One of the difficulties in workers’ compensation claims is the paperwork requirements. Everyone involved in workers’ compensation claims have significant paperwork demands. Attending physicians, treating providers, counselors, therapists, employers and injured workers. Sometimes paperwork is confusing. Sometimes it feels unnecessary. And sometimes it is incredibly burdensome. As a result paperwork frequently isn’t done right. It […]
Did you know that there is a trend across the United States to deny workers’ compensation claims of first responders for mental heath conditions? This includes PTSD resulting from situations they encounter when responding to events while in the line of duty. Did you know there is a trending increase in suicide rates among […]
It was my pleasure speaking at the WILG Annual Convention today. My talk was focused on ethical considerations when representing injured workers who are or may be addicted to opioid pain medication. A big thank you to the conference attendees who openly participated. Many folks in the audience helped foster a productive conversation about […]
Did you know that many injured workers have difficulties obtaining an “attending physician” for their claims? The role of attending physician (AP) is incredibly important. The AP certifies entitlement to benefits and makes treatment recommendations. APs also make appropriate referrals and their opinion is given special consideration. While injured workers may choose their […]
I am a workers’ compensation attorney representing injured workers in Washington State. As such, the use of opioids among injured workers, and at large, is on my mind. Not just because I’ll be speaking on the topic in a few days but also because the issue arises so frequently. Today I had meetings with […]
I’m going to be speaking about ethical considerations when representing opioid addicted clients at a conference next week. Ironically I’m in the midst of dealing with a significant opioid addiction issue in a current case. While I think that the Department of Labor and Industries has a logical stance and good medical treatment guidelines […]
Today a spent a good amount of time on the phone with a treating medical provider trying to explain why I sent him a questionnaire asking whether an injured worker had reached maximum medical improvement. Whether a provider thinks his patient needs further treatment is a pretty basic opinion. However, the provider was clearly rattled by […]
Did you know that Washington State has a crime victim compensation program? Moreover, did you know that most experienced workers’ compensation attorneys can assist with crime victim claims? Individuals who suffer bodily or emotional harm as a result of being the victim of a gross misdemeanor or felony can file a claim. If the claim […]