If You’ve Been Harmed, You Deserve Fair Compensation.

The Dependable Workers’ Compensation Guidance You Need After A Construction Accident

When you suffer an on-the-job injury as a construction worker, there are all kinds of concerns you may have about the future. You may wonder whether you’ll be able to get the care you need and continue to pay your bills and support your family. I understand the worries you are facing and am here to help you pursue the benefits you need to recover and get peace of mind in this challenging time. Turn to me when you want a dependable construction accident lawyer in your corner.

My name is Drew D. Dalton, and my firm, We Care Legal, PLLC, is here for injured construction workers in Spokane and surrounding communities. I understand how important your workers’ compensation case is to your future, and I will give you the dedicated and caring legal support you deserve. I am ready to use all of my skills and 16 years of experience to fight for your best interests.

What Are Common Causes Of Construction Site Accidents?

Construction sites are filled with potential safety risks, and accidents can happen in an instant. Common dangers construction workers face include:

Elevated heights and other fall risks
Unstable ladders or scaffolding
Problems with construction vehicles or other large machinery
Faulty equipment
Exposed wiring
Chemicals and other harmful substances
Fire hazards
Falling objects
Heavy loads
Overexertion
Extreme heat

From falls to struck-by accidents to caught-between accidents to crane accidents, many different incidents can leave construction workers with serious injuries. If you’ve been hurt on a construction site, I’m here to be your advocate.

What Should You Do After A Construction Accident?

What happens after your accident can have major implications for your well-being and future. Given this, there are actions it can be critical to take, including:

Notifying your employer: Report the accident to ensure it’s properly documented
Getting appropriate medical care: Protect your health by seeking immediate treatment for your injuries
Gathering and record key information: Details you’ll likely need for your workers’ compensation claim include information regarding: what happened, accident location, your dependents, your wages, your employer, your medical provider and how to contact witnesses
Getting trusted guidance on your legal options: Speaking with a skilled construction accident lawyer can help you understand what can be done to protect your rights and secure relief to help with your recovery.

I have the knowledge and resources to help you confidently navigate the aftermath of your construction accident. Let me guide you.

Are Construction Workers Eligible For Workers’ Compensation?

Yes, construction workers generally can receive workers’ comp for work-related injuries and occupational diseases, including:

Fractures and broken bones
Carpal tunnel and other repetitive stress injuries
Burns
Electrical shock
Respiratory illnesses
Head and brain injuries
Neck, back and spinal cord injuries
Amputations
Hearing loss
Vision loss
Cancer
PTSD related to a single event

Workers’ comp benefits that construction workers can qualify for include medical care, wage replacement and more.

Why Hire A Construction Accident Lawyer?

While you can pursue workers’ compensation for a construction site accident on your own, having a lawyer guide you through the process has many advantages. A skilled construction worker injury attorney can:

Help you with all the paperwork involved with your claim, ensuring no key details are missed
Help you understand your rights and protect them
Help you steer clear of common, costly mistakes
Answer your questions and help clear up any points of confusion.
Help you prepare for each step of the process so you know exactly what to expect
Pursue all avenues for securing and maximizing benefits for you
Address any challenges that arise with your claim

You don’t have to fight for the benefits you need on your own. Put my experience and skill on your side.

Does It Matter If I Was At Fault?

No, whether or not you were in any way responsible for your construction accident is generally irrelevant to your eligibility for benefits. Washington’s workers’ comp system covers work-related injuries regardless of fault, with just a handful of exceptions like intentional self-harm.

Is A Workers’ Compensation Claim Your Only Option?

In most cases, yes, workers’ compensation is your only avenue for seeking financial relief for workplace injuries resulting from a construction accident. One major exception to this is if someone other than your employer or one of its employees was responsible for your injuries. In such cases, you may be able to pursue a personal injury lawsuit against that third party in addition to your workers’ compensation claim. These two claim types can interact in a range of complex ways. So, when you are pursuing both, having a lawyer with an in-depth understanding of both workers’ compensation law and the rules of third-party personal injury claims can be invaluable.

What If You Can’t Work Anymore?

Securing approval is rarely simple because complex issues can arise over eligibility and pension amount. For instance, these cases frequently involve:

Detailed reviews of medical restrictions: The Department of Labor and Industries may closely examine whether the worker can sit, stand, lift or perform repetitive movements.
Vocational evaluations and retraining disputes: A worker may be told they can transition into another position despite ongoing pain or physical limitations.
Long-term financial concerns for the family: Losing the ability to work can affect housing, bills and future security.

I can help you navigate all aspects of Permanent Total Disability claims. I collaborate with vocational experts to firmly document your permanent restrictions.

Can You Be Fired For Seeking Workers’ Comp In Washington?

One reason a construction worker might hesitate to pursue workers’ compensation is the fear that this will upset their employer and potentially cause them to lose their jobs. It’s important to know that, in Washington, it is illegal for employers to fire or take other retaliatory action against employees for filing a workers’ compensation claim.

Why Might A Construction Accident Workers’ Comp Claims Be Denied?

Such a workers’ comp claim could be denied for a range of reasons, including for:

Not showing an injury was related to work
The injury in question is caused by a preexisting condition
Failing to file on time
Paperwork mistakes
Lacking appropriate medical evidence
Containing inconsistencies

I can help you understand common missteps that can lead to denials and build custom strategies for avoiding such pitfalls.

Can You Fight Back After A Department Of Labor And Industries Claim Denial?

Yes, you can challenge a denial of a construction-related workers’ compensation claim through a protest or appeal. However, you only have 60 days from the date you receive the Order and Notice before the decision becomes final.

The following issues commonly affect appeals:

Missing or weak medical evidence: The Department of Labor and Industries may argue the injury is not work-related or serious enough to qualify for benefits.
Premature claim closures: Some workers are cut off from treatment or wage benefits before recovery is complete.
Filing mistakes and inconsistencies: Small paperwork errors can hurt an otherwise valid claim.

This process can be complicated though, so it can be worthwhile to have an experienced construction accident lawyer on your side from start to finish. I can:

Help you understand your protest and appeal options
Help you meet the necessary deadlines
Build a strong case for reversing the denial
Advocate for you at every step

Time can be of the essence when challenging a denial, so it can be wise to seek help as soon as possible.

What Happens If Another Company Caused Your Construction Injury?

Construction sites across Spokane and Eastern Washington often involve multiple contractors, subcontractors, delivery companies and equipment providers working at the same time. When a worker from another company causes the accident, additional legal options may become available.

The following situations may support both the Department of Labor and Industries claim and a third-party injury case:

Negligent subcontractors working on the same job site: A worker from another company may create unsafe conditions through careless equipment use, poor communication or ignored safety rules.
Outside drivers, vendors or delivery companies: Construction zones often involve heavy vehicle traffic moving in tight areas. If a delivery driver or outside company caused the injury, a third-party claim may help recover damages that the Department of Labor and Industries does not fully provide.
Defective machinery or unsafe equipment: Faulty lifts, power tools, scaffolding or machinery parts can cause devastating injuries in seconds.

You may be able to pursue both a Washington workers’ compensation claim and a third-party personal injury case at the same time. My goal is to help clients maximize the financial support available while guiding them through the process with the care, communication and attention they deserve.

Get A Free Evaluation Of Your Construction Accident Case

After a construction accident, it is critical to understand your rights and options. Turn to me for the clear and honest workers’ compensation guidance you need. You can get a free consultation with me to discuss your case. Schedule one today by calling me at 509-537-0388 or contacting me online. I stand ready to help you pursue the benefits you need to protect your future.