If you’ve been injured at work, your life changes quickly. Medical bills pile up. Paychecks stop coming. Recovery stress weighs on you and your family. At The Law Offices of Briggs & Briggs, we help injured workers in Lakewood and throughout Pierce County recover the compensation they deserve. For over 70 years, we’ve represented workers injured due to negligence—and we’re ready to fight for you.
What Constitutes a Workplace Accident
A workplace accident occurs when an employee sustains an injury while performing job duties. These incidents range from sudden traumatic events to gradual occupational injuries. Understanding the difference between a workplace accident and a workers’ compensation claim protects your rights.
Workers’ compensation provides no-fault benefits regardless of who caused the accident. However, these benefits are typically limited. They may not cover all your losses. If a third party caused your workplace injury, you may pursue a personal injury claim against them. Third parties include equipment manufacturers, contractors, and property owners. This distinction matters significantly. Personal injury claims often recover substantially more compensation than workers’ compensation alone.
Washington’s pure comparative negligence law works in your favor. Unlike many states, Washington allows you to recover damages even if you bear partial responsibility. Your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault. You don’t lose your right to recovery just because you made a mistake. This principle is codified in Washington’s comparative negligence statutes and protects injured workers across the state.
Types of Workplace Injuries We Handle
Construction Site Injuries
Construction site injuries represent some of the most serious workplace accidents. Falls from heights, equipment malfunctions, wall collapses, and electrocution incidents cause devastating injuries. We recently secured a $2.1 million settlement for a client injured in a construction site wall collapse. This case demonstrates our commitment to holding negligent parties accountable. Construction accidents often involve multiple liable parties, including general contractors, subcontractors, and equipment manufacturers.
Other Workplace Injuries
Beyond construction, we handle occupational diseases and repetitive strain injuries. These develop over time. Machinery and equipment accidents cause severe trauma. Workers come into contact with moving parts or malfunctioning devices. Slip and fall accidents at work occur when employers fail to maintain safe premises. Electrical injuries and burns happen when equipment lacks proper safety features or maintenance.
Each injury type requires specific legal strategies. Our attorneys investigate thoroughly. We identify all liable parties. We pursue maximum compensation for your losses. Whether your injury involves traumatic brain injury, catastrophic injuries, or other serious conditions, we have the experience to handle your case.
Your Rights After a Workplace Accident
Right to Medical Treatment
You have fundamental rights after a workplace injury. First, you have the right to immediate medical treatment. Seek care without delay. Document everything your healthcare providers do and prescribe. Proper medical documentation is essential for your claim and your recovery.
Right to Lost Wage Compensation
You have the right to lost wage compensation. If your injury prevents you from working, you deserve payment for income you lose during recovery. You also deserve compensation for any reduced earning capacity from permanent disabilities. Our attorneys understand how to calculate lost wages in your case. We also help clients understand how personal injury settlements are paid out.
Right to Third-Party Claims
You have the right to pursue third-party claims beyond workers’ compensation. If someone other than your employer caused your injury, you can sue them directly. Equipment manufacturers, contractors, property owners, and other third parties may bear legal responsibility. Understanding your third-party claim rights is crucial to maximizing your recovery.
Washington’s Comparative Negligence Protection
Washington’s pure comparative negligence system protects you. You can recover damages even if you share some fault. Your compensation is reduced only by your percentage of responsibility—not eliminated entirely. Learn more about comparative fault in Washington. This principle applies across all personal injury cases, including workplace accidents.
Statute of Limitations
The statute of limitations for personal injury claims in Washington is three years from the date of your injury. This deadline is critical. Don’t wait to contact an attorney. The sooner you act, the better we can preserve evidence and witness testimony. For more information, see our guide on suing after an accident time limit. Understanding when you can expect to get your settlement helps you plan for your recovery.
Contingency Fee Basis
We work on a contingency fee basis. You pay nothing upfront. We only collect a fee if we recover compensation for you. This arrangement removes financial barriers to pursuing justice. Our commitment to contingency representation means your interests align with ours—we succeed only when you do.
How We Help Workplace Accident Victims
Free Initial Consultation
Our process begins with a free initial consultation. We listen to your story, ask detailed questions about your accident and explain your legal options without pressure or obligation. During this consultation, we assess your case and discuss the potential value of your claim.
Thorough Investigation
We conduct thorough investigations into accident circumstances. Our team gathers police reports, medical records, and witness statements. We take photographs, examine equipment, inspect work sites and consult with safety experts when necessary. Understanding what documents you need for your personal injury case helps our team build stronger claims. We also gather key witness questions at the scene of an accident to strengthen your case.
Identifying Liable Parties
We identify all liable parties to protect workers’ rights. Sometimes multiple defendants share responsibility. The equipment manufacturer, the contractor, the property owner, or your employer’s insurance carrier may all bear responsibility. We pursue claims against everyone who contributed to your injury. This comprehensive approach ensures you recover the maximum compensation available.
Aggressive Negotiation
We negotiate aggressively with insurance companies. Adjusters often undervalue claims or deny them entirely. Our attorneys counter their tactics with evidence and legal arguments. We make a credible threat of trial. Learn how to negotiate with insurance adjusters effectively. We also help clients understand what not to say to an insurance adjuster.
Trial Experience
If settlement negotiations fail, we take your case to trial. Our lead attorney, Shawn Briggs, has nearly 40 years of trial experience. The National Trial Lawyers Association recognizes him as a top trial lawyer. We don’t back down from courtroom battles. Understanding the steps in a personal injury lawsuit helps you prepare for litigation.
No Upfront Costs
Throughout this process, you pay nothing. No upfront costs. No hidden fees. We invest our resources in your case. We only succeed when you do. This risk-free approach allows you to pursue justice without financial burden.
Compensation You May Recover
Medical Expenses
Workplace injury compensation covers multiple categories of damages. Medical expenses include emergency care, surgery, hospitalization, physical therapy, medications, and ongoing treatment. We pursue compensation for both current medical bills and future medical care your injury requires. Your medical records are crucial to your personal injury claim. Proper documentation of all medical treatment significantly strengthens your case.
Lost Wages
Lost wages cover income you lose while recovering. If your injury causes permanent disability, we pursue compensation for reduced earning capacity throughout your working life. We work with vocational experts to calculate the full extent of your lost earning capacity. Understanding how to calculate lost wages ensures you receive fair compensation for all income losses.
Pain and Suffering
Pain and suffering compensation addresses the physical pain and emotional trauma your injury causes. This includes chronic pain, anxiety, depression, and loss of enjoyment of life. Understanding how pain and suffering is calculated in Lakewood, Washington helps you understand your potential recovery. We pursue aggressive pain and suffering damages on behalf of our clients.
Disfigurement and Emotional Distress
Disfigurement and scarring damages compensate for visible injuries. Emotional distress and PTSD damages address psychological injuries from traumatic accidents. Workplace injuries often cause lasting emotional trauma that deserves compensation. We pursue comprehensive damages for all aspects of your injury.
Property Damage
Property damage compensation covers personal belongings damaged in a workplace accident. We calculate all these damages comprehensively. We ensure you recover fully for every loss you’ve suffered.
Why Choose The Law Offices of Briggs & Briggs
Experience and Track Record
The Law Offices of Briggs & Briggs brings 70 years of combined attorney experience to your case. Founded in 1952, we’ve represented thousands of injured workers and their families. Our track record includes settlements and verdicts ranging from hundreds of thousands to millions of dollars. We’ve successfully handled cases involving construction accidents, premises liability, and catastrophic injuries.
Attorney Credentials
Our attorneys bring extensive experience. Shawn Briggs earned recognition as a Super Lawyer by Washington Law & Politics. He serves as a fellow of the National College of Advocacy. Marie Docter brings over 25 years of legal experience. She has over a decade of experience in maritime law and seamen’s injuries. This experience translates to understanding complex workplace injury cases. Both attorneys are committed to providing the benefits of hiring a personal injury lawyer.
Service Area and Commitment
We serve Lakewood and 12 surrounding communities throughout Pierce County and beyond. This broad service area reflects our deep roots in the region. We remain committed to injured workers across Washington. Whether you’re in Lakewood, Tacoma, Olympia, or other surrounding areas, we’re here to help.
Client Care and Accessibility
Our clients consistently praise our personal attention and accessibility. We keep you informed at every stage, answer your questions promptly and treat you with the compassion your situation deserves. Our paralegal team works tirelessly to support your case. We understand that mediation vs. arbitration decisions are important, and we guide you through each option.
Contact Our Lakewood Workplace Accident Lawyers Today
Don’t let a workplace injury derail your future. Call The Law Offices of Briggs & Briggs at (253) 588-6696 for a free consultation. Our attorneys will review your accident and explain your rights. We’ll discuss how we can help you recover the compensation you deserve. We’re available 24/7 to take your call. We work on a contingency fee basis. You pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you. Call or contact us online to schedule your free consultation today. Take the first step toward justice and recovery.
