Lake Oswego Work Injury Lawyer

Work Injury Attorneys Serving Clients Throughout Oregon and Washington

The term “workers’ compensation” refers to a system of laws outlining specific benefits to which injured employees are entitled, and the procedures for obtaining such benefits. Every state has its own workers’ compensation laws, which are contained in statutes and vary somewhat from state to state. In addition, there are special, federal workers’ compensation laws for employees of the federal government and other, specific types of industries. To better understand these laws, speak with a Lake Oswego Work Injury Lawyer.

Under the law in most states like Oregon and Washington, every business must have some form of workers’ compensation insurance to cover injured employees. Filing a workers’ compensation claim is similar to filing an insurance claim; it isn’t a lawsuit against an employer, but rather a request for benefits.

Keep in mind, however, that even if you file a workers’ compensation claim, you still may be able to bring a lawsuit if your injury was caused by someone other than your employer, or by a defective product you used on the job, such as a piece of equipment that malfunctioned.

How Do Work Injuries Occur?

Work injuries can occur due to a variety of factors and circumstances, often resulting from accidents or hazardous conditions in the workplace. Some common causes of work injuries include:

• Slips, Trips, and Falls: These accidents can happen due to wet or slippery surfaces, uneven flooring, obstructions in walkways, or inadequate lighting.
• Overexertion: Activities such as lifting heavy objects, repetitive motions, or working in awkward positions can lead to strains, sprains, and other musculoskeletal injuries.
• Machinery Accidents: Workers may suffer injuries while operating machinery or equipment, such as getting caught in moving parts, being struck by objects, or being crushed.
• Falling Objects: Objects falling from shelves, machinery, or elevated areas can cause serious head injuries, fractures, or other traumatic injuries.
• Vehicle Accidents: Workers who operate company vehicles or drive for work-related purposes may be involved in motor vehicle accidents, leading to injuries.
• Exposure to Hazardous Substances: Contact with toxic chemicals, fumes, dust, or other hazardous substances can cause respiratory problems, skin irritation, burns, or long-term health issues.
• Workplace Violence: Incidents of physical assault, threats, or harassment by coworkers, clients, or customers can result in injuries and psychological trauma.
• Repetitive Strain Injuries: Continuous performing of repetitive tasks, such as typing, using vibrating tools, or assembly line work, can lead to overuse injuries like carpal tunnel syndrome or tendonitis.
• Falls from Heights: Working at elevated heights without proper fall protection equipment or safety measures in place can result in serious injuries or fatalities.
• Lack of Training or Safety Procedures: Inadequate training, lack of safety protocols, or failure to follow established procedures can contribute to accidents and injuries in the workplace.

Overall, ensuring a safe work environment, providing proper training, implementing safety protocols, and regularly assessing and addressing potential hazards are essential in preventing work injuries. Employers, employees, and regulatory authorities all play crucial roles in promoting workplace safety and preventing accidents.

Contact Our Lake Oswego Work Injury Lawyer

Additionally, if your accident is not covered by workers’ compensation (for example, if you are an independent contractor or because the company does not have workers’ compensation insurance), you may be entitled to bring legal action against someone for whom you were working, just as you could file a claim against any other person who caused you personal injury. In such a case,  a Lake Oswego Work Injury Lawyer may be able to recover compensation that you couldn’t recover in a workers’ compensation claim, including attorney fees, compensation for pain and suffering, and punitive damages (damages to punish the party who injured you). Contact us today!