FAQ

Workers' compensation is designed to protect employees who are injured on the job. If you've sustained an injury, developed an occupational disease, or suffered a work-related illness, you're generally entitled to benefits. Some exceptions apply, so it's best to consult with our attorney about your specific situation.

In Washington state, attorney fees for workers' comp cases are contingent. This means your attorney gets paid a percentage of the benefits you recover only if you win your case.

Workers' comp benefits may include medical care for your injury, wage replacement for time off work, vocational rehabilitation if you can't return to your usual job, and other benefits, depending on the circumstances of your case.

If you’re unable to work due to your injury, you could receive wage-replacement benefits. The amount and duration of the payments depend on several factors, including your wage at the time of injury and whether your disability is temporary or permanent.

You can see any doctor in the L&I's network of approved providers. If you wish to see a provider outside this network, you must request special permission from L&I.

If your injury or illness prevents you from returning to work due to a total permanent disability, you may be eligible for a permanent total disability pension, which provides monthly payments. Survivor pensions may also apply in cases where spouses or dependents have suffered the death of their family member due to a workplace injury or illness.

If your claim is denied, you can appeal through the Board of Industrial Insurance Appeals (BIIA). It's advisable to speak with our Tacoma Attorney McCarthy to navigate this process and defend your rights.

A closed workers' compensation claim can be reopened under specific conditions. According to the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I), if your claim has been closed for more than seven years, you may apply for medical benefits. However, only the L&I Director may grant additional disability benefits.

If your medical condition has worsened and your claim has been closed for more than 60 days, you can use a specific form to apply for a claim reopening.

If you are seeking to reopen a claim within 60 days of L&I having closed the claim, you and your doctor can file a protest of L&I's decision to close the claim.

You can file a claim in Washington if you are a Washington worker who has suffered a work injury in another state. The L&I provides guidance on how to know if you are a Washington worker, which can depend on various circumstances.

Attorney Conor McCarthy can help in these situations by reviewing the specifics of your employment and your employer’s business locations.