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L&I Discontinuing Authorization for Some Work Injury Treatments
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 worke…
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Carpal Tunnel Syndrome in Workers' Compensation Claims
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 ha…
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Washington State Work Safety and Workplace Health Conference
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…
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L&I Empowers Self-Insurers to Close More Workers Compensation Claims in Washington State
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 wor…
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How to Change a Doctor in the Middle of an L&I Claim in Washington State
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…
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L&I Provides Free Workshops to Help Medical Providers in Washington State
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 balan…
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L&I Improves Vocational and Rehabilitation Services: New Rules
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 retur…
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IME Panels Not Available in Washington State Olympic Peninsula
I represent a significant number of injured workers residing on the Washington State Olympic Peninsula. Over time, I noticed a troubling trend involving non-cooperation and the IME process. The law regarding IMEs is quite clear under RCW 51.32.110. T…
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Date of Manifestation in Occupational Disease Claims in Washington State
There are differences between occupational disease and industrial injury claims. However, the benefits available to injured workers under each of the two types of claims are the same. In addition, the rules for administering the claims are very simil…
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L&I Sends $503,200 Fine to Dollar Tree in Washington State
When we think of jobsites that pose high risk for industrial injuries, we think of jobsites that involve heavy equipment, complex machinery and power tools. Other examples of high risk environments include hazards such as heights or high voltage. How…
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