Accidents are a daily threat for Washington construction workers. Construction sites in Washington are a hotbed of potential dangers, putting workers at risk of injury every day. 

When an accident strikes, the stakes are high. Knowing how to handle construction accident claims in Washington is crucial. Victims need to understand their legal rights and the process of filing a claim. 

At Craig Swapp & Associates, our seasoned Washington construction accident lawyers specialize in navigating these difficult situations. We offer comprehensive support and representation, fighting to get you the justice and compensation you deserve.

Steps to Take After a Construction Accident in Washington

Immediately following a construction site accident, taking the right steps can significantly impact the outcome of your claim:

  • Seek Medical Attention: Prioritize your health and document your injuries.
  • Report the Accident: Notify your employer about the accident without delay.
  • Document Everything: Collect as much information as possible, including photos of the accident scene, witness statements, and any hazardous conditions.
  • Consult a Lawyer: Contact a Washington construction accident lawyer to discuss your legal rights and options.

The aftermath of a construction site accident in Washington requires immediate and informed actions to protect your health and legal rights. This proactive approach not only supports your physical and emotional recovery but also enhances your chances of securing the compensation you deserve.

Ways to File Construction Accident Claims in Washington

Injured workers have two primary avenues for filing construction site accident claims to address the aftermath of construction site accidents:

1. L & I Claim

The Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) in Washington provides a straightforward path for workers injured on construction sites to seek financial relief. When filing an L&I claim, injured workers can secure compensation for medical expenses and lost wages incurred due to their injuries. 

The process is designed as a no-fault system, meaning that workers do not need to prove employer negligence to receive benefits. This system aims to ensure prompt medical treatment and financial support, helping workers recover and return to work more efficiently.

2. Third-Party Claim

Unlike L&I claims, third-party claims involve pursuing compensation from parties other than the employer. If your injury resulted from the actions of a third party, such as a subcontractor, equipment manufacturer, or another entity not in your direct line of employment, you may file a third-party claim. 

This type of claim allows you to seek damages beyond what is covered by L&I, including compensation for pain and suffering, emotional distress, and other non-economic damages. Successfully navigating third-party claims often requires a thorough investigation and legal strategy to establish liability and quantify damages.

Understanding the distinct pathways for filing construction site accident claims in Washington – through L&I for worker’s compensation and third-party claims for additional damages – empowers injured workers to pursue the full scope of compensation they are entitled to.

Filing for Both L & I and Third-Party Claims in Construction Site Accidents

When a construction accident occurs and the circumstances suggest potential claims under both the Department of Labor & Industries (L & I) and third-party liability, injured workers are entitled to file both claims simultaneously. This concurrent filing approach is not only permissible but can be crucial in ensuring that all aspects of the injury and its broader implications are comprehensively addressed. 

By pursuing both L & I claims for worker’s compensation and third-party claims for additional liabilities, claimants can maximize the compensation they receive, covering a more extensive range of losses and damages. This strategy enhances the potential for a full recovery by providing financial support for immediate and long-term needs.

“Consider a scenario where a construction worker named John was injured due to a crane’s hoist mechanism failing due to a manufacturing defect. John files an L & I claim to cover his medical expenses and part of his lost wages under worker’s compensation. Simultaneously, he files a third-party claim against the crane manufacturer for additional damages like pain and suffering and full wage recovery, targeting the manufacturer’s liability for the defective equipment. This approach allows John to address both his immediate financial needs and seek full compensation for all damages through separate legal avenues.”

How to Prove Construction Accident Liability Claims in WA

Securing compensation through a construction accident liability claim in Washington hinges on the claimant’s ability to demonstrate negligence on the part of the defendant. 

The legal framework requires establishing four key elements to prove such accident claims:

1. Duty of Care

The first step in proving negligence is establishing that the defendant owed a duty of care to the injured party. In the context of construction accidents, this duty could be the responsibility of an employer to provide a safe working environment, a contractor’s duty to manage risks effectively, or a manufacturer’s obligation to produce safe equipment.

2. Breach of Duty

Once a duty of care is established, the claimant must demonstrate that the defendant failed to meet this duty. This could involve showing that the employer did not follow safety regulations, a contractor used substandard building materials, or a manufacturer failed to recall a known faulty product.

3. Causation

The third element involves linking the breach of duty directly to the injuries sustained by the claimant. This means proving that the accident and resulting injuries were a direct consequence of the defendant’s negligence. For instance, if a worker is injured because safety protocols were not followed, this connection must be clearly established.

4. Damages

Finally, the claimant must document the specific injuries and losses incurred due to the accident. This includes medical expenses, loss of wages, pain and suffering, and other relevant damages. Detailed documentation and expert testimony often play critical roles in substantiating these claims.

Effectively proving a construction accident liability claim in Washington demands a thorough understanding of legal principles and a strategic approach to litigation. Each element of negligence must be convincingly demonstrated to hold the responsible parties accountable and to secure the deserved compensation for the injured worker.

Our Washington Construction Accident Lawyers Can Help You 

Navigating the complexities of construction accident claims in Washington can be daunting for those unfamiliar with the legal system. Our construction accident lawyers at Craig Swapp & Associates specialize in these types of cases and offer invaluable assistance. 

  • Assessing the Case: Determining the viability of your claim based on the specifics of the accident.
  • Gathering Evidence: Collecting necessary documentation, coordinating with witnesses, and consulting experts to build a compelling case.
  • Navigating Legal Procedures: Managing the myriad details of legal filings, court appearances, and negotiations with insurers and defendants.
  • Maximizing Compensation: Strategizing to secure the fullest possible compensation, which may involve negotiating settlements or pursuing trial verdicts.

If you or a loved one has been involved in a construction accident in Washington, securing legal representation is vital. Call us today or contact us by answering our online form to schedule your free consultation with our construction site accident lawyer in Washington, to ensure your rights are protected as you pursue your construction accident claim.

Written By: Ryan Swapp     Legal Review By: Craig Swapp