An injury can jeopardize your career and your ability to support yourself and your family. The Washington State Department of Labor & Industries administers the L&I benefits program, sometimes called workers’ compensation. Workers’ compensation provides benefits to injured workers for lost wages, medical treatment, and much more.
However, the L&I compensation process can be frustrating and complicated. There are strict deadlines and requirements for qualifying for the medical coverage, compensation, disability benefits, and other assistance you are entitled to. Our Seattle injury attorneys can help ensure you receive full access to all the benefits you deserve.
Additionally, you may have the right to file a claim against any other parties that contributed to your accident. Although you generally cannot sue your employer, many accidents on the job are caused by negligence or wrongdoing of a third party. Our Seattle L&I accident attorneys can investigate your accident to identify all possible causes and potentially liable parties to ensure you recover maximum compensation for your injuries. If someone other than your employer was at fault, we will help you recover the compensation they owe you and the workers’ compensation benefits you are owed.
At Seattle Injury Law, our experienced L&I accident attorneys will meet with you and help you understand your rights to the complete package of benefits you are entitled to through a workers’ compensation claim. We will also advise whether we believe you have a valid third-party claim that may be filed in addition to your workers’ compensation claim. If we take your case, we will fight tirelessly to recover every dollar you are owed.
Call (800) 928-5486 or visit our contact page and schedule a free consultation with one of our Seattle L&I accident attorneys.
The Benefits of Partnering With Seattle Injury Law
Navigating the L&I system can be overwhelming, especially while you’re trying to recover from a serious injury. Our team is here to guide you every step of the way and ensure you get the full support and compensation you deserve. When you work with us, you get:
- We have a proven record of recovering maximum client compensation. Our attorneys have recovered over $300 million in client settlements and verdicts.
- Our attorneys are happy to meet with you in your home, hospital room, or anywhere else that is convenient for you.
- We are regular people who help others get the compensation they are owed when they are injured on the job or by another party’s negligence or wrongdoing.
- We pay all costs of pursuing your claims, and you pay nothing until we recover your compensation.
What Workers Are Covered by L&I Insurance?
In Washington, nearly all workers are covered by workers’ compensation. Washington employers must provide L&I coverage to most workers, including part-time workers, temporary workers, workers paid in cash, and undocumented immigrants.
There are a few exceptions to workers’ compensation coverage. For example, some maritime, federal, and railroad workers may not be covered.
Washington is a no-fault state when it comes to workers’ compensation. This means you can file a claim and receive benefits regardless of who caused the accident, even if your employer was not at fault. The no-fault system is designed to provide timely support so injured workers can focus on recovery without worrying about proving fault.
What Should I Do After an Accident on the Job?
When injured on the job, it is crucial to act quickly and carefully to protect your health and your legal rights. Prompt reporting and documentation can make a significant difference in ensuring you receive the benefits you deserve. Take immediate action, including:
- Report your accident to your supervisor.
- Immediately get a medical evaluation from your healthcare provider.
- Complete a Report of Accident form, which can be obtained from your medical provider or your employer.
- Document and collect available evidence, including photos, witness accounts, and anything relevant to your injury.
- Contact an experienced Seattle L&I accident attorney to help understand and protect your rights.
It’s important to know you have the right to choose your own doctor for treatment, you are not required to see the company nurse or doctor, and you can refuse to have them accompany you to medical visits or the hospital.
What About Retaliation for Filing a Workers’ Compensation Claim?
Many workers delay or never file a workers’ compensation claim because they fear retaliation from their employer. Your employer cannot discriminate or retaliate against you because you filed a claim, for saying that you intend to file a claim, or for seeking workers’ compensation benefits.
If you experience discrimination or your employer is trying to discourage you from filing a workers’ compensation claim, an experienced Seattle L&I attorney can help you.
The Advantages of Hiring a Seattle L&I Accident Lawyer
An experienced Seattle L&I accident lawyer can investigate your accident to determine all causes and potentially liable parties to help ensure you recover maximum compensation for your damages.
They will know how to help you receive all the benefits you are entitled to through workers’ compensation. Your attorney can help you if the IME doctor is not listening to you, is hostile toward you, or miscategorizes your injury. They can help you receive the level of treatment you are entitled to.
They can help collect the evidence you need to support your claims and help correct errors in the workers’ compensation documents.
Your attorney can make the workers’ compensation and third-party claims much easier. They will handle all aspects of your claims so you can focus on your healing.
Your chances of recovering maximum compensation after being injured on the job are much greater if you have an experienced Seattle L&I lawyer by your side.
Contact Our Seattle L&I Accident Lawyers Today
The Seattle L&I accident lawyers at Seattle Injury Law can help you recover benefits you are entitled to from workers’ compensation and all compensation a liable third party may owe you.
To discuss your L&I accident claim, schedule a free consultation today. Call (800) 928-5486, or visit our contact page and complete the short form.