Portland Logging Industry Accidents Lawyer
The timber industry has long been a critical component of Oregon’s economy. Unfortunately, logging is also one of the most dangerous industries for workers. According to one estimate from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the death rate in logging is over 21 times higher than the overall fatality rate in the United States.
But even a non-fatal logging accident can leave a worker permanently injured and unable to work. So if you are a logging worker who has been hurt, it is essential that you understand and assert your legal right to compensation. Our qualified Portland logging industry accident lawyers can help. At Rosenbaum Law, PC, we represent injured logging workers in pursuing workers’ compensation and personal injury claims against negligent employers and other parties whose recklessness led to an accident.
Know Your Rights Following a Logging Accident=
If you have spent any time in the logging industry, you understand there are certain inherent risks to the occupation. Loggers use chainsaws and heavy machinery to clear trees. A number of things can go wrong in this process. Some of the more common injuries arising from logging industry accidents include:
- falling trees;
- other falling objects;
- defective machinery;
- trip and falls from significant heights;
- becoming pinned or crushed under an object; and
- crashes involving logging trucks, bulldozers, and other vehicles used on the job site.
Oregon requires most employers to carry workers’ compensation insurance. This provides certain “no fault” benefits in the event of an accident. So if you are injured in a logging accident, your employer is responsible for paying:
- all of your medical expenses related to the accident;
- a portion of your lost wages due to time missed from work while you recover from your injuries;
- certain ongoing expenses, such as physical therapy; and
- disability benefits if you sustain a temporary or permanent disability as a result of the accident.
In some cases, it may also be possible to seek compensation against indirect employers or third parties outside of workers’ compensation. For example, if you are struck by a vehicle on a worksite that does not belong to your employer, you can file a personal injury lawsuit against the negligent driver and their employer. Similarly, if a company other than your employer is responsible for the part of the logging operation that harmed you, you can pursue a personal injury claim against them. And if for some reason your employer failed to carry workers’ compensation insurance, you could sue it directly under Oregon’s Employer Liability Law.
Contact Rosenbaum Law Group Today
If you are injured in a logging accident, you need to notify your employer as soon as possible to preserve your rights under Oregon workers’ compensation law. You should also speak with an experienced Portland logging industry accidents lawyer. An attorney can pursue a workers’ compensation claim on your behalf and appeal a denial or partial denial of your claim if necessary. A lawyer can also investigate the possibility of third-party liability for your injuries.
Rosenbaum Law Group, PC, takes pride in serving the workers in Oregon’s timber industry. So if you need to speak with someone about your case, contact us today to schedule a free initial consultation.
