In the realm of personal injury law, work injuries encompass a broad spectrum of incidents that occur within the workplace. These can range from construction site accidents and outdoor work mishaps to transportation-related injuries. At WKD Law, our focus on work injury cases extends to understanding the legal nuances surrounding these incidents. Work injuries are defined as any harm or damage sustained by an individual while engaged in work-related activities, encompassing both physical and psychological injuries arising from workplace incidents.
Timely reporting and meticulous documentation are pivotal components in the aftermath of a work injury. Reporting the incident promptly to the relevant authorities, such as supervisors or employers, establishes a crucial timeline and record. This documentation should encapsulate the details of the incident, witness statements, and any other pertinent information that could substantiate a legal case. At WKD Law, we recognize the importance of this step in building a robust case, and our legal team is adept at guiding clients through the process of ensuring that the incident is properly documented.
Seeking immediate medical attention is a paramount step following a work injury. The health and well-being of the individual are of primary concern, but this action also plays a critical role in the legal process. Medical records serve as key evidence in establishing the extent of injuries and their direct connection to the workplace incident. WKD Law emphasizes the significance of prompt medical attention, not only for the overall recovery of the individual but also to fortify the legal case by establishing a clear link between the injury and the workplace environment.
In March, Marshall Porter, a 36-year-old cable transmission line worker, experienced a life-altering fall while performing a routine task. Tasked with splicing wires on a cable secured between utility poles, Porter fell 13 feet to an asphalt landing when the cable, temporarily repaired with a rope, snapped unexpectedly. The aftermath was catastrophic, leaving Porter with shattered hips, leg and arm injuries, and enduring sciatic nerve damage.
Enduring two surgeries on his hip and grappling with permanent injuries, including a posterior fracture dislocation, sciatic nerve damage, and traumatic chondromalacia of the knee, Porter’s life was forever changed. The negligent practices of AT&T Broadband, his employer, became evident. They failed to warn him about the hazardous rope-secured cable and neglected essential safety measures, violating the Employer’s Liability Law and Electrical Safety Code.
In a landmark legal battle, a jury recognized Porter’s pain, suffering, medical bills, lost wages, and the necessity for future education in a new career. A verdict of $618,000 was awarded, reflecting the severity of his injuries and the responsibility of AT&T Broadband for their negligence.
AT&T Broadband’s negligence encompassed a series of failures, from neglecting to warn Porter about the hazardous strand to lacking proper training and procedures. Their failure to ensure safe work environments and provide necessary equipment demonstrated a glaring disregard for employee safety.
Porter’s case stands as a testament to the importance of holding employers accountable for ensuring safe work conditions. At WKD Law, we understand the profound impact of work injuries, and our commitment is to advocate for clients like Marshall Porter, ensuring justice is served and negligent parties are held responsible for their actions.
Navigating the complexities of construction site injuries, WKD Law offers specialized legal expertise. From falls and machinery accidents to structural failures, our seasoned team diligently investigates each case. We strive to hold responsible parties accountable, ensuring our clients receive just compensation for their injuries sustained in the construction industry.
WKD Law specializes in outdoor work injuries, including logging and fishing mishaps. Whether it's a logging accident in dense forests or injuries sustained during fishing operations, our expert team navigates the intricacies of outdoor work incidents. We diligently pursue compensation for victims, addressing the unique challenges posed by these environments.
Navigating the complexities of transportation work injuries, WKD Law addresses accidents involving truck drivers and railroad workers. From collisions to derailments, our dedicated legal team investigates root causes, identifies liable parties, and pursues compensation. We ensure that those navigating the challenges of transportation-related work injuries receive comprehensive representation.
When dealing with work injuries, understanding the distinction between personal injury claims and workers’ compensation is paramount. Personal injury claims, handled by WKD Law, are rooted in the pursuit of justice beyond the workplace. These claims arise when someone, due to another’s negligence, sustains injuries at work. Our specialized focus on personal injury law enables us to navigate the complexities of construction site accidents, outdoor work mishaps, and transportation-related incidents.
Workers’ Compensation: Limitations Within the Work Domain
Conversely, workers’ compensation is a distinct avenue available to employees for injuries sustained during employment. While it provides essential benefits, workers’ compensation is limited to workplace injuries and excludes claims against employers for negligence. WKD Law, concentrating on personal injury, does not handle workers’ compensation cases. We strive to ensure our clients receive comprehensive representation, recognizing that personal injury claims extend beyond the confines of workers’ compensation limitations.
Keith, an accomplished attorney at WKD Law, boasts a remarkable track record in work injury cases. With a focus on securing justice for victims, he achieved a $618,000 jury verdict for an overhead cable technician injured due to employer negligence.
Keith’s expertise extends to trying personal injury cases in state and federal courts. Recognized among Oregon’s Top 50 lawyers in Super Lawyers, elected to the American Board of Trial Advocates, and listed in Best Lawyers in America, Keith garners praise for ethical and effective representation. Rated “10.0 Superb” on Avvo.com and “AV Preeminent” by Martindale-Hubbell, he stands as a beacon of excellence in legal advocacy.
WKD Law is dedicated to personal injury cases, serving clients in Portland and throughout Oregon. With a history of successfully trying personal injury cases to verdict in state and federal courts, we prioritize ethical and effective representation. Our recognition by former clients and fellow Oregon lawyers underscores our commitment to justice.
