Best Workers Compensation Attorneys in Auburn

FAQs

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

  For non-emergency situations, you may call the police at 253-288-2121.

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

  You may get the incident report by calling 253-931-3039 or visiting www.auburnwa.gov/RecordsRequest.

• What benefits does a workers’ compensation insurance in Auburn provide?

  Auburn’s workers’ compensation system offers the following benefits:

  • Coverage for medical treatment and rehabilitation
  • Replacement of lost income
  • Reimbursement of personal property lost or damaged from the accident
  • Reimbursement of travel costs to and from medical appointments and procedures
  • Vocational training for new job skills if the injury or illness prevents the employee from returning to their old job
  • Pension benefits for permanently disabled workers
  • Death benefits and pension payments to families and dependents of deceased workers

• What should an employee do when filing a workers’ compensation claim in Auburn?

  Employees should do the following when filing an Auburn workers’ compensation claim:

  • Notify the employer as soon as possible
  • See a physician or medical provider
  • File the paperwork to the Washington Department of Labor and Industries or with the employer directly
  • Respond to requests for information and requests for a medical exam
  • File a protest if the L&I denies the claim or appeal directly to the Board of Industrial Insurance Appeals

  In order to help you navigate these processes, it's best to ask for help from a workers compensation attorney.

• How much workers’ compensation can an employee get for a permanent partial disability in Auburn?

  Auburn workers’ compensation settlement amounts for permanent partial disability are based on injury severity and type, and are measured using a category rating. The payout depends on:

  • Severity of injury as determined by an independently conducted medical examination
  • Time of injury, since the state L&I annually updates payouts based on the current cost of living
  • Whether employees are proactive in pursuing their claim and ensuring that their claim contains the right information

• When can Auburn employees with workers’ compensation claims file for employment law claims?

  Employment law claims can be filed by Auburn employees with workers’ compensation claims when they find out that their employer initiated, or intends to initiate, adverse action due to the L & I claim they filed or their inability to work. In these instances, workers can file a lawsuit against their employer for various reasons, such as retaliation, disability discrimination, unpaid wages, or wrongful termination.

• How much can disabled employees in Auburn with workers’ compensation benefits get?

  Auburn employees with workers’ compensation get temporary total disability benefits amounting to 60 to 75% their monthly wages, depending on number of dependents and the state’s average weekly wage. Temporary partial disability benefits are 80% pre-injury income minus post-injury income. Totally and permanently disabled workers get a pension based on pre-injury wages, state average wages, number of dependents, marital status, and healthcare and Social Security benefits. A monthly pension amounting to 120% of the state’s average wage is also possible.

• 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.