Get Skilled Representation in Washington for Injured Workers

Construction is a vital economic sector in the state of Washington, but the industry is not without risk to workers. Heavy equipment and building materials contribute to serious and even fatal injuries. If you or a loved one has been injured in a worksite or construction accident, it’s important to know your rights and to pursue all avenues of compensation.

Since 1959, Rush, Hannula, Harkins & Kyler PLLC has helped injured parties throughout Washington obtain full and fair compensation for their losses. Our dedicated legal team evaluates your case for free and, if there’s cause for legal action, we advance all costs of your litigation. At Rush, Hannula, Harkins & Kyler PLLC, you’ll find understanding professionals who are dedicated to helping you find justice.

Understanding Worksite and Construction Accidents in Tacoma, Seattle And Surrounding Areas

Tacoma, as a major hub in Pierce County, has numerous construction projects underway at any given time. This high level of construction activity, unfortunately, correlates with a higher risk of workplace injury. Common types of accidents on construction sites include:

Falls from heights: Scaffolding collapses, ladder falls, and falls from roofs are frequent causes of serious work injuries.

Trench collapses: Excavations and trench work can be extremely dangerous if proper safety measures are not followed.

Equipment malfunctions: Defective or poorly maintained machinery, such as cranes, forklifts, and power tools, can cause devastating injuries.

Falling objects: Workers can be struck by falling tools, debris, or building materials.

Electrocutions: Contact with live wires or faulty electrical equipment can result in severe burns or death.

Washington State Workers’ Compensation and Third-Party Liability

Many injured workers mistakenly believe that if they suffer a debilitating workplace injury on the job, they are only entitled to workers’ compensation claim benefits. While it’s true that in Washington State, workers cannot sue their employers or co-workers for most worksite injuries, there are circumstances in which a civil suit against a third party is possible.

The Washington State Department of Labor and Industries (L&I) administers the workers’ compensation system. However, L&I benefits often fall short of covering the full extent of an injured worker’s losses.

In many work injury cases, a third party such as another contractor, an equipment manufacturer, or a negligent property owner may be responsible for your accident, and you can sue those parties. A personal injury lawsuit allows you to pursue full compensation for:

• Medical expenses, current and future
• Rehabilitation costs
• Lost earnings, current and future
• Pain and suffering

Worksite and construction accident lawsuits are complex because you must identify a responsible third party. You must also prove that the party’s conduct caused your injuries. Possible third-party defendants include:

• Negligent subcontractors — Unless a subcontractor can demonstrate an employee relationship with your boss, you can sue for civil damages.
• Industrial equipment manufacturers — Companies that make substandard industrial machinery or power tools are strictly liable for the harm that defects in their products cause.
• Industrial architects — If individual workstations are placed so closely to one another that work at one compromises worker safety at another, the factory floor is defective by design, and the designer is strictly liable for any resulting injuries.

How RHHK’s Tacoma Work Injury Attorneys Can Help

The experienced personal injury attorneys at Rush, Hannula, Harkins & Kyler PLLC have over 100+ years of combined experience and can thoroughly evaluate your case to determine fault and establish proof of liability.

We have handled a variety of worksite and construction personal injury claims, including trench collapses, crane collapses, falls into elevator shafts, and even a defective scaffolding case, and have obtained substantial recoveries for our clients.

Here’s how we can help:

Free Consultation: We offer a free consultation and case review to discuss your work injury, walk you through the legal process and evaluate all of your options.

Investigation and Evidence Gathering: We will thoroughly investigate your accident, gather evidence, such as witness statements and expert opinions, and work to identify all potentially liable parties. We work with experts, when needed, to reconstruct accidents and determine the cause of your injuries.

Workers’ Compensation Claim Assistance: We can help you navigate the complexities of the workers’ compensation claim process to ensure you receive all the benefits you are entitled to from the Department of Labor and Industries.

Third-Party Lawsuit: If a third party contributed to your accident, we will pursue a personal injury lawsuit to recover maximum compensation for your losses, including medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Negotiation and Litigation: We will aggressively negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf. If a fair settlement cannot be reached, we are prepared to take your case to court.

Contact Our Tacoma Personal Injury Lawyers To Understand Your Legal Rights

Collecting workers’ comp always results in financial losses to the injured worker, and in some cases, it can relegate that worker to a life of poverty. Rush, Hannula, Harkins & Kyler PLLC evaluates your case for a third-party lawsuit free of charge and advances all costs of litigation for the cases we accept.

Our law firm is dedicated to protecting the rights of injured workers in Tacoma, Seattle, Olympia, and throughout Washington state. We have the experience, skill, and resources to handle complex construction accident cases.

To schedule a consultation, call 253-383-5388 or contact us online.