Spokane Workplace Injuries & Workers’ Compensation Attorneys

Protect Your Rights

Life can get complicated after being injured on the job. You may be unable to work as you face an extended recovery period. You may be worried about how you can afford to pay your medical bills and support your family. You may also be angry and confused when your employer refuses to provide insurance coverage, injury benefits, or treatment options.

While employers and the State of Washington fight to deny claims or minimize injured worker payouts,  Sweetser Law Office can help you determine your best course of legal action. Our experienced and trusted Spokane workers’ comp attorneys are here to assist you.

Empowering Employees: Know Your Rights After a Workplace Accident

Experiencing a workplace accident can be overwhelming, and many employees are unsure of their rights and options. At Sweetser Law Office, we believe that knowledge is power. It's crucial to understand that you have the right to seek compensation for your injuries, and you shouldn't have to navigate this complex process alone.

Here are some important rights you should be aware of:

• Right to Report: You have the right to report your injury to your employer without fear of retaliation.
• Right to Medical Care: You are entitled to receive necessary medical treatment for your injuries, including follow-up care.
• Right to Compensation: You can claim compensation for lost wages, medical expenses, and rehabilitation costs.
• Right to Legal Representation: You have the right to consult with an attorney who specializes in workers’ compensation to help you navigate your claim.
• Right to Appeal: If your claim is denied, you have the right to appeal the decision and seek further legal action.

Our experienced team at Sweetser Law Office is committed to helping you understand and exercise your rights. We offer free consultations to discuss your case and provide guidance tailored to your situation. Don’t let confusion or fear hold you back from getting the compensation you deserve.

How Does the Workers’ Comp Process Begin?

 Sweetser Law Office consults with qualified experts to determine the extent of your future treatment and disability. As Spokane workers’ comp attorneys, our job is to help you obtain what you rightfully deserve.

Workers’ compensation can be used for the following:

• Medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Vocational assistance & re-training
• Fair determination of partial or permanent disability

Depending on the extent of your injury, you may be eligible for vocational rehabilitation, and, in permanent injury cases, impaired earning capacity or loss of future income.

What Are Common Workplace Accidents?

We will obtain your medical records, monitor your treatment, and make sure all deadlines are met.  Sweetser Law Office and our Spokane workers’ comp attorneys will have your case evaluated by independent doctors, vocational experts, and rehabilitation specialists when necessary to support your claim.

Workers often sustain serious injuries or lose their lives as the result of on-the-job accidents, including:

What Is Workers’ Compensation?

Workers' compensation insurance’s very existence, its purpose, is to provide injured workers with replacement compensation without the need to file suit in the court system. But when a workers' compensation claim has been unreasonably denied or contested, legal action may be necessary to help you obtain the compensation you deserve.

The workers’ compensation system is a “no-fault” system for accidents on the job. This means you are covered for all on the job injuries regardless of fault. The compensations system is set up by the State of Washington. Workers’ compensation claims are not entitled to pain and suffering, or loss of enjoyment of life. You are covered even if your injuries developed gradually over time, such as a bad back or an occupational disease occurring from exposure to workplace hazards.

In processing your claim,  Sweetser Law Office will gather evidence to show:

• The nature and extent of the injury
• Whether the injury occurred in the course of your employment or in furtherance of business purposes
• Whether the injury was the result of a gradual injury occupational disease or a sudden accident
• Whether the employer fulfilled its responsibilities under the law
• Whether a third party may also be at fault

What Is Third Party Compensation?

Even though you are pursuing a workers’ compensation remedy, you might be able to pursue a negligence claim simultaneously against a third person who might have contributed to your accident and your injury, in addition to your employer.

Non-employer third party claims are available when:

• Manufacturers/Suppliers - If you are injured and your injury was caused in part by defective equipment manufactured and/or supplied by persons or companies outside of your employer, you may be able to file a suit against them.
• Independent Managers and Supervisors - A lawsuit is possible against a third party if your injury occurred on an assignment that was supervised or managed by an independent party.
• Subcontractors - It is possible to have a claim against two different parties if you were injured while working for another subcontractor, or the owner of a particular project.
• Other drivers - If an auto accident injury occurs while driving for your job, a workers’ compensation claim and a claim against the other driver or drivers for negligence can be made.

What Steps Do I Need To Take After A Workplace Accident?

Following a workplace accident in Spokane, WA, taking the right steps is crucial to protect your health and legal rights.

We recommend the following actions:

1. Seek Immediate Medical Attention: The most important thing is your health. Obtaining a medical evaluation guarantees appropriate treatment and documentation of your condition, even if your injuries appear minor.
2. Report the Accident: Give your employer as much notice as you can. In Washington State, quick reporting is important for a smooth workers' compensation claim procedure. Your ability to get benefits may be compromised if you fail to report.
3. Document Everything: Gather accident-related evidence. This include documenting the situation with pictures, recording the incident's date and time, and obtaining the contact details of any witnesses.
4. File a Workers' Compensation Claim: Fill out the required forms to start the claim procedure. In order to be eligible for compensation for medical costs and lost wages, you must complete this step.
5. Speak with a Workplace Accident Attorney: It's critical to fully understand your legal rights and options. A skilled attorney can guide you through the claims process, help address any issues, and guarantee you obtain the amount you deserve.

Taking these actions can have a big effect on how your case turns out. During this difficult period, our firm is here to offer you the assistance and legal knowledge you require.

Injured at work? You have rights and deserve legal representation. Initial case reviews are free. No fee unless we win. Call us today at (509) 444-4444.