In Oregon, when a person dies under certain circumstances, the death can give rise to a civil wrongful death claim for monetary damages.  Oregon law allows for a wrongful death claim or lawsuit when the death of a person is caused by another’s negligence, recklessness or intentional conduct.  Under ORS 30.020, the wrongful death action is brought by the personal representative of the decedent’s estate, for the benefit of the decedent’s beneficiaries.  The statutory beneficiaries include the decedent’s spouse, children, and parents.  In some instances, step-parents and step-children can qualify as beneficiaries of the decedent’s wrongful death claim.  (more…)