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When an individual is injured at work or becomes ill due to their job, they may be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits under Washington State law. But not all work-related health issues are treated the same. In fact, one of the first and most important distinctions the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) […]

For many injured workers, receiving a notice of decision or order from the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) that their workers’ compensation claim is closed feels like the end of the road. Treatment has stopped, benefits have ended, and the claim appears to be over. But what happens if your work-related injury

If you have an open workers’ compensation or L&I claim in Washington State, there’s something important you need to understand: you may be under surveillance. The Department of Labor and Industries and self-insured employers regularly hire private investigators to follow injured workers, document their physical activity, and look for inconsistencies between what you report to

When an injured worker reaches a point of medical stability or the ability to return to gainful work in their claim, the most common questions are: Can I settle my workers’ compensation claim?  How much will I receive? In Washington State, the answer is “it depends.” Unlike many other states, Washington’s workers’ compensation system —

1. Claim Denial or Delays Hiring an attorney for an L&I claim can significantly improve your chances of a successful outcome, especially when challenges arise. If your claim is denied, an experienced attorney can file a protest with the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries or an appeal with the Board of Industrial Insurance

Understandably, injured workers often want to know the amount of benefits they may receive from their claims to determine whether they can manage their living expenses and plan ahead.  This blog aims to offer helpful guidance on this topic.  However, for a more accurate estimate tailored to your situation, we encourage you to schedule a

In the vast majority of L&I claims, receiving an award of total permanent disability, otherwise known as an L&I pension, is the most valuable benefit available under the Industrial Insurance Act (RCW Title 51) because it ensures monthly disability payments for the entirety of an injured worker’s life and, in certain instances, the life of

The Industrial Insurance Act, specifically, RCW 51.36.070, allows the Department of Labor and Industries, or a self-insured employer, if applicable, to schedule a medical examination with a physician of their choosing.  An injured worker does not have any choice of doctors who do the examination.   There are some protections for injured workers, however.  By law,

Is a Claim Resolution Settlement Right for You? Firstly, what is the meaning of CRSA? A CRSA is a legal agreement made between an injured worker and their employer, or the employer’s workers’ compensation insurer, to settle a workers’ compensation claim. There are several ways a workers’ compensation claim in Washington State may “settle,” one

What is Permanent Partial Disability? Permanent partial disability (PPD) is a monetary benefit sometimes considered the settlement of a workers’ compensation claim.  There are other ways a claim may “settle” with a sum of money, but the receipt of a PPD award is the most common. Once an industrial injury or occupational disease has reached