Washington State’s workers’ compensation system was founded in 1911 with the sole purpose of delivering “sure and certain relief to injured workers by reducing to a minimum their suffering and economic loss.” The system was designed to provide no-fault industrial insurance coverage for most employers and workers in Washington State either through the State Fund or self-insurance for companies with at least $25 million in assets. Washington State’s workers’ compensation law is codified in the Revised Code of Washington (R.C.W.) Title 51.
Washington State’s workers’ compensation insurance provides medical, hospital and related services for employees who either are injured on the job or who develop an occupational disease because of their work. Those temporarily unable to work because of a work-related injury or illness may qualify for partial wage compensation. Other benefits injured workers may be entitled to include: vocational rehabilitation services; permanent partial disability awards and / or pension benefits for those permanently unable to return to the workforce.
Despite the original purpose of our State’s workers’ compensation system, many injured workers will not receive sure and certain relief without the assistance of an attorney. Workers’ compensation claims can be complex and difficult to navigate, it must be remembered that workers’ compensation is industrial insurance. Our firm is dedicated to making sure that your rights under the law are protected and that you receive the benefits you are so entitled. An improperly handled workers’ compensation claim may affect a lifetime of benefits.
When do you need an attorney? If you haven’t filed a claim, or if your claim seems to be proceeding smoothly, you most likely will not need the assistance of an attorney, but since each case is different, our initial consultation is free. While you may know others who have navigated through a workers’ compensation claim, there are so many factors affecting each individual claim that no two claims are alike. We will examine your case and let you know if you need the assistance of an attorney.
As Eagle members of the Washington State Association for Justice, we are up-to-date on the ever changing workers’ compensation system. We pride ourselves on our client relationships and our ability to advocate and help those individuals who have nowhere else to turn. With the ever shifting political landscape it is often difficult for an injured worker to make an informed decision on how to proceed with their claim. The wrong choice can cost future benefits. Go with experience. Contact us today for a free consultation.
Things to Bring to Your Consultation
- Bring all correspondence/orders from the Department of Labor and Industries with the envelopes if you have them.
- Name, address and phone number of all treating physicians
- Any medical records in your possession
- List of medications and the dosage
- Any excuses from work
- Employer name, address and phone number
- Supervisor name
- Pay stubs from the time you were injured
- Names, addresses and phone numbers of contacts who were witnesses of the accident/injury
- If you were provided with Health care, any correspondence regarding coverage or end date of coverage.