Lake Oswego Work Injuries Lawyer
Dedicated Work Injuries Attorneys Serving Lake Oswego, OR
“Workers’ compensation” refers to a system of laws that provide specific benefits to employees who are injured on the job, as well as the procedures for obtaining these benefits. Each state has its own set of workers’ compensation laws, which are outlined in state statutes and may vary slightly between states. Additionally, there are federal workers’ compensation laws for federal government employees and certain specialized industries. For a clearer understanding of these laws, consulting with a Lake Oswego work injuries attorney is advisable.
In most states, including Oregon and Washington, businesses are required to carry workers’ compensation insurance to cover employees in the event of a workplace injury. Filing a workers’ compensation claim is similar to filing an insurance claim—it is not a lawsuit against the employer but a request for benefits.
However, even if you file a workers’ compensation claim, you may still have the option to pursue a separate lawsuit if your injury was caused by a third party or by a defective product, such as malfunctioning equipment used on the job.
How Do Work Injuries Occur?
Workplace injuries can occur in various ways, often depending on the nature of the job and environment. Common causes of workplace injuries include:
- Slips, trips, and falls: These can happen due to wet or uneven surfaces, poor lighting, or cluttered walkways, leading to sprains, fractures, or head injuries.
- Overexertion: This often occurs from lifting, pulling, or pushing heavy objects, resulting in musculoskeletal injuries, such as back strains or muscle tears.
- Repetitive strain injuries (RSIs): Repetitive tasks, such as typing, operating machinery, or assembling products, can cause long-term injuries like carpal tunnel syndrome or tendonitis.
- Falls from heights: In industries such as construction or warehousing, workers may fall from ladders, scaffolding, or elevated platforms, leading to severe injuries like broken bones, spinal damage, or head trauma.
- Struck by objects: Falling tools, debris, or equipment can strike workers, causing injuries ranging from minor cuts and bruises to more severe head or body trauma.
- Machinery accidents: Faulty or improperly used machinery can cause injuries such as cuts, amputations, or crushing injuries, particularly in manufacturing or construction environments.
- Vehicle-related accidents: Workers who operate or work near vehicles, such as delivery drivers or forklift operators, are at risk of collisions, rollovers, or being struck by moving vehicles.
- Exposure to harmful substances: Employees in chemical, manufacturing, or laboratory settings may be exposed to toxic chemicals, gases, or other hazardous materials, leading to burns, respiratory issues, or long-term illnesses.
- Fires and explosions: These can result from faulty equipment, electrical malfunctions, or flammable materials, leading to burns, smoke inhalation, or life-threatening injuries.
- Workplace violence: In some cases, employees may be injured by physical altercations, assaults, or harassment, particularly in industries like healthcare, retail, or law enforcement.
Understanding these common causes can help in identifying risks and taking preventative measures to reduce workplace injuries. 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. Our Lake Oswego work injuries lawyer can help you along the way.
Contact Our Lake Oswego Work Injuries Lawyer Today
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 injuries attorney 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!