Employees trust that their places of work uphold safety standards to keep them safe from injuries. Naturally, certain jobs are riskier than others, especially those that involve the use of heavy machinery, extreme temperatures, or other hazards. Although the employer may adhere to all workplace safety requirements, accidents happen from time to time. As an employee, suffering a work-related injury can be a devastating experience. Not only must you cope with the physical pain and lengthy recovery process, but you are likely feeling stressed and anxious about missing out on work—and losing out on the wages you and your family depend on. Moreover, the costs of the medical bills can add to your stress as you wonder how you will be able to pay down these unanticipated expenses.
Fortunately, Washington state allows injured workers to pursue and receive compensation to account for the costs stemming from the work-related accident. In many cases, injured employees may file a workers’ compensation claim to obtain the benefits they need to address the costs of their injuries. However, there are circumstances in which an employee may file a third-party claim to recover compensation from an entity other than an employer or co-worker. For example, claims related to defective machinery or faulty safety gear may be filed against the manufacturer whose failure to provide quality products left you vulnerable to suffering an on-the-job injury. Determining liability in workplace accidents can be challenging and complex, so it’s important to enlist the guidance of a highly qualified and experienced Seattle workers’ compensation and personal injury attorney to guide you through the legal process with clarity and support. Let’s take a look at how Washington typically handles workplace injuries due to faulty equipment and the steps you can take to maximize your chances of securing a fair and favorable outcome.
Workplace Injury Claims in Washington State
Washington law provides several legal protections for employees, including the right to recover compensation for work-related injuries or illnesses. Under WAC 296-27-01103, “The employer must consider an injury or illness to be work-related if an event or exposure in the work environment either caused or contributed to the resulting condition or significantly aggravated a preexisting injury or illness.” In other words, an employee may be eligible for compensation if they suffer an injury or illness that stems from the conditions of the workplace environment. Most of these incidents entitle the injured worker to file a workers’ compensation claim to receive these benefits. However, the Washington state workers’ compensation structure is a no-fault system that allows injured employees to receive benefits regardless of who or what caused the accident, but the legislative trade-off is that you cannot sue your employer for injuries at work. There are some situations in which a third party (not your employer) may be held liable for a workplace injury, such as when a manufacturer sells a defective product that threatens the safety of workers on the job. For example, a manufacturer that assembles large machinery for automakers, production lines, or construction sites may make mistakes during the manufacturing process, resulting in unsafe or defective products. Should a worker suffer an injury on the job because of a defective machine or safety equipment that has not been assembled properly during the manufacturing process, the injured party can discuss their legal options with a knowledgeable and trusted Seattle personal injury lawyer to determine whether filing a third-party workplace injury lawsuit is a strategic path forward.
Most Common Workplace Injuries in Washington State
Employees can suffer injuries or illnesses of any kind while performing their assigned duties. According to the National Safety Council, the leading cause of work-related injuries and illnesses (as of 2022) is exposure to harmful substances or environments. These types of claims involve exposure to electricity, radiation, noise, temperature extremes, oxygen deficiency, and other harmful chemicals or substances. The next two most common workplace-related injuries are overexertion and bodily reaction, followed by slips, trips, and falls while on the job. Overexertion injuries develop from excessive physical effort while performing job-related tasks, such as lifting, pushing, holding, carrying, or throwing large objects. In other cases, a worker may develop injuries because of repetitive motions, like bending and lifting, operating machinery, or performing other repetitive tasks that strain muscles or trigger painful physical reactions over time. Injuries involving contact with objects and equipment are also common in the workplace. Those injuries that happen over time due to specific activities in the workplace are called occupational diseases. Other incidents can be caused by inattentive machine operators, loose safety standards, and an employer’s failure to regularly inspect heavy equipment. Defective equipment or machinery can also lead to workplace injuries. If this is the case, consulting with highly skilled work-related injury lawyers is the best way to identify the most appropriate and strategic path forward that allows you to recover the compensation you need to support your recovery.
How to Recover Workplace Injury Compensation in Seattle
Faulty equipment at your place of work can include anything from malfunctioning machinery and broken tools to defective safety gear. This defective machinery or equipment can cause severe injuries to workers, ranging from minor cuts and bruises to more serious conditions like fractures, amputations, or even fatalities. As soon as you suffer an on-the-job injury, it’s essential to seek medical attention—even if you don’t think the injury is serious enough to warrant a trip to the hospital. Some conditions, such as traumatic brain injuries or internal bleeding, do not present with obvious symptoms, so it’s critical to have a medical professional assess you for these types of injuries. Moreover, the medical records established by your visit will help to quantify the costs of your injuries and strengthen your claim. Whether you move forward with a workers’ compensation claim or you decide to pursue a third-party claim, having a skilled and caring workplace accident attorney by your side will give you the guidance and support you need during this challenging time.
Suffering an injury on the job can be an overwhelming and traumatic experience, especially if you are facing a long and expensive physical recovery. The dedicated legal team at Scott & Scott, PLLC, is ready to help you identify your options for obtaining the compensation you need to support the costs of your recovery. Call our Seattle office today at (206) 622-2200 to get started with a highly qualified and experienced workers compensation attorney.
