When pondering workers’ compensation issues, one tends to think of the kinds of jobs that most lend themselves to on-the-job injury, including construction and highway maintenance. A chat with Colin Rockey Hackett, however, a Beaumont-Wilshire resident and attorney who specializes in workers’ compensation law, provides insight into the reality that workplace accidents are not uncommon in the professional business arena. “For example,” says Hackett, “social workers and medical staff may have a valid workers’ compensation claim if they are exposed to HIV.”
In Hackett’s world, a diverse population from all walks of life seeks his assistance when a workplace injury occurs and compensation is not provided to the employee’s satisfaction; anyone with a job is a potential client. Hackett finds his role in finding justice for them rewarding in many ways. “I meet people from all over the world, and they need help. I feel I’m performing a service for society by getting fair compensation for my clients when they’ve sustained an injury while on the job.”
Hackett’s words don’t ring hollow; his passion for his work and care for the people he assists is evident. For example, as an added benefit for his Spanish-speaking clients, Hackett is fluent in that language, too, borne of many years of Spanish language classes and nearly two years living and working in Mexico.
“Spanish was I felt, a practical language to learn,” Hackett says, adding that while not highly practical, learning French is on his list, too.
Hackett grew up in Southwest Portland and earned both his undergraduate and law degrees from University of Oregon. After working in family law then workers’ compensation law for several years, he struck out on his own specializing in workers’ compensation law in 2009. He hangs his shingle at an office on NE Broadway, from where he provides his services to Portland-area clients as well as serving people in Eastern Oregon in the cities of Pendleton, Hermiston, Boardman, and Umatilla, and on the Oregon coast in Tillamook and Astoria. His practice includes litigation services.
Like many Portlander’s, Hackett often rides his bike to work from his home near NE 39th and Skidmore. And like many Oregonians, he enjoys other outdoor pursuits, including stream fishing. He rounds out the rest of his free time by playing in a men’s basketball league and participates in the Oregon State Bar Association.
Hackett purchased his Beaumont-Wilshire home in 2010 on a whim when a realtor friend let him know the house was for sale, and it’s worked out well for him.
“Beaumont-Wilshire is a fantastic neighborhood – one of the best in Portland. It’s been a great thing for me to buy a house here.”
Find Colin Rockey Hackett Law, an advertiser and supporter of this newsletter, at 2100 NE Broadway, Suite 309. Visit crhackettlaw.com, or contact Hackett by calling 503-764-9746 or email crhackett@crhackettlaw.com.