HILLSBORO WORKPLACE ACCIDENT LAWYER

We Handle Worksite
& Industrial Accident Claims in
Hillsboro and Throughout Oregon

Workplace accidents happen in every occupation and they affect people of all ages. Although some work environments are inherently more dangerous than others, an accident that happens on the job can occur just as easily in an office building as it can in a warehouse or on a construction site. Regardless of the type of work you were involved in when you became hurt, injured workers have legal options. We are a legal team that is highly experienced in giving legal guidance for all types of personal injuries.

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Hillsboro Workplace Accident – A Wrongful Death

In the city of Hillsboro, Oregon, a bright-eyed first-year optometry student from Minnesota was embarking on a new chapter of his life – little did he know that a cruel twist of fate would intervene. This is the story of our client: a young, adventurous spirit, full of aspirations and dreams, whose life was tragically cut short.

Eager to gain hands-on experience and explore the world beyond textbooks, our client found a temporary job in construction. Our client was assigned his first duty of the day: removing ceiling bolts on the property. He found himself in unchartered territory when given a moving ladder – a misguided decision made by a supervisor who, in a flawed bid to enhance efficiency, selected the wrong tool for the job and set it up improperly. As he attempted to begin removing the bolts, our client lost his footing from the top rung of the ladder. His fall was a cruel dance with gravity – resulting in a catastrophic head injury. The protective helmet he wore was unable to shield him from the devastating blow, and despite being rushed to the hospital his condition was critical, and our once vibrant and inspired young client was pronounced dead.

Upon hearing the devastating news of their beloved son, his grief-stricken parents were determined to find answers and seek accountability for this tragic loss.  Their search for answers and legal representation led them to the Johnston Law Firm, where they found compassionate advocates dedicated to fighting for the rights of those who have suffered a wrongful death in a workplace injury. Recognizing the immense weight of their loss and the impact it had on their lives, firm owner Marc Johnston took it upon himself to ensure the grieving parents knew they were not alone. He provided a ray of light in their darkest hour as he stood by their side as both a legal advocate and compassionate friend.

With great care, Marc Johnston navigated the complexities of the case and made it his personal mission to hold the responsible companies liable for this horrific workplace accident. The indifference and irresponsibility of the companies involved was glaring: from the unauthorized use of a moving ladder, to improperly setting it up, to the blatant disregard for proper safety training, Mr. Johnston fought to highlight the corporate negligence at every turn. This case is a stern reminder of the importance of workplace safety, adequate training, and the tragic consequences that will follow when these key aspects of construction and workplace safety are overlooked.

As your trusted personal injury and wrongful death law firm, we stand ready to defend the rights of workers and their families, ensuring that they get the justice and compensation they deserve. We are committed to keeping our clients informed about the importance of workplace safety and helping to prevent future accidents from happening. 

Common
Workplace Injuries

Our workers compensation attorney has seen many different injuries throughout his time as a lawyer, but there are some specific injuries that we see most often. If you have suffered any of these types of injuries it is important to seek medical assistance first for documentation of the injury and medical costs. Here are those frequent injuries:

• Soft tissue injuries: According to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons (AAOS), soft tissue injuries are typically caused by a traumatic and sudden event, such as pulling or lifting heavy objects. When ligaments stretch and tear, it can result in a sprain, while stretched and torn tendons and muscles can cause a strain. It can take accident victims months, and sometimes even years, to fully recover from a soft tissue injury and the chances of re-injury are high.
• Repetitive motion injuries:  Carpal tunnel syndrome, bursitis, and tendonitis are just a few of the most common repetitive motion workplace injuries. Repetitive motion injuries are typically caused by overuse of a joint or tendon when someone performs the same task repeatedly. Ticketing merchandise, typing, and repeatedly bending and stretching groups of muscles are some tasks that can cause this type of injury. Inflammatory medications, steroid injections, splints, and rest and non-use of the affected area are the most common forms of treatment.
• Knee injuries: Knee injuries are common because this area of the body is made up of complex joints. Ligament and tendon tears, also known as ACL and PCL injuries, dislocations, sprains, and fractures are all very common workplace knee injuries. The knee is a very important part of the body and when it is injured, it can greatly limit a person’s mobility and even result in a permanent disability. Medications, splints, and surgery are often the most recommended forms of treatment.

• Broken bones: Broken bones seem like relatively easy injuries to fix, but they can be some of the most complicated. When there is a stable fracture, or a partial break, a cast and a prolonged period of rest is the most recommended type of treatment. When a broken bone is more complex, such as when bones are shattered or otherwise do not easily fit together, metal plates and pins are often needed to repair the damage.
• Back and neck injuries: Fractured vertebrae, ruptured and slipped discs, and pulled muscles are some of the most common injuries to the back and neck. Neck and back injuries are typically caused by poor workplace ergonomics, improper bending, lifting, or stretching, and improper bending are just a few common causes of back and neck injuries.
• Head and brain injuries: Injuries involving the head and brain are a leading cause of disability and death in the United States, and many of these occur while a person is on the job. Blows, bumps, and jolts to the head can all result in a head and brain injury and these are often caused by falls, falling overhead fixtures or debris, or by being struck by objects.
• Spinal cord injuries: The spinal cord runs down the center of the back and is composed of nerves that carry messages from the brain to the other parts of the body. Even the smallest of injuries to any part of the spinal cord or column can result in permanent disabilities. When a spinal cord injury is severe, it can result in complete or partial paralysis.

No matter the work related accident, give us a call for a free consultation on how we will help you receive fair compensation for lost wages, medical treatment, and more!

Workers’ Compensation
vs. Personal Injury Claims

Many employees know that when they are injured at work, they can often file a workers’ compensation claim. Through a successful workers’ compensation claim, using our type of legal services, employees can recover all of their reasonable medical expenses, as well as a portion of their lost income. 

The majority of employers in Hillsboro, and throughout Oregon, are required to carry workers’ compensation from an insurance provider in the event that an employee becomes injured at work. As in all states, workers’ compensation in Oregon is a no-fault system. This means that even if an employee caused or contributed to the accident that caused them injury, they can still obtain workers’ compensation benefits from the insurance company. To be eligible for workers’ compensation, employees must have been injured while performing the duties of their employment.

There are instances when filing a personal injury claim is also an option after sustaining a workplace injury. A personal injury claim is appropriate when a third party not related to the employer caused an accident. For example, a construction worker may become injured when using heavy machinery that was defective. In this instance, the employee may be able to file a workers’ compensation claim, as well as a personal injury claim.

Personal injury claims do have some benefits over workers’ compensation claims. Through a personal injury claim, injured employees can recover all of their medical expenses, as well as 100 percent of the lost income they incurred if they could not return to work. A claim can also allow injured individuals to recover non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering. Workers’ compensation benefits can be impacted by a personal injury settlement. A Hillsboro work related accident lawyer can advise injured employees on their legal options, and which route is best.

Don’t miss out on these common personal injury mistakes.

Get the legal counsel you need to guide you through the process of filing an injury claim.