Mental health injuries are no less real than physical injuries. Unfortunately, it can be difficult for injured workers to get full and fair benefits for mental health conditions. In fact, under Washington’s workers’ compensation laws (RCW 51.08.142), mental conditions caused by stress are excluded from the state’s definition of an…
For nearly 40 years, mandatory arbitration has existed in Washington State as an alternative to trial in superior court. Civil cases must go through the mandatory arbitration route when the injured party is seeking a money judgment under a certain amount. RCW 7.06.020. This amount has changed throughout the years….
On May 18th, the Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) announced a proposal to amend its crane operator safety rules. Pursuant to federal rulemaking procedures, comments will be accepted on the proposed rule until June 20, 2018. The goal of the new rule is to improve safety at construction sites….
If you were involved in a car accident in Washington, you are certainly not alone. The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) reports that a motor vehicle collision occurs in our state approximately once every four minutes. While not every auto accident claim requires the help of an attorney, you…
There is nothing easy about being involved in a car accident, especially if you have suffered significant injuries in the process. Indeed, car accidents can be terrifying, stressful, and expensive to remedy. Further, before you receive a settlement, you may be faced with wondering how you’ll get around (your car…
Car accidents happen. In fact, they happen so frequently that they are a leading cause of injury and death in the United States. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that in 2015 alone, there were more than 6,290,000 police-reported crashes in the United States and that in 2016, there…
On March 7th, 2018, Washington Governor Jay Inslee signed HB 1723 into law. This bill significantly broadens the workers’ compensation eligibility criteria for Hanford workers. Hanford is a decommissioned nuclear production site, located just off the Columbia River, in Benton County, Washington. Photo Credit: Tri-City Herald Like many Cold…
As noted by the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries, the overwhelming majority of workers in Washington are covered by the state’s mandatory workers’ compensation insurance program. If you or a loved one has been hurt on the job, you may be entitled to recover medical benefits, time-loss compensation,…
In Washington State, the vast majority of employers are legally obligated to provide no-fault workers’ compensation insurance to their workers. As stated by the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries, this type of insurance provides injured workers with coverage for approved medical treatment and services, and for financial compensation…
If you were injured on the job in Washington State, you have a right to go to your own trusted doctor to receive medical treatment. However, in certain circumstances, your claim manager may also request that you undergo an independent medical evaluation (IME). The general purpose of an IME is…
