The bustling, iconic city of Seattle is a dynamic mix of natural beauty and metropolitan culture. Unfortunately, accidents are common in the metropolis. From car accidents to medical malpractice to dog bites, there are many different ways residents and visitors alike can get injured in the city.
If you or your loved one has been injured in an accident in Seattle, Washington, you need Darrell Cochran Personal Injury Lawyer. Our experienced personal injury team can help you navigate the aftermath of your accident, stand up to the insurance company, and recover the compensation you deserve to move on with your life.
Contact us today at (253) 948-0250 to schedule your free consultation with a Seattle workplace accident lawyer who is ready to fight for you.
How Darrell Cochran Personal Injury Lawyer Can Help After an Accident in Seattle
We take pride in serving our community at Darrell Cochran Personal Injury Lawyer. We have over 31 years of combined experience and have recovered tens of millions for our clients who have been hurt. When you hire us, you can trust that a Seattle workplace accident attorney will handle every step of the process, including:
- Investigating your case thoroughly
- Negotiating with the insurance company
- Handling all communications on your behalf
- Fighting to secure a substantial settlement on your behalf
- Taking your case to trial if we have to
If you are injured in Seattle, WA, contact our law firm today. The sooner you contact us, the sooner we can start on your case and get you compensated.
Workers’ Compensation vs Personal Injury Cases
When you are injured in a workplace accident, you might find yourself facing two options: File a workers’ compensation claim against your employer or file a lawsuit against a third party who contributed to your injuries. These two types of claims mainly differ in their fault requirements, types of compensation available, and the applicable time limits to file a claim.
In most cases, if you file a workers’ compensation claim, you give up your right to bring a personal injury lawsuit against your employer. However, there are important exceptions. If a third party—such as a subcontractor, property owner, or equipment manufacturer—played a role in your accident, you may be able to pursue a personal injury lawsuit against them while still collecting workers’ compensation benefits from your employer.
The best way to know what kind of case makes the most sense in your situation is to speak with an experienced lawyer.
What Is My Workplace Accident Case Worth?
Every case is different. What your case is worth depends on a variety of factors, including but not limited to:
- The severity of your injuries
- Your recovery time
- The medical treatment you require
- Whether you are permanently disabled or disfigured
- The severity of your pain and suffering, and other mental damages
- Whether you shared fault for your accident
The best way to know how much you might be able to recover in a personal injury or workers’ compensation case is to reach out to a lawyer who handles the type of case you experienced.
What Kinds of Damages Are Available to Accident Victims?
The damages you might be entitled to can differ based on whether you bring a workers’ compensation claim or a third-party personal injury case.
Workers’ Compensation Cases
Workers’ compensation cases typically compensate you for:
- Approved medical, hospital, and related services due to workplace injuries or occupational illnesses
- Partial wage replacement for those who are unable to work because of their injuries or occupational illnesses
These benefits can be critical for helping injured workers manage medical expenses and maintain some income during recovery. However, they are limited in scope, so exploring additional legal options may be important.
Personal Injury Cases
Compensatory damages are the main kinds of damages you can recover for your losses caused by an accident. They are typically divided into economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages are designed to compensate for monetary losses, such as:
- Medical bills
- Rehabilitation costs
- Out-of-pocket expenses
- Property damage
Non-economic damages are more difficult. They reimburse you for your personal, hard-to-quantify damages. For example, you might receive money for the following:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment
- Anxiety and depression
In rare cases where the defendant’s behavior was especially egregious, you might even be entitled to punitive damages. To know what you might be able to recover, speak with an attorney. They’ll be able to add up your monetary damages and help you quantify your emotional losses.
How Much Does It Cost To Hire a Workplace Accident Lawyer?
Most personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis. This means that:
- You won’t owe anything upfront
- Your lawyer will advance all the costs
- Your lawyer doesn’t get paid if you don’t recover
- Your lawyer will take a percentage of your recovery as their fee if your case is successful
This system serves two main purposes: to align your lawyer’s goals with your own and to make legal help accessible to everyone who has been injured.
Can I Recover Compensation if I’m Being Blamed for a Workplace Accident in Washington?
If you’ve been hurt on the job, it helps to know how fault might affect your ability to get compensation. In Washington, the rules are different depending on the kind of claim you’re filing—whether it’s through workers’ comp or a personal injury lawsuit. Here’s a quick look at how each one works.
Workers’ Compensation Cases
Washington is a “no-fault” state for workers’ compensation. This means it does not matter who caused your injury or illness. As long as you were on the job when you got hurt or fell ill, you will be entitled to benefits.
Personal Injury Cases
Washington state follows a pure comparative fault rule when it comes to contributory negligence in personal injury cases. Essentially, this rule means that even if you are partially at fault, you can still recover compensation. In fact, you can recover compensation as long as you are not 100% at fault. There is only one catch: your recovery will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are 60% at fault, you will only recover 40% of your total award.
This rule is one of the most plaintiff-friendly in the United States. In some states that follow modified comparative fault rules, you’ll be barred from recovery if you share a certain percentage of fault, either 50% or 51%. In the even more restrictive contributory negligence states, you’ll be barred if you share even 1% of fault for your accident. Even in the more lenient Washington, you’ll want a lawyer to make sure you are protected from any unfounded allegations of fault.
We’ll Fight To Recover Compensation for All of Your Workplace Accident Injuries
Workplace accidents can cause a variety of injuries. Some of the most common we see include:
- Broken bones
- Head injuries, like TBIs
- Burns
- Scrapes and lacerations
- Soft tissue damage
- Neck injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
No matter what type of injury or injuries you sustained, you should consider hiring a lawyer. With representation by your side, you’ll be able to focus on the important things–like getting better.
What Causes Most Workplace Accidents in Seattle, Washington?
There are many different causes of workplace accidents, and they often depend on the nature of the work being done. Some common accident causes include:
- Slips, trips, and falls
- Equipment malfunctions
- Falling objects
- Improper training
- Exposure to hazardous materials
- Lack of safety protocols
- Human error
- Vehicle accidents
No matter what type of accident you experienced or what caused it, we can help when you reach out to Darrell Cochran Personal Injury Lawyer.
How Long Do I Have to File a Lawsuit After a Workplace Accident in Washington?
For workers’ compensation claims in Seattle, WA, you’ll need to file within one year after the date you were injured in a workplace accident or within two years of finding out you have an occupational disease. For personal injury claims, you’ll have three years from the date of the accident or injury to bring a claim. These deadlines can approach much faster than you’d think, so don’t hesitate to seek legal guidance.
Contact Our Seattle Workplace Accident Lawyers for a Free Consultation
At Darrell Cochran Personal Injury Lawyer, we are ready to put our experience and legal knowledge to the test for you. If you’ve been injured in a workplace accident in Seattle, Washington, we can help. Whether you file a workers’ compensation claim or a personal injury claim against a third party, we’ll walk you through every step of the process. Reach out today to schedule a free consultation with a Seattle workplace accident lawyer who is ready to help.