Brad Holbrook

I am Brad C. Holbrook, an attorney who is passionate about assisting clients as they navigate their legal challenges. I am licensed to practice law in both Oregon and California. While I primarily practice in Oregon, where I reside, I am also available to assist clients in California when necessary.

My area of practice is personal injury law. I was drawn to this field because I understand the significance of having a dedicated advocate when someone is injured in an accident, particularly if the injuries are severe. In such situations, individuals need steadfast support to manage the numerous legal details while they concentrate on their recovery and other vital areas of their life. It is a common tactic for insurance companies to suggest that an injured person does not require legal representation. However, I firmly believe that, even in the presence of fair insurance claims adjusters, having a seasoned attorney is crucial in any personal injury claim where another party is at fault.

I possess the experience necessary to effectively manage your personal injury claim. I value the chance to employ my experience in aiding those who are in need.

• Free Consultation
  Free intial consulation for all personal injury matters.
• Contingent Fees
  Personal Injury cases are all handled on a contingency basis.

California

State Bar of California

Since 1996

Oregon

Oregon State Bar

Since 2022

Elite Lawyer Award

Elite Lawyer

2025

The Elite Lawyer award recognizes exceptional attorneys throughout the United States in a multitude of practice areas. An Elite Lawyer has demonstrated a high degree of skill and success in his or her career, has been peer recognized, has exceptional experience, and is active in their community. When you choose an Elite Lawyer, you have an added level of review and scrutiny to rely on.

Top 100--Civil Plaintiff

National Trial Lawyers Association

2025

Elite Lawyer

Elite Lawyers

2025

Q. Can an employee be terminated for filing a false worker's comp claim?

July 7, 2025

A: If your question assumes the truth of the fact that the worker's compensation claim was fradulent--then, yes, in Oregon, an employee can be terminated for filing a false workers' compensation claim. However, if there is any chance that there was a valid claim? The case must be handled carefully to avoid violating state or federal employment laws.

For examle, terminating an employee for filing a valid claim would likely constitute wrongful termination or retaliation, both of which are illegal. Then again, filing a fraudulent claim—such as fabricating an injury, exaggerating its severity, or misrepresenting the circumstances—is not protected and may be grounds for termination. This case sounds like an exagerratd injury--at least during work-and misrepresentation.

As you likely know, Oregon is an at-will employment state, meaning employers can terminate employees for any reason or no reason—except for reasons that are unlawful (e.g., discrimination, retaliation for protected activity). So, If an employer has credible evidence that a workers’ comp claim was intentionally false, they may terminate the employee without violating the law. You should 1) Thoroughly investigate the claim before taking action.

2) Document inconsistencies or evidence of fraud (e.g., surveillance, witness statements, medical reports).

3) Consult legal counsel before termination to ensure compliance with anti-retaliation laws and to avoid wrongful termination claims, and 4) Report suspected fraud to the Oregon Workers’ Compensation Division or the insurer for formal investigation.

You indicated that you are a small company--perhaps employees are relatively close to one another, and this employee might be forthcoming about how and where the injury occured. I know this is diffcult, and I wish you the very of luck and hope that everyhting can be worked out. You should seek the direction of an experienced attorney should you have any doubt about how to handle this matter. ... Read More

Q. Is it legal for a California resident to borrow and drive my Washington-registered car?

June 8, 2025

A: There are two key considerations in this situation:

- Does failing to register the vehicle within the required timeframe in California violate the state's registration rules?

- How does this impact your contractual obligations with your insurance company?

You should review your insurance policy to determine how a situation like this is addressed. Changes such as location and usage may affect the factors your insurance company used to determine your policy and premium rates. If your friend is a California resident and is using the vehicle regularly in California—which appears to be the case—you may be required to register the vehicle within 20 days of bringing it into the state.

Legally, someone else can drive your car if you own it and have valid registration in your home state. Generally, as long as the vehicle is properly registered and insured, you are unlikely to encounter major issues, as borrowing cars is a common occurrence.

I wish you and your family the best in handling this matter, and I commend you for thinking through it carefully. ... Read More

Q. Can I sue hospitals for misdiagnosing my daughter's gallbladder issue in Oregon?

May 7, 2025

A: First, let me say that I am sorry that you had to deal with this, as having a child in need of urgent, potentially life saving care is devasting. I hope she is doing well now and you are in a good place emotionally over it. Second, it is important to keep in mind mistakes happen often at a hospital--and virtually everywhere humans work. Given the stakes, I know that no amount of error or mistake is acceptable. However, in medical malpractice cases, you will more often than not need a medical expert testify that their failure to read the results of the ultrasound or EKG correctly amounted to a treatment that was below the standard of care in the community. In short, would a reasonable ad prudent healthcare worker have detected the gallstones in your daughter. You did not mention the age of your daughter. It might matter. I assume she's older than 18 due to fact that she has a newborn. The part about "missing the first three days of her newborn's life" leads me to believe there is more to the story that needs to be explained to an attorney in order for you to receive any solid advice about whether you have a viable medical malpractice case. Though women are twice as likely to develop gallstones than men, in general, people over 60 are more likely to get them. So, the age might have been a factor in what they were medical team was looking for. I hope your daughter is doing well now and I wish you the best as you pursue your claim. And, yes, you can pursue both hospitals if the treatment of the staff was medical malpractice. Once again, seek the advice of a lawyer and explain the full circumstances of the events. Also, you may need to get the full records of the care from the facilities. Important to note that you have two years from the date of the injury or when you reasonably discovered the malpractice to file a complaint on personal injury claim and four years on a breach of contract. Best wishes. ... Read More