Catastrophic Injuries at Work in Portland

Catastrophic injuries resulting from workplace accidents in Portland can be severe and life-altering, often leading to permanent disabilities or the loss of your ability to work. Sustaining traumatic work-related injuries can turn life upside down, creating financial uncertainty and requiring long-term medical care.

If you’ve experienced serious injuries in a workplace accident, you need experienced legal help. At Jodie Anne Phillips Polich P.C., we know how deeply a catastrophic workplace injury affects your life. Your sole focus should be on your health during this difficult time. Let us handle your workers’ compensation claim and potential third-party personal injury claim while you concentrate on healing.

Why You Need Our Workplace Catastrophic Injury Lawyer

At Jodie Anne Phillips Polich P.C., we understand how overwhelming it can feel to suffer a catastrophic injury at work. When you’re ready to take the next step, we’ll be here to support you.

We offer personalized attention with a small-firm feel, and you’ll never get lost in the shuffle. We take the time to listen, understand your unique situation, and build a legal strategy tailored to meet your needs.

Our clients know they can count on us. Here’s what Rick C. had to say about his experience at our law firm:

“Thank you for looking out for me like you’ve always done. Thank you, Jodie, for your hard work on our case. My daughter, the boys, and I are glad we chose you to help us. I’m glad you were there for me when no one else would help me. Thank you, Jodie, again.”

What Makes a Workplace Injury Catastrophic?

The defining feature of a catastrophic injury is its long-lasting impact on a person’s ability to live, work, and support themselves independently. These factors distinguish catastrophic injuries from less severe workplace injuries due to their far-reaching physical, emotional, and financial consequences.

Catastrophic workplace injuries typically result in:

Life-changing effects – The injury severely affects the individual’s ability to perform everyday tasks, such as walking, speaking, or self-care.
Permanent disability – The injury prevents the worker from returning to work or engaging in meaningful employment, limiting their earning ability.
Long-term medical care – The injury requires ongoing, continuous medical treatment, rehabilitation, or lifetime care.

Common Types and Causes of Catastrophic Workplace Accidents in Portland

Catastrophic workplace accidents in Portland occur most frequently in industries involving high-risk environments such as construction, manufacturing, and transportation. However, they can happen in virtually any line of work – even ones considered safe.

Some examples of the most common types and causes of severe workplace accidents include:

Vehicle accidents – Collisions involving trucks, forklifts, or other vehicles at worksites or while driving for work often result in traumatic injuries such as broken bones, brain injuries, or internal organ damage.
Falls from heights – Falls from scaffolding, ladders, or rooftops can result in traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), spinal cord injuries, or even death. According to the Oregon Health Authority, falls are among the leading causes of death due to TBIs.
Heavy machinery accidents – Involvement with malfunctioning or improperly maintained equipment such as forklifts, cranes, or industrial machines can lead to crushing injuries, severe fractures, or amputations.
Electrocutions – Contact with exposed wires or faulty electrical equipment can cause severe burns, cardiac issues, or fatal injuries.
Toxic exposure – Exposure to harmful chemicals or hazardous substances without proper protective equipment can cause severe injuries. Symptoms of toxic exposure typically include respiratory problems, long-term illness, and chemical burns.
Falling objects – Materials or items falling from heights in warehouses or construction sites can cause head trauma, spinal injuries, and other crushing injuries.

Legal Rights for Workers Suffering Catastrophic Injuries

Under Oregon’s workers’ compensation system, employees injured on the job can seek compensation for medical expenses, partial replacement of lost wages, and rehabilitation. Injured workers may qualify for several types of benefits, including:

Medical benefits – This includes coverage for surgeries, hospital stays, medications, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and specialized treatments, for example.
Temporary disability benefits – This includes partial wage-replacement benefits while recovering from an injury and can cover workers who can work only reduced hours or perform lighter duties or workers who cannot return to any work temporarily.
Permanent disability benefits – This includes benefits for workers with lasting impairments that require them to take jobs that don’t pay as well or lifetime benefits for workers who cannot work at all.

Potential Third-Party Personal Injury Claims for a Catastrophic Workplace Injury in Portland

Workers’ compensation benefits may not fully address the long-term costs and effects of a catastrophic injury. When your injury involves the negligence of someone other than your employer or co-workers, you could potentially pursue a third-party catastrophic injury claim. This is a personal injury lawsuit separate from your workers’ compensation claim.

A successful third-party liability claim could provide benefits unavailable from workers’ compensation, such as full replacement of lost wages and reduced future earning capacity, pain, suffering, and other losses.

Common third parties include:

Property owners – The landlord or property owner could face accountability if an unsafe property condition caused or contributed to your injury. That is common if your employer rents space or the accident occurs in areas outside your employer’s control, such as on a customer’s work site.
Equipment manufacturers – The equipment’s manufacturer, distributor, or seller may face liability if your injury results from a defective tool or machinery. Common issues include defective parts, inadequate warnings or instructions for equipment, and design flaws.
Subcontractors – Independent contractors or subcontractors often play key roles in maintaining safety when a job site involves multiple companies. If a subcontractor’s negligence contributes to your injury, they could face responsibility.
Other motorists – If you suffer catastrophic injuries in a traffic accident while driving for work, you could pursue a car accident claim against the other driver at fault for the crash.

The Role of a Workplace Injury Lawyer in Oregon Catastrophic Injury Cases

Having a workplace injury lawyer from Jodie Anne Phillips Polich, P.C., by your side is critical for handling workplace catastrophic injury claims. We can handle everything, including:

Case evaluation – We’ll perform a comprehensive case evaluation to determine the strength of your workers’ compensation claim and explore all possible avenues for compensation. That involves reviewing accident details, identifying liable parties, and determining your legal options.
Loss assessment – We’ll conduct a detailed analysis of all current and future losses to determine the full impact of your injury. Your injury could have long-term effects on your life that extend beyond immediate medical bills, and you deserve to seek full compensation for these losses.
Negotiating on your behalf – We’ll negotiate with the insurance company, your employer, and third parties to advocate for the best possible outcome in your case. If negotiations fail, our lawyer can take your catastrophic injury claim to hearings or court to pursue the compensation you need.

Talk to Our Portland Workplace Accident Lawyer Now

If you’re facing the fallout of work-related catastrophic injuries, you don’t have to face it alone. The compassionate team at Jodie Anne Phillips Polich, P.C., is ready to give your case the focus it deserves.