Construction Accident Attorney in Portland, Oregon
Construction is one of Oregon’s most dangerous industries. Workers’ compensation rarely makes an injured construction worker whole — it doesn’t pay for pain and suffering and often falls short on lost earnings. But a job-site injury frequently involves negligent parties other than your employer: a general contractor, a subcontractor, an equipment manufacturer, or a property owner. Those third-party claims can recover much more, and that’s where I come in.
Leading causes of construction injuries
- Falls from scaffolding, ladders, and roofs
- Being struck by falling objects or equipment
- Crane, forklift, and heavy-machinery accidents
- Electrocution and arc-flash injuries
- Trench and excavation collapses
- Defective tools and equipment
Workers’ comp vs. a third-party claim
In Oregon, workers’ compensation is usually the exclusive remedy against your direct employer (ORS 656.018), but it does not bar a separate claim against other negligent parties on the site. Oregon’s Employer Liability Law imposes heightened safety duties on those who control risk-producing work (ORS 654.305), and Oregon’s Safe Employment Act and OSHA standards set duties whose violation can support a claim (ORS 654.001). A defective machine or tool can also give rise to a product-liability claim (ORS 30.900). The general two-year deadline applies to third-party claims (ORS 12.110), while workers’ comp has its own, much shorter reporting rules.
Portland’s building boom
With constant high-rise, commercial, and residential construction across the Portland metro, multiple contractors and trades share most job sites — which is exactly the situation that creates third-party liability when safety rules are ignored.
Finding the claim beyond comp
Most injured workers are never told they may have a third-party case. I investigate the entire site, identify every responsible party, and pursue the full recovery workers’ comp can’t provide.
Frequently asked questions
I’m already getting workers’ comp — can I still sue?
Often yes. Comp generally bars claims against your employer, but not against other negligent parties on the job site. Those claims can recover far more.
Who else might be responsible?
General contractors, subcontractors, property owners, and equipment manufacturers, among others. I investigate the whole site to find every responsible party.
Will this affect my workers’ comp benefits?
A third-party case is separate from comp, though the two interact. I coordinate them so you protect your benefits while pursuing full compensation.
How is this different from a general workplace injury?
It overlaps. If you were hurt at work outside construction, see my workplace injury page — the third-party principle is the same.
There is no cost to find out where you stand. Find out what your case is worth or call (503) 379-9933.
What you can expect at my personal injury law firm
Personalized one-on-one Attention
Commitment to maximizing a claim
Proven trial advocacy & Results
Careful case preparation
Consistent updates on case progress
My goal is to maximize your compensation. This can include expenses for medical treatment, rehabilitation, pain and suffering, lost wages, and more. No matter how complex your injuries and claim, I am prepared to fight for you.
