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Workers’ compensation is a state-mandated benefit system that protects employees injured on the job. Under workers’ compensation laws, the employer is liable for all expenses associated with a work-related injury, regardless if the injury is a result of the employee’s negligent or reckless behavior. Workers’ compensation is designed to encourage the speedy recovery of the injured employee, permitting him to return to work as quickly as possible, while preventing any unnecessary difficulties or expenses for the employer.

Workers’ compensation claims are only valid if the injury occurred while working, or resulted from the specific nature or duties of the job. The injured party must also prove that the risk of injury increased because of the particular responsibilities associated with the job. Our knowledgeable workers’ compensation attorneys, practicing in Seattle, will assess each individual case and help the victim determine if his injury is covered by workers’ compensation benefit insurance. Risks are sorted into one of three categories:

Employment Linked Risk: This refers to a risk that is only present because of the particular form of employment. For example, an employee’s injury that occurred while using a machine at work would be covered by workers’ compensation because this injury happened while the employee was at work using the machine.

Personal Risk: If a person develops lung cancer after years of smoking, this would not be covered by workers’ compensation, regardless if the condition developed while the person was employed at a particular job. These injuries are not covered because they are not work-related, unless the victim can prove otherwise.

Neutral Risk: These cases are often difficult to prove because the causes of the injury are mixed or unclear. The employee must prove that the injury occurred while employed at the job and that the injury is work-related.

If an employee receives workers’ compensation benefits, he forfeits the right to sue his employer. However, the injured party may sue a responsible third party. For example, if an on-the-job injury occurs because of a faulty piece of equipment, he may sue the manufacturer of the defective piece of equipment. If the employee wins his case, he is required by state law to repay the employer for all workers’ compensation benefits accepted out of the settlement. If you are contemplating filing a third-party personal injury lawsuit, contact one of our skilled workers’ compensation attorneys in Seattle. We will explain all the facets of the law and guide you through the legal process.

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