Seattle Work Injury Lawyer

Lehmbecker Law: Your Legal Team for Work Injuries in Washington State

Lehmbecker Law is serious about advocating for injured workers in Washington State. With a deep understanding of the complexities surrounding workplace accidents and the state's workers' compensation laws, our team focuses on helping clients navigate the legal process with unwavering compassion and support.

From the initial no-cost consultation to aggressive representation in negotiations and litigation, we strive to secure the maximum compensation our clients need for their injuries.

Work Injuries: Understanding the Basics

Work injuries, also known as workplace injuries and on-the-job injuries, occur when an employee is hurt while performing their duties. These injuries can range from minor bumps, scrapes, cuts, or burns to severe conditions that impact the individual’s health, well-being, and ability to work.

The Difference Between Work Injury and Workers’ Compensation

The key distinction between work injury claims and workers' compensation cases lies in the element of fault. Establishing negligence is crucial in a work injury claim. In other words, the responsible party must have demonstrated some failing or wrongdoing to be held legally liable.

This point-by-point overview should help you understand the differences between work injury and workers’ comp claims:

• Workers’ Compensation Claims:

• Fault not required
• No pain and suffering benefits
• No right to sue
• Limited to employees

• Personal Injury Claims:

• Fault required
• Eligible for all categories of damages
• Right to sue
• Available to all injured Individuals

If you’ve been hurt in an accident at work, a qualified personal injury attorney can help you determine whether to file a workers’ compensation or work injury claim.

Washington State Workplace Injury Statistics

Common Work-Related Injuries in Washington

Some of the most common workplace injuries in Washington State include:

• Sprains and Strains: Resulting from overexertion, lifting heavy objects, or repetitive motions.
• Fractures: Often caused by slips, trips, and falls in the workplace.
• Cuts and Lacerations: Generally due to contact with sharp objects or machinery.
• Bruises and Contusions: Resulting from falls or impacts with equipment.
• Burns: Including thermal burns from fires or hot surfaces and chemical burns from hazardous substances.
• Back and Neck Injuries: Often caused by lifting, carrying, or improper ergonomics.
• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs): Caused by falls, vehicle accidents, or being struck by objects.
• Respiratory Problems: Resulting from exposure to hazardous chemicals, dust, or fumes.
• Repetitive Strain Injuries (RSIs): Most frequently carpal tunnel syndrome from repetitive motions.
• Occupational Illnesses: Including conditions like hearing loss, dermatitis, and respiratory diseases from prolonged exposure to workplace hazards.

Along with these injuries, workplace accidents can also result in amputation or even death.

Common Types of Occupational Accidents in Seattle

The following are some of the most common causes of workplace accidents in Washington:

• Slips, Trips, and Falls: Due to wet or slippery surfaces, uneven floors, or cluttered work areas.
• Machinery Accidents: Involving equipment malfunctions, improper use, or lack of safety guards.
• Motor Vehicle Accidents: Including collisions involving company vehicles, forklifts, or delivery trucks.
• Falls From Heights: Such as falls from ladders, scaffolding, or rooftops during construction accidents or maintenance work.
• Electrical Accidents: Resulting from inadequate safety measures or contact with live wires or faulty equipment.
• Struck-by-Object: Accidents involving falling objects that are dropped or thrown by co-workers or machinery.
• Overexertion: Can occur from lifting, pushing, or pulling heavy objects without proper training or equipment.
• Workplace Violence: Including physical assaults or threats from clients, customers, or co-workers.
• Exposure to Hazardous Substances: Chemicals, gasses, or biological agents can lead to poisoning or contamination.
• Fires and Explosions: Resulting from electrical faults, gas leaks, or improper storage of flammable materials.
• Scaffolding accidents: Such accidents can have devastating impacts, leading to serious injuries or fatalities for construction workers.

As you can see, workers can be hurt on the job in numerous ways. When this happens to you, you need a dependable legal advocate to fight for your rights.

Compensation Available After a Workplace Injury in Washington

An injured worker who has suffered work-related injuries may be entitled to various forms of compensation aimed at addressing the physical, emotional, and financial tolls of their injuries. This compensation may include the following benefits.

Medical Bills Coverage

Economic damages can provide comprehensive coverage for all necessary medical treatments related to the injury, including hospital stays, surgeries, medications, rehabilitation services, and assistive devices.

Wage Replacement

Many injured workers can receive compensation for lost wages due to time off work during the recovery period, ensuring financial stability while they focus on healing.

Pension Benefits

Pension benefits are available in cases where a workplace injury results in a permanent and total  disability which prevents an injured worker from ever returning to work. It provides ongoing financial support to compensate for the loss of earning capacity.

Permanent Partial Disability Settlement

A Permanent Partial Disability Settlement is available in cases where a workplace injury results in a partial or permanent disability. The amount of this settlement is determined when a medical professional performs a rating exam. The rating is then calculated into a settlement category by L&I. 

Vocational Rehabilitation Services

Those who are unable to return to their previous jobs may qualify for assistance transitioning back into the workforce in the form of job training, career counseling, and other supportive services.

Death Benefits

In the unfortunate event of a fatal work-related injury, surviving dependents may receive compensation for funeral expenses and financial support to help them cope with the loss.

Time Limit for On-the-Job Injury Claims in Washington

If you hope to pursue compensation for an on-the-job injury in Washington State, it's essential to be aware of the time limits for filing.

In Washington, you have three years from the date of your injury (or the date you became aware of it) to file a personal injury claim. It’s advisable to contact an attorney and initiate the claims process as soon as possible to avoid potential complications or delays in obtaining benefits.

Why Choose Our Seattle Work Injury Law Firm?

At Lehmbecker Law, we offer numerous benefits to ensure that our clients get the best possible outcome for their cases.

Here are a few reasons you should consider working with us:

• Decades of Experience: Our skilled attorneys have decades of collective experience handling complex work injury cases.
• Comprehensive Legal Support: We assist with all types of work-related injuries, including construction accidents, auto accidents, and more.
• Proven Results: Lehmbecker Law has successfully won compensation for clients in more than 1,000 cases.
• No Upfront Fees: We operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning our clients pay nothing unless we secure compensation on their behalf.

When facing the challenges of a work-related injury in Seattle, the right legal representation can make all the difference.

‍