Federal Way Workers’ Compensation Lawyers for Workplace Injuries in Washington State

If you’ve sustained an injury on the job, it’s crucial to have a skilled and compassionate Federal Way workers’ compensation attorney by your side. At Lehmbecker Law, we are dedicated to helping injured employees secure the Washington workers’ comp benefits they need.

How Does Workers’ Comp Work in Washington State?

Workers’ compensation is a vital safety net for employees injured on the job. It’s mandated for most employers, and it’s overseen by the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries (L&I).

This no-fault system ensures injured workers receive benefits regardless of whether they bear responsibility for their injuries. In order to receive compensation, employees must promptly report their injuries to their employers and file a claim with L&I that details the incident and treatment received.

Then, L&I evaluates these claims, potentially awarding benefits such as medical treatment, wage replacement, and vocational rehabilitation. If any disputes arise, they are resolved through the appropriate administrative process.

Common Causes of On-the-Job Injuries in Federal Way

On-the-job injuries can result in various ways, including:

• Slips, Trips, and Falls: Among the most common causes of workplace injuries, falls can occur due to wet floors, uneven surfaces, cluttered walkways, inadequate lighting, or improper footwear.
• Overexertion and Repetitive Motion: Heavy exertion or repetitive tasks can lead to strains, sprains, and musculoskeletal injuries.
• Falling Objects: Falling tools, equipment, or materials can cause serious injuries to workers below.
• Machine Accidents: With heavy machinery comes the risk of workers being struck by moving parts, getting caught in machinery, or suffering crush injuries.
• Vehicle Accidents: Workers such as delivery drivers, truck drivers, or construction workers may be involved in accidents.
• Workplace Violence: Violence or assault by coworkers, customers, or clients can result in injuries to employees.
• Exposure to Hazardous Substances: Chemicals, toxins, fumes, and other hazardous substances can cause respiratory problems, skin irritation, or other health issues.
• Electrical Accidents: Employees who work with electrical equipment or wiring are at risk of shocks, burns, or electrocution.
• Fires and Explosions: Fires or explosions can occur due to the presence of flammable materials or the use of faulty equipment.
• Lack of Proper Safety Training or Equipment: Inadequate training or a lack of protective equipment can increase the likelihood of workplace injuries.

Regardless of the reason for your injury, it’s vital to receive medical treatment and work with a workers’ comp attorney to secure your benefits as soon as possible.

Types of Common Work-Related Injuries

Work-related injuries can vary widely, depending on the nature of the job and the hazards present in the workplace. Some common types of work-related injuries include:

• Musculoskeletal Injuries: Among the most prevalent work-related injuries, these can include strains, sprains, and tears in muscles, tendons, ligaments, and joints.
• Cuts, Lacerations, and Punctures: Workers can suffer cuts, lacerations, or puncture wounds from sharp tools, equipment, or objects.
• Burns: Burns can occur due to exposure to heat, chemicals, electricity, or radiation.
• Fractures and Broken Bones: Fractures and broken bones may lead to temporary or permanent disability.
• Sprains and Strains: Overstretching or tearing of ligaments (sprains) and muscles or tendons (strains) can occur due to sudden movements, lifting heavy objects, or slips and falls.
• Concussions and Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs): Workers may suffer head injuries that range from mild concussions to severe traumatic brain injuries.
• Electrical Injuries: Electric shocks or electrocution can occur when workers come into contact with live electrical wires, faulty equipment, or improperly grounded machinery.
• Respiratory Issues: Exposure to hazardous substances can lead to respiratory diseases such as asthma, bronchitis, or occupational lung diseases.
• Repetitive Strain Injuries (RSIs): Jobs that involve repetitive tasks can lead to RSIs like carpal tunnel syndrome or tendonitis.
• Vision or Hearing Loss: Workers exposed to noisy environments, bright lights, or harmful radiation may experience gradual or sudden loss of vision or hearing.

If you’re unsure whether your injury qualifies for workers’ comp, it’s imperative that you consult with a reputable workers’ compensation attorney.

What Benefits and Damages Can an Injured Worker Recover in Federal Way?

When an injured worker files a work injury claim or pursues a personal injury lawsuit, they may be eligible to recover various benefits and damages, depending on the specific circumstances of the injury and the applicable laws.

Here are some common benefits and damages that an injured worker may be able to recover:

Medical Expenses

Injured workers are typically entitled to coverage for all reasonable and necessary medical treatment related to their workplace injury. This may include doctor’s visits, hospital stays, surgeries, prescription medications, physical therapy, and other necessary medical services.

Wage Loss Benefits

If an injury temporarily prevents an employee from returning to work, they may be entitled to receive time loss benefits. These benefits provide a percentage of the worker’s lost wages during the time they are unable to work.

Permanent Partial Disability Settlement

If an injury results in permanent impairment an injured worker may be entitled to permanent partial disability settlement . The amount is usually based on the amount of permanent impairment and is determined when a doctor performs a rating exam.

Vocational Rehabilitation

In some cases, injured workers may be entitled to vocational rehabilitation services to help them return to work. These services can also help workers obtain new skills if they cannot return to their previous jobs due to the injury.

Pain and Suffering

If an injury is caused by someone other than a co-worker, from defective equipment, from an unsafe jobsite or a car accident, an injured worker may be able to also recover damages for the physical pain, emotional suffering, and mental anguish caused by the injury.

How Long Do I Have to File a Work Injury Claim in Federal Way?

The timeframe for filing a workers’ compensation claim in Washington State depends on the nature of your injury or illness.

For a sudden or traumatic injury on the job, you generally have one year from the date of the injury to file a Report of Accident with the Department of Labor & Industries (L&I).

If you develop a work-related illness, the deadline extends to two years from the date your doctor informs you in writing that the condition is work-related.

Why Choose Lehmbecker Law for Your Workers’ Compensation Claim in Federal Way?

With over 36 years of experience serving clients in Washington state, Lehmbecker Law has established itself as a trusted advocate for injured workers. Here’s why you should choose our Federal Way workers’ compensation attorneys for legal assistance: