Best Workers Compensation Attorneys in Spokane

FAQs

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

  509.242.TIPS (8477) is the non-emergency contact number of the Spokane Police Department.

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

  Please use the City of Spokane's online Public Records portal at https://publicrecords-spokanewa.govqa.us/WEBAPP/_rs/(S(aafpmn2diizj40kvcgdauegf))/supporthome.aspx?sSessionID=6316127103QQQZXWOCSRIHQWCYDFAGJYAELWUTLL to obtain public records and police records. Requests for records can also be addressed by email to clerks@spokanecity.org or by regular mail to the City Clerk Office, 808 W. Spokane Falls Blvd., Spokane, WA 99201-3342.

• Is it possible to sue your employer in Spokane if you are injured at work?

  If you are injured at work in Spokane, you cannot file a lawsuit against your employer or a coworker. This law, however, does not apply if your employer intentionally injures you while you are at work. According to case law, the employer must have actual, specific knowledge that the injury would occur and must willfully disregard that knowledge.

• How do you file an Labor & Industries claim in Spokane if you were injured at work?

  The following are the steps for filing an L&I claim in Spokane: -Inform your employer as soon as possible. -If you need medical attention, go to the emergency room or an urgent care center. -Fill out an accident report form and submit it online at https://www.lni.wa.gov/claims/for-medical-providers/filing-claims/filling-out-the-accident-report-form. -If your illness requires you to stay at home, follow your doctor's instructions. -Seek legal counsel from a lawyer.

• What are your options in Spokane if your employer or their insurer denies your workers' compensation claim?

  If your employer or their insurance company denies your workers' compensation claim, you can file a complaint in Spokane. If no benefits of any kind have been provided within 12 months of the date you submitted your claim, you must file a formal complaint or be permanently barred from doing so.

• How can you get your Labor & Industries claim settled in Spokane?

  In Spokane, there are three options for resolving L&I cases. -Permanent partial disability award for employees whose injured body part no longer fully functions. -Potential claims for vocational services or wage replacement benefits. -A lump sum settlement for self-insured employers to deny claim treatment or conditions.

• Are you required to follow the findings and recommendations of an independent medical evaluation in Spokane if your insurance provider sends you there?

  Under the Spokane workers' compensation system, you must submit to any reasonable medical examinations that your employer requests of you, provided that you are compensated for your travel and living expenses, as well as any potential lost pay. The panel doctors' opinions, on the other hand, are not binding. In most cases, the Industrial Commission will consider the findings and recommendations of all doctors who have examined you, including your own treating physician.

• 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.