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Work Injury in the Logging Industry in Western Washington
Logging has been an important industry for Washington State. It still drives the local economy in some counties. Where there is logging there is injury at work. According to the Washington State Timber Harvest Reports, Lewis County and Grays Harbor C…
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One Treatment Does Not Fit All: Chronic Pain and Opioids
If you follow workers’ compensation articles, then you know I often talk about opioids and opioid addiction among injured workers. I recently came across this article from July 2018. I wanted to share this article because it highlights key topi…
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Injured Workers Have 60 Days to Protest or Appeal L&I decisions
The number 60 is very important in Workers’ Compensation claims. When the Department of Labor and Industries (L&I) makes formal decisions regarding benefits, those decisions are issued as Orders. These orders are sometimes called “Ord…
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Donating to Families of Catastrophically Injured Workers
When a loved one is injured at work, there is obviously an emotional and financial impact on the family. If a worker suffers catastrophic or deadly injuries, there is an organization that is dedicated to providing some support and relief for families…
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Board of Industrial Insurance Appeals and Structured settlements
I frequently speak with clients and prospective clients about settlements. When people speak of settlements, it can mean a variety of things. Sometimes people have the impression that permanent partial disability (PPD) awards are settlements. Strictl…
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Employers Abusing the L&I Stay at Work Program
The Department of Labor and Industries (L&I) has an incentive program for employers called the “Stay at Work Program”. L&I describes it as a win-win for injured workers and employers. Under this program, employers can offer injured worker…
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Workers' Compensation Continued Legal Education (CLE) Presentation
Today I presented at the NBI Workers’ Compensation Continued Legal Education (CLE) seminar. My presentation was about preparing your case from investigation through appeal. Other presenters provided an overview of workers compensation and discussed…
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Breaking News: Washington State Supreme Court Upholds Injured Workers’ Right to Appeal Medical Coverage Decisions
This morning the Washington State Supreme Court issued a historic decision in Murray v. Dep’t of Labor and Industries (No. 95251-5) unanimously holding that HTCC coverage determinations are not binding on the Department of Labor and Industries unde…
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Workers' Compensation Claims are Like a Game of Chess
Under the Washington State workers’ compensation system, injured workers are entitled to certain statutorily benefits. These benefits depend on the facts and circumstances. Benefits typically include treatment, time-loss compensation or loss of ear…
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Insurance Company Acquires Medical Providers - The Impact on Injured Workers
It looks like our area is about to see some more big changes as UnitedHealth Group will be acquiring the Polyclinic. UnitedHealth Group is a for-profit managed health care company based in Minnesota. In short, it is an insurance company that is becom…
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