Workers’ Compensation Lawyer in Tacoma

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.