When you sustain a serious injury on the job in Washington or Oregon, you will probably have a lot of questions. Who is responsible for your medical bills? If you file a claim or have to take time off work for your injury, can you be fired? Do you qualify for workers’ compensation benefits? Do you have any other options for collecting compensation for damages?
Before filing any claim paperwork or signing any settlement offers or waivers, speak to a workplace injury attorney for case-specific answers. If you were injured in Washington or Oregon, contact Willis & Toews for a free case evaluation. We can review the facts of your case and explain exactly what your options are and how to get the benefits or compensation you deserve.
What compensation options are available for work injuries?
If you are an employee and were injured while performing work duties, you are likely eligible to file for workers’ compensation benefits. Often referred to in Washington as “L&I”, workers’ compensation or labor and industries coverage protects workers by providing them medical, time loss, and other benefits after a work-related injury, and also protects employers from liability.
While you generally cannot sue your employer or fellow employees, if someone not connected to your employment caused or contributed to your injury, you might be able to file a third-party claim. For instance, if you were driving on the job and were struck by another driver, the other driver may be legally liable for your damages even though you are also entitled to workers compensation or labor and industry benefits. Any third-party claims you may be entitled to pursue are separate and distinct from your workers’ compensation or labor and industries claim. They may affect each other, however, so consult with Willis & Toews to review your case.
Challenges That Injured Workers May Face in Washington or Oregon
It is not uncommon for people to run into snags and speed bumps in their workers’ compensation and third-party claims. Insurance companies may argue the necessity of your treatments, accuse you of understating your ability to return to work, claim your injury is preexisting, or offer you far less than what your claim is worth so they can reduce their payout to you.
Our attorneys know how to handle difficult insurers and employers, exactly what legal options you have available, how much you really should be receiving, what legal steps you need to take, and what your rights and responsibilities are.
Can I afford an attorney?
With our contingency payment schedule, you never have to worry about paying up front for legal fees. Should you decide to use our services, you will not pay us for our time unless you win a settlement. Given the importance of the outcome of your case, it simply makes sense to go with our counsel in Washington or Oregon.
Call Willis & Toews today at 509-529-0908 and schedule a free consultation at your convenience.
