Millard & Bragg, Attorneys at Law PC

12/15/2025

If you suffered property damage from the January 2024 ice storm and are still dealing with an insurance claim dispute, this is an important reminder.

Many Oregon property insurance policies include strict deadlines. In some cases, an insurance claim may be time-barred just two years from the date of loss—even if the claim is still open or under review.

If you have an unresolved January 2024 ice storm insurance claim, time may be running out to protect your rights. Understanding your policy deadlines now could make a critical difference later.

02/12/2025

Construction law in Oregon is an ever-growing and ever-changing field.

An experienced construction lawyer will be your best bet to stay ahead of the game, as they will be able to protect your interests and make sure your business can continue to thrive.

02/11/2025

It's time to reassess how to avoid frozen pipes.

When outdoor temperatures drop below freezing levels, then it's nearly inevitable that your pipes will freeze and, even worse, burst. If you're worried about this potential for your outdoor pipes, then adding caulk around your pipes where they enter your home or purchasing foam-insulated spigot covers will alleviate this issue.

In terms of your indoor pipes, you have a bit more that you can do to avoid having them freeze. For instance, you can preemptively insulate all of your pipes in unheated areas such as crawlspaces or attics in order to keep them warm enough to stay unfrozen. Otherwise, some other tips include keeping your cabinets and cupboards open, keeping your indoor heating system on for warmth, and leaving all of your faucets on to a low drip.

When temperatures do warm, check your pipes for leaks. Leaks have to be discovered within 14 days or your insurance policy may not cover the damage.

02/10/2025

Insurance companies have their lawyers. You deserve one too.

02/06/2025

Portland based Attorney Fred Millard has been practicing insurance, Construction and Business Law for over a decade. His unique background includes 17 years as the owner/operator of a successful Construction Company, as well as the owner/operator of an Insurance Adjusting Company. This diverse professional background has enabled Attorney Fred Millard to help his clients reach successful resolutions for their Insurance and Construction claims and cases, as well as various business transactions, and has provided our firm with the ability to specialize in First Party Insurance Claims and various facets of Construction Litigation.

Portland based Attorney Fred Millard has been practicing insurance, Construction and Business Law for over a decade. His unique background includes 17 years ...

02/05/2025

Have you ever checked out Ready.gov?

This website is a great resource for tips and alerts related to natural disasters and emergencies! We encourage you all to check it out today. 🙌

02/04/2025

It is important to keep your home safe from heating-related fire hazards even though it can feel counterintuitive during the cold season.

On top of the risk of fires, we also want to emphasize the importance of preparing your home in other ways for the cold, and this means the outdoor areas as well.

Some ways of keeping your outdoor area prepared include:

❄️ Upgrading your home's insulation, weather stripping and caulking, or make sure that it is installed and in good condition
❄️ Clear your outside furnace and vents of debris
❄️ Clean your gutters and roof to prevent ice dams
❄️ Keep your pipes at a steady drip to prevent them from freezing (if they are already frozen, then we recommend using a hair dryer to thaw it out!)

And if you have experienced an in-home disaster, we can help you navigate your insurance policy as your advocate.

02/03/2025

Your policy is a promise. We make sure it's kept.

01/30/2025

Because of the PA's inability to practice law, they have no leverage should the insurance company not act in good faith. This inability to practice law potentially leads to much lower insurance proceeds as public adjusters scramble to accept deals that will net something, even if you, the insured, is entitled to much more.

Since the public adjuster's ability to get paid is based on what they can negotiate, the public adjuster is looking out for his or her best interests, not yours.

01/29/2025

There are a ton of resources throughout the Pacific Northwest that track active fires and keep people ready, safe and prepared.

As always, if you have been affected by a fire in Washington and Oregon, we are here to help!

01/28/2025

Carbon monoxide poisoning is already no joke, but did you know that you are at an increased risk for it during the wintertime?

Heating up your home is a must when it's chilly out, but it is also essential to make sure that you're doing it safely. Part of this includes clearing all of your vents and furnaces of debris that can clog it and therefore pump carbon monoxide into your home as opposed to outside of it.

However, if your power goes out and you must resort to using other sources of heat, then make sure that you do it with carbon monoxide poisoning in mind. For example, if you have a generator that kicks in when your power goes out, make sure to never use it indoors and keep it away from your doors and windows. Similarly, kerosene heaters will quickly create a buildup of carbon monoxide poisoning in your home, so always make sure to keep your windows cracked so that you can ventilate your home.

The biggest issue with carbon monoxide poisoning in the wintertime is that its symptoms can easily be confused with cold- or flu-like symptoms. That's why we always recommend that you never have a shortage of carbon monoxide monitors in your home and that you test them regularly!

And if an accident has caused damage to your home or prolonged power outage, we can help you navigate your insurance policy as an advocate on your side.

01/27/2025

Turning policy pages into pathways for justice.