Workers’ Compensation Lawyer in Tacoma
Fighting for Injured Workers in Pierce County, Kitsap County, Thurston County & King County, WA
Work injuries can have long-term impacts on your health and your ability to earn a living. If you have been hurt at work, government rules and bureaucracy can complicate your ability to receive medical care and get back to work. At McCarthy Law Offices, PLLC, we can help you navigate your claim, fight for your rights, and work to bring you all the benefits you deserve.
Our Tacoma attorney has experience in workers’ compensation law, claims, and lawsuits. Conor McCarthy brings a rare level of personalized attention and support to clients. He believes in building personal relationships with clients that extend beyond the transactional, treating you with the respect, care, and sensitivity you and your family deserve when facing temporary or permanently disabling work injuries.
Discuss your needs with our Tacoma attorney for workers’ compensation by contacting us online or calling (844) 224-5029 for a free initial consultation.
Workers’ Compensation in Washington State
Workers' compensation in Washington State is a safety net for employees who sustain work-related injuries or occupational diseases. Managed by the Department of Labor & Industries (L&I), the system guarantees certain benefits to injured workers, relieving employers from potential litigation.
The Claims Process
The process begins when an injury or illness occurs at the workplace. You must promptly report the incident to your employer and seek immediate medical care if needed. Medical providers must then complete an Accident Report, the official claim for workers' compensation benefits. Keep good records of your injury, including witnesses' names and contact information.
Once you notify your employer about your injury, they must file a report with the Department of Labor and Industries (L&I).
After filing a claim, it undergoes review by an L&I claims manager or by a representative of a self-insured employer. They evaluate the claim based on the information you, your employer, and the attending medical professional provide.
Upon approval of the claim, you may be eligible for various benefits. Medical benefits cover all necessary treatments and therapies for work-related injury or disease, including hospitalization, prescriptions, and physical therapy.
Temporary Partial Disability Benefits
This benefit is typically provided when an injured worker can return to work at less than their pre-injury wage due to their disability. The benefits aim to compensate for the loss of income associated with the partial disability during the temporary period until the worker fully recovers or reaches a state of maximum medical improvement.
Wage replacement is generally 60 to 75 percent of what you earned before your injury, known as “time-loss” compensation.
In cases where you suffer a disability that inhibits you from returning to your previous job but doesn't stop you from working entirely, you may qualify for vocational training. This program helps you develop new skills suitable for another line of work.
Permanent Partial Disability (Benefits (PPD)
These benefits are awarded to workers who have completed treatment but still have some level of permanent impairment caused by the job injury. The worker is still able to work but may not be capable of performing the same tasks as before the injury. The PPD award is given before the Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) closes the claim.
Total Disability Benefits
These are typically split into two categories: Temporary Total Disability (TTD) and Permanent Total Disability (PTD). TTD benefits are given when the worker cannot work for a certain period due to injury. These payments continue until the worker is released by their medical provider.
On the other hand, L&I disability pensions are available for workers who have been totally and permanently disabled. These monthly lifetime payments are equivalent to the partial wage replacement received under a workers’ comp claim.
Claim Resolution Settlement Agreements
Employees may opt for a Claim Resolution Settlement Agreement in certain situations, allowing for a lump-sum settlement rather than ongoing benefits.
Other Benefits
Workers' compensation also provides travel reimbursements for necessary medical appointments and property reimbursements for damage or loss during a workplace accident. In tragic cases where a work-related injury or disease results in death, the worker's dependents may be entitled to death benefits.
Client Testimonials
We Treat Our Clients Like People, Not Numbers
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“I get the impression my situation was not just a legal issue to be dealt with but that he really cared that things turned out for the best.”- Jeff W.
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“I would highly recommend this firm for wills and estate documents.”- B Hayes
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“His service, follow-up and approach are second to none.”- Charles J.
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“Conor was knowledgeable, friendly and prompt. He answered all our questions and explained things thoroughly to make sure we understood.- Jay B.
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“I had Conor help with our business operating agreement and then my personal will for my wife and myself. He was very responsive, informative and pleasant to work with. He made our experience easy and quick. I would recommend him to my friends and family.“Conor McCarthy is an exceptional attorney! Among his many great talents, he will break down complex scenarios to their core issues promptly, avoiding bloated billing. Having worked with numerous attorneys over the years, it is refreshing to find one who wi”- Diogenes X.- Corky G.
I hired Attorney Conor McCarthy in 2016. I had sustained a serious work injury and was having problems communicating and understanding the process with the Washington State Labor and Industries.
Conor McCarthy was a godsend, he completely took control, worked successfully with L&I and ultimately brought my case to the best conclusion for my injury and case. Without hesitation, I highly recommend Attorney Conor McCarthy.
Conor McCarthy has been my attorney for years. He is honest, trustworthy, knowledgeable and gets the job done efficiently and effectively. He has handled a variety of issues for my mother and me and we have been more than satisfied with the results. He is easy to talk to. He listens and hears what you are telling him. We have the utmost faith in him and have recommended him to friends and family.- Linda O.