We know that you do not go to work thinking about injuries, but they are a reality. Some industries are more dangerous than others, but workplace injuries can happen at any job. Across the country for the latest reporting year, there were about 2.8 million nonfatal workplace injuries or illnesses reported to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. They span all industries and range from minor injuries to severe, life-altering events.
Today, we want to go over numbers for Washington. At Russell & Hill, PLLC, we know that there may be a time when you need a Seattle work injury attorney. You can count on our qualified and experienced team to work tirelessly to secure the compensation you need.
The Statistics
For the latest reporting year in Washington, there were a total of 29,320 nonfatal injuries or illnesses reported. The leading industries for these injuries and illnesses were:
- Transportation and material moving
- Construction and extraction
- Production occupations
- Food preparation and serving
- Installations, maintenance, and repair
Most work injuries are minor and do not require missed days of work. However, there are times when the following major injuries occur:
When it comes to fatalities in the workplace, there were 75 reported in Washington in 2017. The construction industry was the deadliest, with 16 deaths reported. Transportation and warehousing were second, with 11 deaths.
What Should Happen?
When a person is injured at work and reports their injury to their supervisor, this should start the workers’ compensation process. Workers in Washington are entitled to insurance coverage through their employer for all workplace incidents that include coverage of medical expenses and partial wages if there are days missed from work.
If you report your injury promptly, you should not be denied coverage. If you are, you may need to seek help from an attorney. If your injury was caused by the negligence of a third party, such as a contractor performing work, then you may be eligible for compensation beyond workers’ compensation.
Employers are required, with few exceptions, to carry workers’ compensation insurance if they have employees. Uninsured employers open themselves up to a range of hard penalties by the state and can also face personal injury lawsuits in cases where workers are injured.
What Are Your Options?
If you or someone you love has experienced a workplace injury and are having trouble getting the compensation you deserve, please seek legal assistance. At Russell & Hill, PLLC, we will work to protect your rights as an injured worker. This includes recovering compensation for:
- Your medical expenses
- Pain and suffering damages
- Lost income and benefits
- Possible punitive damages
When you need a Seattle work injury attorney, you can contact us for a free consultation by calling 206-516-2045. If you are denied workers’ compensation coverage or if a third party caused your injury, you may be eligible for more money.