Defending Public Bodies

We defend cities, counties, special districts and school districts, and their officers and employees, against tort claims and civil rights claims.

We defend tort claims under the Oregon Tort Claims Act in the circuit courts and civil rights claims in federal court, and we work with the body’s insurer where one is involved. We advise on the body’s duty to defend and indemnify its officers and employees.

When a claim is first made, before a lawsuit is filed, we advise the body on preserving records, on what to say and not say about the claim, and on the report its insurer needs.

Services we provide

• Defense of tort claims
• Defense of civil rights claims
• Coordination with the body’s insurer
• Advice when a claim is first made

Statutes and rules

• ORS 30.260 to 30.300, Oregon Tort Claims Actthe notice a claimant must give (ORS 30.275), the limits on damages, and the body's duty to defend and indemnify its officers and employees.
• 42 U.S.C. § 1983, Civil action for deprivation of rightsthe federal civil rights claim, which carries no notice requirement and no damages cap.