Washington Workers’ Compensation Lawyer

Getting injured at work can be a painful, even traumatic experience. Worse still, however, is not knowing how the ensuing medical bills will be paid. If you’ve suffered a workplace injury in Washington, you have a right to seek workers’ compensation benefits. Our lawyers can help.

At Jackman Law Firm, we can file your workers’ compensation claim, appeal a denial of workers’ comp benefits, or file a lawsuit to hold a third party responsible for your injuries. Our Washington workers’ compensation attorneys are here for you, and our phone lines are open 24 hours a day, so you can seek help or ask questions anytime, day or night.

Who Can Receive Workers’ Compensation Benefits?

According to the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries (L&I), nearly all employers must carry workers’ compensation insurance in case an employee suffers an accident on the job. There are a few qualifying factors for employees seeking workers’ compensation benefits:

• You must have been on the clock at the time of the accident.
• You must not have been under the influence of drugs or alcohol or engaging in horseplay.
• You must not have intentionally caused your accident injuries or medical conditions.

Additionally, if an employee dies of their workplace accident injuries, certain family members can seek death benefits. The process of applying for workers’ compensation benefits can be complex, but you don’t have to face it alone. You have the right to hire legal counsel when filing your claim or appealing a denial.

What do Workers’ Compensation Benefits Cover?

Workers’ compensation provides various benefits for injured workers. Our Washington workers’ compensation lawyers can assess your losses to see which benefits apply to you. In general, you may qualify for:

Medical Expenses

In the state of Washington, workers’ compensation benefits cover all necessary medical expenses for work-related injuries. They continue until you reach maximum medical recovery, as determined by your physician. Our legal team can compile your medical records and obtain your doctor’s prognosis to help you receive fair medical benefits.

A Percentage of Your Lost Income

While you are out of work recovering, workers’ compensation benefits cover a percentage of your income. Generally, you can receive 60-75% of your weekly pay, up to an annually determined maximum. If you can return to work but cannot perform the same duties, you can also seek benefits for the difference in your salary, up to a certain percentage and subject to a maximum.

You may qualify for:

• Temporary total disability
• Temporary partial disability
• Permanent partial disability
• Permanent total disability

Where you are in your recovery process and how it affects the rest of your career will determine which types of benefits you can receive. Your doctor will give you a disability rating based on how your injuries affect your functionality. It can easily get confusing, though. Our Washington State workers’ compensation attorneys can help you determine what you qualify for and help gather the evidence needed to prove it.

Death Benefits

If a workplace accident proves fatal, the surviving spouse and children have the chance to file a workers’ compensation claim for death benefits. These cover the funeral and burial or cremation, up to a maximum. They also give a surviving spouse or children a monthly pension, based on a percentage of the deceased employee’s income.

Vocational Rehabilitation

Workers’ compensation benefits also cover vocational rehabilitation to help you get back to work or find employment in a new industry.

Washington Workers CompensationLawyer Near Me 206-558-5555

How do I Apply for Workers’ Compensation?

The first thing to do after a workplace injury is notify your employer so they can document it. This will be important evidence when you file your workers’ compensation claim. You have one year to file the claim for a workplace accident or two years from the time you discover that an illness is work-related (this is known as the discovery rule).

This doesn’t leave you much time to get your affairs in order. The sooner you start, the better, especially if you need to take time off work due to your injuries. Once you file a claim, your employer’s insurance company will want you to see an authorized physician to get a disability rating.

If you disagree with the assessment this doctor makes, you can request an independent medical exam (IME) with another medical provider. Our Washington workers’ compensation team can help you with this process, and all the other paperwork you need for your claim.

How Can a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer Help?

Hiring a workers’ compensation lawyer can give you more time to rest and recover while also seeking benefits. Our legal team can help you by handling all the tasks involved with making a claim or appealing a denial.

For example, we can:

• Gather evidence of your job injuries and losses, including your medical records and wage statements
• Negotiate with an insurer for fair benefits
• Submit documents promptly
• Compile supplemental evidence from your doctor if you receive a denial of benefits
• File an appeal

Additionally, as your attorneys, we can seek compensation for your injuries and losses if a third party is liable for your work-related accident. For example, in a construction accident, a subcontractor, third-party driver, or manufacturer may have caused or contributed to your injuries. If so, we can gather evidence of their negligence and file an insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit. This may result in a settlement or court-awarded offer, including additional damages, such as pain and suffering.

Let Jackman Law Firm Help With Your Workers’ Compensation Claim or Appeal

If you’ve been injured in a work-related accident or developed an illness on the job, you have the right to seek workers’ compensation. At Jackman Law Firm, we’re proud to serve the hard-working people of Washington State and are dedicated to the success of our clients.

Our Washington workers’ compensation attorneys are ready to get to work for you. We can handle your case from start to finish, guiding you through the claim process. Call or contact us online for a free initial consultation.