Patrick D. Angel

As founder of Angel Law, P.C., Portland personal injury lawyer Patrick Angel vigorously advocates on behalf of victims of injury and medical malpractice.

Patrick has been practicing law in Oregon for almost two decades, and possesses considerable trial experience. Mr. Angel has handled a wide range of legal matters, including complex cases such as medical malpractice claims against hospitals and medical professionals, wrongful death cases and catastrophic injury cases.

He is a former Marine and a graduate of the Lewis and Clark Law School. Attorney Angel has been selected for inclusion in the Super Lawyers® Edition 2014 - 2020. He is currently a member of the Million Dollar Advocacy Forum, National Trial Lawyers Top 25 Medical Malpractice attorneys, and America's Top 100 High Stakes Litigators.

For more information, contact his firm today for a free case evaluation.

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  One third prior to trial or arbitration, thereafter 40% of recovery

Oregon

Since 2003

Federal Circuit

Since 2007

Partner

Angel Law, P.C.

2010 - Current

Associate

Brayton Purcell, LLP

2007 - 2010

Associate

Proner & Proner

2007 - 2007

Partner

Angel Lombard LLP

2005 - 2006

Attorney

Law Office of Patrick D. Angel PC

2004 - 2005

Lewis & Clark Law School

J.D. | Law

1999 - 2002

Honors: Moot Court Oral Argument Winner

University of California - Berkeley

B.A. | English

1992 - 1997

Honors: Deans List

Super Lawyer

Super Lawyers

2022

Selected to Super Lawyers: 2014 - 2022

Top 100

America's Top 100 High Stakes Litigators

2019

Multi-Million Dollar Advocate

Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum

2015

Top One Percent

National Association of Distinguished Counsel

2015

Best Oral Advocate

Lewis & Clark College of Law

2000

Court Liaison Committee for Multnomah Bar Association

Member

2017 - Current

Oregon State Bar Products Liability Section Executive Committee

Member

2010 - Current

American Bar Association

Member

2008 - Current

Multnomah Bar Association

Member

2008 - Current

American Association for Justice

Member

2005 - Current

How Facebook Affects Your Practice

Trial Lawyer

January 1, 2015

If You've Filed a Lawsuit, What You Put on Facebook Can Torpedo Your Case

www.personalinjurylawyer.com

2011

Why The Risk of Mesothelioma is Still a Real Danger for Many Workers

www.asbestoslawfirms.com

2011

Q. Yes I was wondering if false documentation on a medical record from a physician is something to pursue

November 22, 2020

A: Regarding the question as to whether false documentation on a medical record is something to pursue, the short answer is yes. You should always point out something inaccurate in your medical records if you notice it. It's just good practice and could protect you from harm, such as if the wrong blood type or wrong allergy is listed.

But it's not always so clear cut. Sometimes a note in your medical record is something the nurse or doctor remembers that happened and you don't, or vice versa. For instance, you may review your records and say, "I reported stomach cramps as one of my symptoms," but the chart does not indicate stomach cramps. Is that "false documentation?" Hard to say, the nurse or physician would likely say they would have wrote that down if you'd reported it. And it could be just a disagreement as to what symptoms were reported.

Regarding pain contracts, I'm not sure what the specific question is. It could be that a pain management specialist informs a patient that they violated the pain contract, as in when a patient takes more pain medication than was prescribed. In some instances the patient may say, "I don't recall discussing a pain contract." In that scenario, a patient can contact the physician and request the documents be amended/corrected, but it's unlikely to happen if the physician believes the discussion regarding a pain contract took place.

If you have additional questions, or something about this answer is unclear, let me know.

Take care and good luck with your medical treatment. ... Read More

Q. I received excessive x-ray exposure. Can I sue?

December 4, 2019

A: I'm sorry you injured your nose and your arm from a fall. As to the question of whether you can sue for excessive radiation exposure from x-rays, the answer - technically - is yes. It's easy to file a lawsuit, and most anyone can file a lawsuit for virtually anything. There is a filing fee which can be several hundred dollars (in Oregon) depending on how much one demands in the lawsuit. The real issue is whether you can succeed in such a lawsuit as you describe.

The answer is it depends, but it probably wouldn't be worth pursuing. In Oregon as in most states, you must prove that you suffered harm, and that the harm was caused by someone's negligence. There is evidence that too much radiation from unnecessary x-rays does increase the risk of cancer. But absent a cancer diagnosis, it could be hard to show harm from the numerous x-rays. And even with a cancer diagnosis, it could be quite a challenge to prove the cancer was caused by the x-ray radiation and not something else.

Sometimes, the fear of developing cancer feels like an injury in itself. In Oregon, it is possible for someone to recover for the negligent infliction of emotional distress, in some instances. But those cases can be quite risky, meaning the risk of prevailing in front of a jury are significant when compared to the cost and time spent to put the case together, hire medical experts and present the case.

Remember, lawsuits against doctors, medical providers, including x-ray technicians, and hospitals are quite difficult. It's often hard to persuade a jury in cases like this. I'm very sorry to have to share that opinion. Good luck in whatever you decide. ... Read More