What is a Slip-and-Fall Injury?
A slip-and-fall injury at the workplace can occur in an instant, but its consequences often last long after the event has passed. As simple as it may seem, a slip-and-fall can result in severe injuries, including broken bones, muscle and ligament tears, head, brain, or spinal cord injuries, concussions, and other serious physical injuries. In addition to the pain and suffering that a slip-and-fall injury can involve, medical costs and lost wages can be extremely expensive.
If you have a work injury caused by tripping, slipping, or falling as a result of unsafe property conditions — whether due to an uneven floor, broken stairs, or a dangerous patch of ground — the owner of the property may be liable for your accident. Such accidents can happen inside or outside. Residences, schools, department stores, and grocery stores, as well as rough sidewalks, parking lots, and poorly lit walkways, are all examples of possible hazards that should be properly maintained by their owners to prevent injuries.
Under Washington state law, when a person suffers physical injury while on the job due to a property owner or operator’s negligence, the victim may be entitled to compensation for their accident. Oftentimes in a slip-and-fall injury case, insurance companies will attempt to determine the nature of your injuries and your responsibility in the fall and may try to resolve the case immediately by offering an award or settlement. In general, it is not in your best interest to consult with an adjuster before contacting an Slip-and-Fall lawyer who can evaluate your case and put your interests before those of the insurance company. If you have been injured and believe you have a slip-and-fall claim, call us today for a Free Case Review with an experienced Intake Specialist and learn how we may be able to help. No fee unless we recover for you.
Is Your Slip-and-Fall Injury a Third-Party Claim or a Washington State L&I Claim?
Third-Party Claim
A third-party claim is one in which someone other than your employer or co-worker is responsible for your injury. If you have been injured on the job due to someone else’s actions or negligence, you may be entitled to additional compensation through a third-party claim, which combines your L&I claim with a personal injury claim using the same facts.
Unlike workers’ compensation payments, there is no limit to the amount of compensation an injured worker may seek in third-party damages. Third-party claims are private matters and are typically litigated directly with the Washington State Superior Court.
If your slip-and-fall injury leaves you out of work for an extended period of time, you may be entitled to compensation for pain, suffering, and lost wages.
Washington State L&I Claim
A Washington state L&I claim results from a workplace injury or occupational disease. An L&I claim is monitored and managed by an L&I Claims Manager who sees the process through from initial claim filing to closure. If all goes as planned, your claim is accepted by L&I and you will receive certain benefits.
When you are injured or contract certain types of illnesses at work, you are entitled to certain workers’ compensation benefits. You can file an L&I claim in Washington state through the L&I website’s File Fast tool, by calling the L&I office at 877.561.3453, or at your doctor’s office. After you file, it is imperative that you call an experienced L&I attorney to help you navigate the L&I claims process.
What Compensation Can You Recover for a Slip-and-Fall Injury?
- Medical benefits: L&I medical benefits will cover all medical costs associated with your L&I claim. This can include doctor appointments, treatments, surgeries, occupational therapy, and prescription medications.
- Damages for pain and suffering: L&I award amounts vary widely and typically fall into three categories:
1. L&I disability pension: A life-long benefit awarded to injured workers who will never be able to return to any gainful employment due to a severe or life-threatening injury.
2. Permanent partial disability (PPD) award: A one-time sum paid to injured workers when their L&I claim is closed. The worker can re-enter the workforce following a PPD award.
3. Claim resolution settlement agreement (CRSA): An L&I settlement option where all parties agree to close an injury claim for a specified amount. When agreeing to this settlement type, the injured worker exchanges all future benefits, except medical, for the payment.
We understand that many families depend on the income of an injured worker, and our Washington state Slip-and-Fall Lawyers are dedicated to winning the benefits and compensation you are entitled to by law. Our practice was founded on a commitment to advocating for workers’ rights, and we are proud of our record protecting the injured and disabled. Call us today for a Free Case Review with an experienced Intake Specialist and learn how Emery | Reddy may be able to help. No fee unless we recover for you.
