Today, the Department of Labor and Industries (L&I) issued a news bulletin about hazards of wild fire smoke for workers. The stated purpose of the bulletin is to help employers keep workers safe. I think it is equally important for workers to know the hazards, so they can help keep themselves safe from a work […]
In recent news, the Department of Labor and Industries (L&I) reminded workers and employers of the dangers associated with sun and heat exposure. In the greater Tacoma and Seattle area, we are currently experiencing sunny days with highs reaching into the upper 80’s. Consequently, the Department is being proactive, trying to avoid L&I work injury claims […]
In Washington State, the work injury claim system is designed to reduce litigation and allow claims to move forward. If you are injured at work, you are supposed to receive sure and certain relief for your injuries. You cannot be accused of negligently causing your own injuries or diseases. Moreover, you cannot sue your employer. […]
Last week, the Department of Labor and Industries (L&I) announced two new coverage decisions. These changes will go into effect September 1, 2019. According to L&I, two medical treatments will no longer be covered under Washington State workers’ compensation claims. The treatments are peripheral nerve ablation for limb pain, and SI joint fusion for chronic […]
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is a common condition. It occurs when the nerves that run into the hand are impinged or squeezed when they travel through the wrist. Symptoms include pain, numbness, and tingling in the hands and arms. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome has become a controversial diagnosis in workers’ comp claims and L&I claims. The controversy […]
The Washington State Governor‘s annual Industrial Safety and Health Conference will take place between the 24th and 26th of September 2019. This year the conference is being held at the Tacoma Convention Center. The goal is to provide attendees with strategies and information to improve workplace health and safety. In part, this is achieved through […]
Last week L&I published self-insured rule changes that will take effect July 1, 2019 and will affect injured workers and workers’ compensation claims in Washington State. One of the most important changes relates to closing self-insured workers compensation claims. According to L&I, self-insurers are “empowered to close claims” consistent with RCW 51.32.055 and under WAC […]
Injured workers in Washington State must designate one attending medical provider on their claim. As I’ve explained previously, the attending provider plays a very important role in workers’ compensation claims. Therefore, I always encourage injured workers to select their attending provider (AP) carefully. Changing your attending physician in the middle of a claim For […]
Our office works closely with medical providers to ensure that L&I and Third Party Administrators receive the information needed to effectively administer claims. Sometimes providing effective assistance to medical offices requires a bit of balancing on our part. This is because we don’t want to interfere with medical treatment or with the patient-physician relationship. At […]
On June 4th, 2019, L&I announced it is beginning new rule making process to improve vocational services in workers’ compensation cases. According to L&I, this is because vocational services are critical for helping injured workers return to work. L&I believes that changes it has already made to vocational services have resulted in significant improvements. These […]