Tacoma Lawyers Handling Industrial Injury At Work
We are industrial work accident lawyers in Washington state helping clients hurt at work in King County, Lewis County, Pierce County, Thurston County and throughout Washington.
Industrial occupations are some of the most dangerous jobs in Washington. Working in potentially hazardous conditions and with heavy equipment, machinery, or tools means plenty of opportunities for an accident that may result in an industrial injury at work. A devastating industrial work injury can leave a worker unable to earn a living and in need of extensive medical treatment. Fortunately, Washington state law offers injured workers legal options to recover financial benefits and compensation for their injuries. An industrial work accident lawyer in Washington state from Smith Duran Law can help you evaluate your options in your case.
For years, the attorneys of our firm have worked to obtain justice on behalf of our clients. At our firm, you will never be treated like a case number. We understand the difficulties and obstacles that injury victims face in getting insurance benefits and medical treatment. That’s why we diligently pursue the maximum recovery available under the law for all the losses that you have suffered from a workplace injury.
If you have suffered an industrial injury at work, reach out to Smith Duran Law for a free initial case review. An industrial work accident lawyer in Washington state from our legal team can help you better understand your legal rights for recovering compensation for your expenses and losses such as medical bills and lost wages or income.
Examples Of Industrial Work Injuries
Industrial workers spend their workdays around heavy equipment and machinery, sometimes in dangerous or hazardous environments. As a result, an industrial injury at work can be incredibly catastrophic and life-altering. Examples of common industrial work injuries include:
- Broken bones
- Torn ligaments, tendons, or muscles
- Herniated spinal discs
- Repetitive stress injury
- Nerve damage
- Perforation injuries
- Crush injuries
- Internal organ injury or internal bleeding
- Spinal cord injury
- Facial injuries
- Loss of vision or hearing
- Head injuries
- Traumatic brain injury
- Traumatic amputation
- Burns and smoke inhalation injuries
- Electrocution injuries
- Exposure to toxic or carcinogenic substances
- Weather exposure injuries, including heatstroke/sunburn, or hypothermia/frostbite
Pursuing Compensation For An Industrial Work Injury In Washington State
If you have sustained an industrial injury at work, you may be entitled to claim benefits under Washington state’s workers’ compensation law. Available workers’ comp benefits for injured industrial workers include:
- Medical benefits that cover costs of treatment and rehabilitation
- Reimbursement of certain travel expenses to medical appointments/procedures
- Reimbursement of the costs of personal property that was lost or damaged in an industrial accident
- Partial wage replacement if a worker misses time from work due to an industrial work injury
- Disability benefits, which offer payments for permanent impairment of a body part
- Pension benefits for workers who are permanently disabled from performing any gainful employment
- Vocational training to help a worker learn a new job that they can do within their physical limitations
The process of obtaining workers’ compensation benefits for an industrial injury at work involves several steps, including:
- Seeking prompt medical attention and treatment after suffering an industrial work injury. You may see your own preferred provider for a first visit; thereafter, you may see any provider approved by the Department of Labor & Industries (L&I)
- Notifying your employer of your injury as soon as possible
- Filing a formal workers’ compensation claim with your employer (if they are self-insured for workers’ compensation) or with L&I within one year of the date of injury
- Protesting an adverse claim decision by L&I, or taking a direct appeal to the Board of Industrial Insurance Appeals
Let An Industrial Work Accident Lawyer From Our Firm Advocate For Your Rights
When you have suffered a serious industrial injury at work that leaves you out of a job and requires intensive medical treatment and rehabilitation, you deserve legal representation that will pursue the full scope of benefits you need for your recovery. With Smith Duran Law, you can expect an industrial work accident lawyer in Washington state to help you secure workers’ comp benefits and other financial compensation by:
- Reviewing the details of the accident that caused your industrial work injury and recovering relevant evidence
- Going over your legal options with you, including evaluating whether you may have a third-party claim in addition to a workers’ comp claim
- Preparing and filing your formal workers’ comp claim and ensuring that your claim is timely processed
- Advocating on your behalf when you need to protest or appeal a denial of your claim, or if you need to reopen your industrial work injury claim to obtain additional treatment and benefits
Can You Receive Workers’ Compensation If You Were An Independent Contractor?
If you were working in an industrial job as an independent contractor, you typically cannot file a workers’ compensation claim with the company that hired you. Workers’ comp benefits are limited to employees. However, if your employer misclassified you as an independent contract, you may be entitled to pursue a claim for workers’ comp benefits. If you feel you have been misclassified by your employer, you need an experienced workers’ compensation attorney to help you fight for your rights.
Are There Certain Industrial Occupations That Are Not Covered By The Washington State Workers’ Compensation System?
Certain industrial occupations are exempt from Washington state’s workers’ compensation system and are instead covered by federal compensation laws. Exempt industries include the railroad industry and maritime occupations such as vessel crews and longshoremen.
What Kind Of Third-Party Lawsuit Settlement Amount Can You Expect In Addition To Your Workers’ Compensation Claim?
The amount of your verdict or settlement will depend on a number of factors including the extent of your injuries, available insurance, and the effects the injuries have had on your life. A third-party lawsuit should cover all your lost income, medical expenses, pain and suffering, and other costs related to the accident.
Reach Out To Smith Duran Law To Speak With An Industrial Accident Lawyer About Your Case
When you need to know what steps you can take to recover financial compensation after sustaining an industrial work injury, contact Smith Duran Law for a free, no-obligation consultation. We are ready to discuss with you what our firm can do to assist you in claiming the benefits and financial recovery you need and deserve.