resolved outside of the courtroom. Our experienced trial lawyers are prepared to represent our clients in the courts when necessary.

Our trial lawyers gain knowledge not only in the courtroom, but also in the classroom. Smith Freed Eberhard’s attorneys sharpen their trial and litigation skills by participating in the firm’s internal training programs. Most notable is the firm’s “Black Belt” Trial Advocacy Training Program, which is available to our attorneys and our clients. This interactive training program provides our attorneys with the concepts and tools needed to expand and hone their trial skills.

At Smith Freed Eberhard, a senior attorney supervises each case, ensuring each client the most comprehensive representation. Associate attorneys, paralegals, and staff have at their disposal the best tools available. Emerging technologies make research and communication extremely efficient, and we invest wisely in applicable litigation technology to achieve the best results. Our partners and senior attorneys mentor our new associates, creating teams with diverse experiences and fostering successful litigators.

Smith Freed Eberhard is an active, vocal member of the insurance community. Our attorneys are prolific writers and speakers on a wide variety of both prescient and traditional topics in the insurance field. In addition to various self-published periodicals, our partners contribute to legal and industry publications. Over the years, these contributions have received substantial positive feedback from clients and others. Smith Freed Eberhard’s continuing legal education program sends attorneys into industry gatherings and clients’ offices to speak on recent rulings, precedents, and current legislative developments impacting their businesses.

We believe every problem has a solution. We may be able to help you with yours. Contact us to learn more.