If you have been hurt on the job because of someone else’s negligence, you may have options beyond a standard workplace injury claim. Contact Jacobs & Jacobs today for a free consultation with a Washington State workplace accident lawyer.
A Washington personal injury attorney can help identify whether a contractor, driver, property owner, equipment manufacturer, or another third party may be responsible for your injuries and losses.
Since 1893, Jacobs & Jacobs has represented injured people throughout Washington. We handle the phone calls, paperwork, and legal details so you can focus on your health and recovery.
- Liability: This is the legal word for being responsible for an injury.
- Third-Party Claim: A legal action taken against a person or company that is not your employer but caused your injury.
- Negligence: This happens when someone fails to be as careful as a reasonable person should be, leading to harm.
By examining the details of what happened closely, we can determine who should be held accountable. We have been serving Washington since 1893, and our deep history in the region means we know how to build strong cases for our neighbors in Kent, Puyallup, and Olympia. We provide clear communication and make sure you understand every step of your claim.
Why Choose Jacobs & Jacobs for a Workplace Accident Claim
When searching for a Washington State workplace accident lawyer, selecting a team with a proven track record of success and local roots is crucial. Our firm was founded by B.F. Jacobs in 1893, and that family legacy continues today with Tom Jacobs, who brings 40 years of experience to every case.
With a team of over 50 members, we have the resources to take on complex claims while still providing the personal touch of a family-run firm. We treat our clients with compassion and respect because we know how much a sudden injury changes your life.
- We provide free initial consultations and work on a contingency basis, meaning you pay nothing upfront.
- Our offices are conveniently located in Kent and Puyallup, and we also have a satellite office in Olympia to serve the broader Puget Sound region.
- We offer mobile appointments and can come to you if your injuries make it difficult to travel to us.
Our primary goal is to reduce your stress by managing all the legal complexities of your case. We believe in advocacy, which means we act as your voice when dealing with insurance companies and other parties. Because we have served the community for over 130 years, we have a deep connection to Pierce County, King County, and Thurston County.
We use our experience to make sure your rights are protected and that you are treated fairly throughout the process. Our team is available to assist you in English or Spanish, ensuring that language is never a barrier to getting the help you need.
Washington Workplace Accident Laws and Your Legal Rights
If you are pursuing a personal injury claim after a workplace accident, a premises liability attorney in Washington may also be able to help when unsafe property conditions contributed to the injury. It is important to understand the laws in our state.
This law, found in RCW 4.22.005, means that you can still recover money for your injuries even if you were partially responsible for the accident. However, your total recovery will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
For example, if a court decides your claim is worth $50,000 but finds you were 10% at fault for the accident, you would receive $45,000. Because the system is pure, you can still seek recovery even if you were more than 50% at fault.
We ensure that the fault is assigned correctly and that the other party is held accountable for their share of the mistake.
- Statute of Limitations: This is the time limit for filing a lawsuit. In Washington, RCW 4.16.080 generally gives you three years from the date of the accident to take legal action.
- Liability Insurance: Washington requires certain levels of insurance that can often be used to pay for your damages.
- Damages: This is the money requested to cover your medical costs, lost income, and the pain caused by the injury.
Knowing these timelines is essential. If you wait too long and the three-year limit passes, you may lose your right to pursue a claim entirely. This is why we encourage you to contact us as soon as you are able so we can start preserving evidence and meeting these important deadlines.
Serious Injuries in Washington Workplace Accident Claims
Workplace accidents can result in very serious injuries that require long-term care. When we discuss injuries like a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) or catastrophic harm, we do so to explain how they impact the value of your claim.
A TBI can happen if you fall from a height or are struck by a falling object on a job site. This type of injury affects the way your brain functions and can lead to issues with memory, mood, or physical movement.
Documentation for these types of injuries must be very thorough. We work with medical professionals to understand the long-term outlook for your recovery. If an injury prevents you from returning to the type of work you did before, that loss of future income becomes a major part of your claim.
- TBI (Traumatic Brain Injury): An injury caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head that disrupts normal brain function.
- Catastrophic Injury: A severe injury that causes permanent damage or disability, such as a spinal cord injury.
- Lost Wages: The money you would have earned if the injury had not forced you to miss work.
Serious workplace accidents can also cause lasting spinal damage. A Washington spinal cord injury lawyer can help determine what compensation may be available when a workplace accident results in long-term back or spine injuries.
By focusing on how these injuries change your daily life and your ability to earn a living, we can more accurately calculate what you need for a full recovery. We use our 130 years of experience to make sure nothing is overlooked when we are presenting your case to the insurance company or a court.
How to Handle the Days Following Your Accident
Once you have received emergency treatment and have returned home, there are several things you can do to support your claim. While we handle the legal side, these small steps at home can be constructive for your Washington State workplace accident lawyer.
Start by keeping a simple journal. Write down how you are feeling each day and any difficulties you have with basic tasks. This helps show the daily impact of your injuries. Also, keep all the clothing or equipment you were wearing or using at the time of the accident. Do not clean them, as they may contain evidence that is important for the investigation.
- Avoid speaking with insurance adjusters from the other party’s company before talking to us.
- Keep a file of all medical discharge papers and instructions from your doctors.
- Write down the names of any companies or contractors you remember seeing at the work site.
By staying organized, you help us move your case forward more efficiently. We are here to answer any questions you have during this time. Remember, you do not have to handle the insurance companies on your own. We will take care of those conversations so you can focus on resting and getting better.
Serving the Puget Sound Region Since 1893
Our firm is deeply tied to the local community. With primary offices in Kent and Puyallup, we are always close by for our clients in King and Pierce Counties. We also serve Thurston County through our Olympia office.
We know the local roads, the local businesses, and the local courts because we have been a part of this region for over a century. Whether your accident happened at a warehouse in Kent or a construction project in downtown Puyallup, we understand the local environment.
We have witnessed the growth of our community since 1893, and we remain committed to safeguarding the people who live and work here. We believe that our local presence allows us to offer more compassionate and effective advocacy for our neighbors.
Our team of over 50 members is ready to help you, no matter where you are in the Puget Sound area. If you cannot come to us, we will come to you for a mobile appointment at your home or another convenient location. We are committed to making the legal process as easy as possible for you during this difficult time.
FAQs
When you are hurt at work due to a third party’s actions, you likely have many questions about how a personal injury claim works. Here are some answers to common concerns our clients have when starting this journey.
Can I still file a claim if a contractor caused my injury?
Yes, if your injury was caused by a contractor or a person working for a different company, you can often file a third-party personal injury claim. This is a separate legal action from any other benefits you might be receiving. This type of claim allows you to seek recovery for things like pain and suffering, which are not always covered by other types of insurance.
What if the accident happened because of a faulty tool or machine?
If a tool or piece of equipment failed while you were using it correctly, the manufacturer of that product might be held responsible. This is known as a product liability claim. We look at whether the product was designed poorly or if it lacked proper safety warnings. Documentation of the equipment’s failure is key to building this type of case.
Who is responsible if I am hurt while driving for work?
If you are driving for your job and another driver hits you, that driver can be held liable for your injuries. This would be a third-party claim against the other driver’s insurance. We will investigate the accident to show the other driver was at fault, whether they were speeding, distracted, or failed to follow traffic laws.
How much does it cost to hire a lawyer for a workplace accident?
We work on a contingency fee basis. This means there are no upfront costs for you to hire us. We only receive a fee if we are successful in recovering money for your claim. This allows you to get high-quality legal help without having to worry about how to pay for it while you are out of work.
What if I was partially at fault for the accident?
As mentioned earlier, Washington’s pure comparative fault rule allows you to seek recovery even if you were partly to blame. Your percentage of fault will reduce the total amount you receive, but it does not stop you from pursuing a claim. We will work to show the full extent of the other party’s responsibility to ensure you are treated fairly.
How long will it take to finish my case?
Every case is different, and the time it takes can depend on the severity of your injuries and how long it takes for you to finish medical treatment. We want to make sure we know the full cost of your care before we settle your claim. We will keep you updated throughout the entire process so you always know what to expect.
We’ll Take It From Here
Starting a legal claim can feel like a lot to handle, but you do not have to do it by yourself. Our team at Jacobs & Jacobs is ready to provide the compassionate advocacy you need to move forward.
We have the experience and the local knowledge to manage your case effectively, allowing you to focus on your physical recovery. We offer free consultations to help you understand your options and how we can assist you in holding the responsible parties accountable.
Contact Jacobs & Jacobs Today
If you or a family member has been injured in a workplace accident, contact Jacobs & Jacobs today. Call (253) 845-0577 for a free consultation with a Washington State workplace accident lawyer.
We are ready to listen to your story, explain your legal options, and help you pursue the support you need.