Third-Party Liability in Issaquah Construction Site Injury Cases

Construction sites in King County are among the most dangerous places to work in Washington State. When on-the-job injuries happen, construction workers often assume workers’ compensation is the only option.

However, in many cases, a third party, not the employer, is responsible for the accident. Our experienced Issaquah construction accident attorney explains common situations where third parties may be liable and how filing this type of claim can help in getting the maximum amount needed to cover your losses.

When Third Parties Are Responsible for Issaquah Construction Site Injuries

The construction consistently has some of the highest rates of workplace accidents in the state. Workers’ compensation helps cover medical costs and up to two-thirds of lost wages for injured construction workers, with additional payment for any long-term impairments.

While these benefits can help you recover from your injuries, they may still leave you with significant out-of-pocket costs. In some cases, if someone other than your direct employer contributed to your accident, you may have grounds for a separate liability claim. Third parties who may be held liable in Issaquah construction site cases include:

• Equipment manufacturers whose defective tools, machinery, or safety gear contributed to the accident.
• Subcontractors who created unsafe conditions or failed to follow OSHA safety standards on a shared job site.
• Property or construction site owners who failed to maintain a safe worksite or concealed known hazards.
• Engineers or architects whose faulty designs led to structural failures or dangerous working conditions.
• Suppliers who delivered defective or mislabeled materials that caused injury.

These claims exist independently of any workers’ compensation benefits you receive, meaning you can pursue both at the same time.

Additional Compensation Available in a Third-Party Construction Liability Claim in Washington State

Workers’ compensation in Washington State provides important benefits, but it does not compensate you for pain and suffering, emotional distress, or the total cost of lost earnings.  Under the Washington Revised Code, filing a third-party liability claim can provide additional compensation.

According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), struck-by incidents, caught-in/between accidents, and falls are common construction accidents that may involve third-party negligence. Compensation available through an Issaquah third-party construction claim may include:

• The total cost of not just current but future medical treatment.
• The total amount of current and projected future lost wages and benefits.
• Payment for permanent disability or disfigurement.
• Additional amounts for your physical pain, emotional suffering, and loss of enjoyment of life.

When a construction accident proves fatal, the victim’s surviving family may also pursue a wrongful death claim against responsible third parties under Washington law.

Schedule a Consultation With Our Experienced Issaquah Construction Accident Lawyer

A third-party liability claim can help you get the total amount you need to recover when on-the-job injuries happen on Issaquah construction sites. At Injury Law Group NW, we provide the trusted legal guidance you need throughout the claims process and help you get the maximum compensation you deserve.

To avoid out-of-pocket costs, call or contact our office online. Request a consultation today with our experienced Issaquah construction accident lawyer.

Sources:

lni.wa.gov/forms-publications/f101-002-000.pdf

osha.gov/construction

app.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?cite=4.20.010