In This Article
- In 2022, Oregon’s Center for Health Statistics released a report indicating that there were a total of 3,247 accidental deaths recorded within the state.
- Oregon’s Traffic Crash Summary reported a total of 599 fatal accidents resulting in wrongful deaths within the state of Oregon in 2021.
- Portland tops the list for the highest number of car accident fatalities, with Salem following closely in second place.
- In 2022, reports revealed that the homicide mortality rate in Oregon stood at 211, equivalent to 5 deaths per 100,000 individuals.
- In 2022, Oregon state recorded a total of 656 firearm-related fatalities, showcasing a slight decrease from the previous year, where there were 670 such deaths reported.
- Oregon experienced a staggering 138% surge in the rate of gun homicides, significantly outpacing the national increase of 73%.
Are You Curious About the Alarming Statistics Regarding Wrongful Deaths in Oregon?
From fatal accidents to medical malpractice, the numbers reveal a concerning pattern of loss and devastation. These statistics are more than just figures—they represent lives cut short, and families left to grieve.
Let’s understand wrongful death before diving into the wrongful death statistics in Oregon. Wrongful death is a legal term that refers to the death of an individual caused by the misconduct or negligence of another party. It can occur in various contexts, including:
- Motor Vehicle Accidents
- Medical Malpractice
- Workplace Accidents
- Product Liability
- Criminal Acts
- Premises Liability
Wrongful Death in Oregon
Oregon wrongful death statistics reveal the sobering reality of lives lost due to preventable accidents. Here is a list of some relevant statistics:
1. Oregon’s Center for Health Statistics reported 3,247 accidental deaths in 2022.
2. According to Oregon’s Traffic Crash Summary, Oregon experienced 599 wrongful death accidents in 2021.
3. Portland has the highest number of car accident fatalities and is followed by Salem in second place.
4. The homicide mortality rate in Oregon was 211 in 2022, which equates to 5 deaths per 100,000 individuals.
5. In 2022, Oregon reported 656 firearm fatalities, compared to 670 deaths in 2021.
6. The rate of gun homicides increased 138% in Oregon, compared to national increases of 73%.
1. In 2022, Oregon’s Center for Health Statistics released a report indicating that there were a total of 3,247 accidental deaths recorded within the state.
Accidental death generally refers to a death that occurs unexpectedly as a result of an unintended event or circumstance. It can include a wide range of situations, such as vehicle accidents, slips and falls, drowning, accidental drug overdoses, poisoning, workplace accidents, and other unforeseen incidents.
Accidental deaths in Oregon have shown an increasing trend based on the available data. In 2019, the total number of accidental deaths was recorded as 2,213, representing 46.1% per 100,000 individuals. This percentage increased to 52% in 2020, with a total of 2,458 unintentional deaths. The data from 2021 reveals a further increase, with a total of 3,151 accidental deaths, representing 67.4%.
According to the most recent data from Oregon’s Center for Health Statistics, Oregon reported 3,247 accidental deaths in 2022. Below are the accidental deaths caused by wrongful actions:
- Poisoning/drug overdose deaths: 1,421
- Slip and fall: 951
- Motor vehicle deaths: 649
- Drowning deaths: 65
- Medical malpractice deaths: 59
2. Oregon’s Traffic Crash Summary reported a total of 599 fatal accidents resulting in wrongful deaths within the state of Oregon in 2021.
Motor vehicle fatalities in Oregon state have been a significant concern in recent years. In 2021, Oregon had 599 fatal accidents, according to the Oregon Traffic Crash Summary. Among this data, the fatalities by vehicle category provide more insight:
- Motorcycle accident deaths: 84
- Bicycle accident deaths: 14
- Pedestrian deaths: 88
- State highway deaths: 345
- Truck accident deaths: 67
3. Portland tops the list for the highest number of car accident fatalities, with Salem following closely in second place.
When it comes to city-specific statistics, Portland, Oregon’s largest city, reports a disproportionately higher number of car accident fatalities. In 2021, Portland saw a staggering 63 fatalities, significantly exceeding Salem, which recorded 22 auto accident fatalities.
Following closely behind are Gresham and Eugene, with 11 and 10 fatalities, respectively, in this ranking of motor vehicle fatalities in Oregon’s urban areas.
4. In 2022, reports revealed that the homicide mortality rate in Oregon stood at 211, equivalent to 5 deaths per 100,000 individuals.
Homicide mortality in Oregon refers to the number of wrongful deaths resulting from intentional acts of violence inflicted by another individual. According to reports from 2022, the homicide mortality rate in Oregon is 211, equating to 5% per 100,000 individuals.
This figure represents an increase compared to the rates observed in 2021, which recorded 204 homicides at a rate of 4.9%, and in 2020, with 157 homicides at a rate of 3.8%. These statistics indicate a concerning upward trend in violent crimes within the state of Oregon.
5. In 2022, Oregon state recorded a total of 656 firearm-related fatalities, showcasing a slight decrease from the previous year, where there were 670 such deaths reported.
According to the Oregon Health Authority, firearm deaths experienced a slight decrease from the previous year. In 2022, Oregon reported 656 firearm fatalities, compared to 670 deaths in 2021. Between 2012 and 2022, Oregon experienced a 37% rise in gun deaths, slightly lower than the 39% increase nationwide.
6. Oregon experienced a staggering 138% surge in the rate of gun homicides, significantly outpacing the national increase of 73%.
The rate of gun homicides increased by 138%, compared to national increases of 73%. Oregon has the 5th-highest homicide rate for African American men in the country.
Oregon’s largest gun violence-affected cities include Portland, Salem, Eugene, Gresham, Bend, Hillsboro, and Beaverton.
Seek justice and support for your loved ones with Goldberg & Loren’s experienced wrongful death attorneys today. Book a no-obligation free consultation today!
Sources:
[1] Accident mortality. (2025b, August 20). Stats of the States. https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/state-stats/deaths/accidents.html?CDC_AAref_Val=https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/pressroom/sosmap/accident_mortality/accident.htm
[2] Death Data. (n.d.). Oregon Health Authority. Retrieved January 29, 2024, from https://visual-data.dhsoha.state.or.us/t/OHA/views/Oregondeathsfromexternalinjuries/DemogDash?
[3] 2021 OREGON TRAFFIC CRASH SUMMARY. (n.d.). Oregon Department of Transportation. Retrieved January 29, 2024, from https://www.oregon.gov/odot/Data/Documents/Crash_Summary_2021.pdf
[4] Motor Vehicle Traffic Crashes by City 2012-2021. (2022). OREGON DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION. Retrieved January 4, 2024, from https://www.oregon.gov/odot/Data/Documents/Crashes_City.pdf
[5] Homicide mortality. (2025, August 20). Stats of the States. https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/state-stats/deaths/homicide.html?CDC_AAref_Val=https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/pressroom/sosmap/homicide_mortality/homicide.htm
[6] Firearm mortality. (2025, August 20). Stats of the States. https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/state-stats/deaths/firearms.html?CDC_AAref_Val=https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/pressroom/sosmap/firearm_mortality/firearm.htm
[7] Alliance for a Safe Oregon | Annual Report 2024. (n.d.). https://www.alliancesafeoregon.org/annual-report-2024
[8] Fatal Shootings and Mass Shootings in Oregon – Ceasefire Oregon Education Foundation. (n.d.). https://coef.ceasefireoregon.org/firearms-and-covid-19/
