Best Workers Compensation Lawyers in Yakima, WA

FAQs

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Yakima, Washington?

  To reach the Yakima Police Department, call (509) 575-6200.

• Where can I get a copy of police report for incidents related to my case in Yakima, Washington?

  To obtain a police record, click the link below and then the Make Request button at the bottom.

  https://yakimawa.nextrequest.com/

  You can also call the Records Bureau at (509) 575-6220 for more information.

• Are there any exceptions to the workers' compensation in Yakima?

  Most employers in Yakima are required to carry workers' compensation coverage, even if they only have one employee, with the exception of:

  • Individuals who work for charitable or religious organizations in return for assistance
  • Domestic workers in private homes
  • Non-regular employees of businesses who are hired to perform personal errands or chores
  • Some musicians and entertainers
  • Children under 18 who are employed by parents for farm or agricultural work

• What should you do next if you were injured at work in Yakima?

  If you got injured at your Yakima workplace, you're going to want to take note of what happened and remember any witnesses. You want to see a doctor next to determine any injuries you sustained. Even if you feel like you can shrug off the accident, it would still be best to seek medical attention as some injuries manifest a few days later. Lastly, notify your supervisor and the HR department.

• What do worker's compensation benefits cover after you've been awarded these in Yakima?

  The financial assistance you receive in the form of workers' compensation benefits after a workplace injury in Yakima can cover costs that have arisen as a result of the accident. These include medical and hospital bills, rehabilitation, and medication. The aim of worker's compensation is to keep injured workers from suffering financial devastation because of their temporary (or total) inability to make a living.

• What are your options if you got injured at work in Yakima but by a negligent non-employee?

  If you were injured while performing a work-related task in Yakima but by somebody who's not a part of the company, then you have the right to pursue this "third party" for damages, on top of filing for workers' compensation benefits. Your best bet would be to hire an attorney who can help you build a case against both parties.

• Is it possible for your Yakima employer to offer your worker's compensation benefit that is not enough to cover all of your damages?

  Sadly, this is not just a possibility, but a high likelihood that it can happen. Insurance companies that work on behalf of your employer will resort to various dishonest but legal tactics to make sure that they only have to shell out the lowest possible amount. They will also delay your payment or just outright deny your claim. You can protect yourself from this by hiring a Yakima attorney who has handles cases similar to yours.

• What does a workers’ compensation attorney do?

  Workers’ compensation attorneys help injured employees recover monetary benefits following workplace accidents and illnesses. Attorneys in this practice area provide legal advice, gather evidence, review medical records, prepare petitions, and negotiate insurance settlements. They also represent clients’ interests during court cases and administrative hearings overseen by state workers’ compensation boards.

• What are the benefits of filing a workers’ compensation claim?

  Workers’ compensation insurance gives employees access to vital cash benefits in case of workplace injuries or illnesses. Filing a claim can help injured workers pay for medical care, physical therapy, and essential living expenses while they recover from a temporary or permanent disability. Workers’ compensation also pays for funeral and burial expenses following fatal workplace injuries.

• How long does a workers’ compensation claim stay open?

  Workers’ compensation claims typically remain open as long as the individual is receiving treatment or until the injured party reaches maximum medical improvement. This milestone varies for each person, and it can take years to determine whether a disability is temporary or permanent. Additionally, there’s a fixed time limit for filing a lawsuit. The statute of limitations can be anywhere from six months to two years from the date of the injury or the date of the last payment, depending on the worker’s state of residence. A qualified attorney can explain your state’s specific rules.

• What is the average payout for a workers’ compensation claim?

  Nationally, the average workers’ compensation claimant receives $21,800. Payouts range from $2,000 on the low end to upwards of $60,000 for well-compensated workers in high-income areas. The exact amount depends on the claimant’s average weekly paycheck, the extent of the injuries, and their state of residence. Individuals who accept an insurance settlement or initial offer typically receive less than those who negotiate or have an attorney represent them before an arbitrator or workers’ compensation judge.

• How are settlements calculated in workers’ compensation cases?

  Settlements typically cover current and future medical expenses, vocational rehabilitation or retraining, and two-thirds of lost wages. The total amount may vary depending on whether the worker’s disability is temporary or permanent. Workers’ compensation also pays death benefits, including funeral expenses and two-thirds of wages for up to 25 years or a state-specified maximum.

• What is workers comp?

  Workers' compensation is an insurance program that provides medical care, rehabilitation, and other benefits for employees who are injured or fall ill while performing assigned work duties. Common reasons for filing a workers' comp claim include slip and fall injuries, machinery accidents, or muscle strains while lifting heavy items.

  All businesses must carry some form of workers' compensation insurance, with minimum guidelines imposed by the state of residence. Workers' comp is intended to safeguard both the employee and the employer by providing a social safety net. This can protect companies from civil suits and guarantee that injured employees receive the benefits they need.

• What does workers comp cover?

  Workers' compensation insurance covers benefits associated with a wide range of accidents and illnesses that may occur in a place of work. This can include:

  • Medical benefits, such as payments for treatments, hospitalizations, or surgeries
  • Compensation for lost wages while not working
  • Coverage for ongoing care, such as physical therapy
  • Continued access to benefits, including insurance provided through an employer
  • Disability benefits, if an injury results in a permanent loss of functioning in some manner
  • Death benefits and funeral expense coverage

  How and when workers' compensation coverage applies depends on the illness or injury in question and the results of a medical exam. An unsatisfactory ruling by an insurer can be appealed with help from a workers' comp attorney.

  
  

• What does a workers comp defense attorney do?

  A workers' compensation defense attorney is a legal professional who represents the employer in a workers’ comp case. Typically, the defense attorney works to minimize the employer’s liability and reduce the amount of benefits to be paid out.

• When does workers comp start paying?

  How and when workers' comp starts paying can depend on both the circumstances and the state in which an injury took place. In most areas, benefits related to medical care start paying out immediately, even before a claim is formally processed or accepted. Once a case is approved, injured workers may be entitled to other benefits, including coverage for lost wages.

• How much is workers comp insurance for self-employed people?

  Workers' compensation isn't required for self-employed individuals, but those working in dangerous industries, such as construction or manufacturing, may choose to purchase policies. In some cases, employers may request this coverage when hiring a contractor. While costs will vary based on industry and location, most freelancers can expect to pay around $25 to $50 per month.

• How do I file a workers comp claim?

  A workers' comp claim is best filed as soon as an injury occurs. In some states, there are time limits, such as one month following an incident.

  After an injury, an employee must notify their employer. The employer must then provide access to the necessary forms and offer guidance. Employees must fill out all forms and return them to the employer who then files them with the insurer. Some states have additional requirements, including assessment by a medical provider. Once the paperwork has been filed, the insurance provider issues a ruling. If the ruling is unfavorable, the employee may choose to appeal the decision with the support of an attorney.