Portland Logging Accident Lawyer
There are few industries in the United States more dangerous than logging. People who work in this high-risk field deserve to be protected financially if they’re hurt on the job. A severe injury can lead to costly medical bills and lost wages. Fortunately, the Oregon workers’ compensation system can provide qualified employees with benefits that cover these losses.
At Jodie Anne Phillips Polich, P.C., our Portland logging accident lawyer can help you pursue the money you need after a logging accident. A former Oregon Workers’ Compensation Board member, attorney Jodie Anne Phillips Polich knows how the system is supposed to work. She has dedicated her legal career to advocating for injured Oregon workers and their families, no matter how challenging the case.
Contact our office for an initial free consultation to get started.
Common Types and Causes of Logging Accidents in Portland
According to the Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA), logging is the most dangerous occupation in the U.S. by many measures, with an annual fatality rate 23 times higher than the national average. Because loggers use chainsaws and other heavy machinery and often work in hazardous conditions, they are susceptible to serious, sometimes fatal, accidents.
Common types of logging accidents in the Portland area include:
- Accidents caused by falling trees or other falling objects
- Machinery accidents involving chainsaws, power saws, etc.
- Falling or tripping accidents, including falls from heights, down hills, or into holes or ditches
- Accidents resulting in pinning or crush injuries
- Logging vehicle accidents involving logging trucks, bulldozers, etc.
The causes of these accidents can vary, but the most common ones include:
- Inclement weather
- Unstable terrain
- Machinery or vehicle malfunctions
- Distractions
- Inexperience
- Fatigue
- Poor communication
- Insufficient supervision
- Failure to follow logging rules
- Production pressure
- Unsafe working conditions
Types of Logging Injuries in Portland
Logging accidents often lead to injuries that are far more severe than other workplace injuries due to the sharp, heavy machinery loggers use. Common types of logging injuries in Portland include:
- Cuts and lacerations
- Puncture wounds
- Soft tissue injuries
- Burns
- Disfigurement
- Loss of vision and hearing
- Broken bones
- Crushed or amputated body parts, including fingers, toes, feet, and limbs
- Internal organ damage
- Back, spinal, and neck injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Paralysis
Logging Injury Workers’ Compensation Benefits in Portland
Oregon’s logging employers are required to comply with specific OSHA standards to keep their workers safe. When accidents happen on the job site, employers must support injured workers. State law requires most employers to carry workers’ compensation insurance coverage, with a few exemptions for certain occupations. Workers’ compensation insurance provides injured loggers with no-fault benefits, which means it doesn’t matter who was responsible for the accident.
Workers who suffer an illness or injury on the job are generally entitled to workers’ comp benefits that cover the following:
- Medical expenses related to the injury or illness
- A portion of missed wages if you cannot work while recovering from your injury
- Ongoing care costs, such as physical therapy
- Disability benefits if the injury results in temporary or permanent disability
If a workplace accident results in death, workers’ comp provides monthly payments to the worker’s spouse, children, or other dependents, including compensation for final disposition and funeral expenses.
How Our Attorney Can Help You Maximize Your Workers’ Compensation Benefits
The logger accident attorney at Jodie Anne Phillips Polich, P.C., is dedicated to helping injured workers and their families receive the full workers’ comp benefits they deserve.
Our legal team can help you by:
- Explaining what you can expect throughout the process
- Filing a workers’ compensation claim on your behalf
- Gathering evidence and documentation required for your claim
- Appealing if your claim is denied or undervalued
- Negotiating a structured or lump-sum settlement if that is preferable to weekly benefits
- Standing up to an employer that tries to intimidate you or pressure you into not filing a claim
- Determining whether you are entitled to disability benefits
Workers’ compensation attorneys are only paid if they help you win your case.
Tips to Avoid an Accident on the Jobsite
Employers are responsible for maintaining a safe working environment for their employees, and the logging industry is no exception. To decrease the risk of an accident on the job site, here are some tips for employers and employees to keep in mind:
- Watch your step. Be on the lookout for tree roots and equipment on the ground while walking around a job site. By staying vigilant, you can avoid accidents such as falls and trips.
- Wear appropriate protective clothing. You should always wear personal protective equipment (PPE) on the job, including a hard hat, eye protection, hearing protection, and foot protection. You may also need to wear other logging or forestry safety equipment when operating certain machinery. Wearing bright clothing will make you more visible to others on the job site.
- Inspect and maintain equipment. Before using equipment such as heavy machinery and chainsaws, inspect the equipment for any signs of defects or needed repairs. Institute a regular maintenance schedule for all equipment.
- Look up for overhead hazards. Falling objects, such as trees and limbs, are common in logging. Be aware of your surroundings to avoid these dangers.
- Alert your supervisor. If you notice any issues or concerns, such as unsafe working conditions or another employee acting irresponsibly, alert your supervisor immediately. By speaking up, you may be able to prevent an accident.
Remember, workers’ comp is a no-fault system, so qualified employees are entitled to benefits even if they contributed to the accident that led to their injuries.
Contact an Experienced Portland Workers’ Comp Lawyer Today
For more than 20 years, attorney Jodie Anne Phillips Polich has been helping injured workers like you pursue compensation after serious logging accidents. Contact the compassionate, experienced logger accident attorney at Jodie Anne Phillips Polich, P.C., to get started on your case during a free initial consultation.