Hurt On the Job in Everett? Contact Us Today for a Free Consultation

Every employee deserves safe, fair conditions on the job. Unfortunately, workplace safety issues are still a very serious concern. Indeed, Occupational injuries and illnesses affect thousands of Everett families every year, which often places unnecessary and unjust financial pressures on their shoulders. For an employee and their family in Everett or elsewhere in Snohomish County, navigating the aftermath of a serious workplace accident can be stressful and overwhelming.
Here at the Everett law offices of The Walthew Law Firm, we have more than 90 years of experience handling workers’ compensation claims. We understand that the Department of Labor & Industries or self-insured employers don’t always pay benefits timely, underpay benefits or deny claims, and try to prematurely close an injured worker’s claim. Let us help you receive the compensation that you need and deserve. Contact us at our Everett law office today for a free, no obligation initial consultation with a top-rated Washington workers’ compensation attorney.
Work Injuries Remain Too Common—Can Happen in Any Industry

Unfortunately, work-related accidents happen every day in Washington. Our local NPR affiliate (KUOW) confirmed that there were nearly 90,000 non-fatal job-related injuries and illnesses that required employees to miss time on the job reported in the state in 2022 alone. Tragically, 104 workers lost their lives on the job in Washington in 2022 (Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)). While some industries—such as construction—undoubtedly see a higher rate of workplace injuries, the reality is that a serious accident can happen in any profession.
What to Do After Being Injured While On the Job in Everett, Washington

Were you hurt in an accident in the workplace in Everett or elsewhere in Snohomish County? It is imperative that you know what to do to protect your rights and your interests. Do not rely on your employer or any insurance company with guidance through the workers’ comp claims process. Here are four steps to take if you were injured while on the job in Everett:
- Get Immediate Medical Care for Any Injuries: Your health, your safety, and your overall physical well-being are always the top priority after a workplace accident. You should seek medical attention immediately after sustaining a work-related injury.When doing so, be sure to inform the healthcare provider that your injury occurred at work so they can document it accordingly. In Washington State, you can choose any doctor for your initial visit after a workplace accident. You cannot file for workers’ comp unless you see a doctor.
- Report Your Injuries/Illness to Your Employer: Washington State law is clear: All employers have a legal responsibility to report their job related injury and/or their occupational disease to their employer in a timely manner. You should notify your employer about the injury as soon as possible—ideally the same day it happened. If you fail to tell your employer about your work injury, you may not qualify for workers’ comp benefits.
- Document What Happened: Documentation matters. It is far easier to navigate the workers’ comp claims process when your accident is well-documented. You should write a detailed account of the incident while they are still fresh in your memory. Along with other things, you should include information such as the date, time, location, and circumstances surrounding the injury.
- File for Workers’ Compensation Benefits: Notifying your employer that you were hurt while on the job is not the same thing as actually filing for workers’ comp benefits. You should complete the “Report of Accident” form to initiate your workers’ compensation claim. From there, you should submit the claim to the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries or your self-insured employer.
Workers’ Compensation Video
An Overview of Workers’ Compensation Laws in Washington

Workers’ comp claims are handled under state law. There are some important variations in the laws from state-to-state. With this in mind, it is crucial that workers in Everett understand their rights under Washington State law. Here are key points to know about the claims process:
- Virtually All Workers are Covered By Workers’ Comp: In Washington State, nearly every worker is protected under the workers’ compensation system. Notably, the coverage extends to full-time, part-time, temporary, and seasonal employees. Employers are legally required to provide workers’ compensation insurance for their employees through the state or as a self-insured entity.
- A Claim is an Exclusive Remedy Against One’s Own Employer: Filing a workers’ compensation claim in Washington is generally the sole legal remedy an employee has against their employer for work-related injuries or illnesses. Put another way, employees typically cannot sue their employer in civil court for additional damages related to the injury. That being said, a non-employer third party may be sued.
- Workers’ Comp Benefits are No-Fault Benefits: Washington’s workers’ compensation system operates on a no-fault basis, providing benefits regardless of who was responsible for the injury. Employees in Everett do not need to prove that their employer was negligent to receive compensation. With that being said, not every workers’ comp claim is approved. Quite the contrary, a claim may be denied for a wide range of different reasons. An Everett, WA workers’ comp lawyer can help you challenge a denial.
Wage Replacement Benefits
The attorneys of The Walthew Law Firm understand a client’s immediate need for workers’ compensation benefits. Wages may have stopped, so clients need time loss compensation immediately to pay for groceries, gas, mortgage payments, and all of their other normal day-to-day expenditures. One of the benefits of a workers’ compensation claim over a personal injury lawsuit, is that benefits should be paid quickly. Workers’ comp benefits include:
- Time loss compensation (temporary total disability);
- Loss-of-earning power;
- Vocational training to help the injured employee find work in a new field;
- Structured settlement;
- Permanent partial disability (PPD);
- Lifetime pension (total permanent disability);
Fighting Against Workers’ Compensation Claim Denials

It is not uncommon for a workers’ compensation claim to be denied. The Department of Labor & Industries or self-insured employers will deny your claim if they believe that the injury did not happen at work or was from a preexisting condition. It is crucial to report an injury to your employer as soon as it happens, list all of your injuries on the accident report form, and see your doctor right away. Claims managers look for any excuse not to pay what they owe. Our attorneys keep the largest employers and the Department of Labor & Industries honest and hold them accountable for the benefits that they owe you.
Understanding the Workers’ Comp Appeals Process

As frustrating as it can be, a worker in Everett may struggle to get their workers’ comp benefits paid by their employer/insurer. The good news is that you have the right to appeal a workers’ compensation denial. An experienced attorney can help. Here is an overview of the key points to now about the workers’ compensation claims process in Washington State:
- The Denial of Workers’ Comp Benefits: After filing a workers’ compensation claim in Washington State, the Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) or a self-insured employer may deny the claim or make a decision with which the worker disagrees. Under state law, the worker will receive a written notice detailing the decision and the reasons for it.
- You Can File a Protest (Initial Appeal): Before filing a formal appeal, the worker can file a written protest directly with L&I. You will sometimes hear this referred to as an initial appeal or an administrative appeal. L&I will review the protest, possibly reconsidering or modifying their initial decision.
- You Can Appeal to Appealing to the BIIA: If unsatisfied after the protest, you can file an appeal with the Board of Industrial Insurance Appeals (BIIA). The appeal must be filed within 60 days of receiving the contested decision. The BIIA is an independent state agency that resolves disputes between workers and employers. To file, you must file a type of workers’ compensation form called a Notice of Appeal.
- Take Your Case to Court (Workers’ Comp Litigation): If you are dissatisfied with the BIIA’s final decision, you can appeal to the Washington State Superior Court. In other words, you can take your case to trial. Litigation is relatively uncommon in workers’ comp appeals—but it does happen. The appeal to court must be filed within 30 days of receiving the BIIA’s decision. In workers’ compensation litigation in Washington, the court reviews the case de novo. It re-examines all evidence and issues afresh. A jury trial is an option.
Permanent Partial Disability vs. Lifetime Pension

When the Department of Labor & Industries or self-insured employer determines an injured worker’s medical condition is “fixed and stable,” meaning no treatment will improve that workers’ medical condition, claim closure is usually next. If the worker returns to work, then a doctor rates permanent partial disability (PPD) (hyperlink) and the claim is closed based on the PPD rating. Written protest to claim closure and proof of a higher rating of PPD must be submitted to the Department of Labor & Industries within 60 days of receipt of the closure order. The attorneys at The Walthew Law Firm have extensive experience in how to rate PPD and protests or appeals to claim closure.
The larger issue, however, is whether the injured worker is permanently unable to return work. They may be entitled to a total disability, lifetime pension based on their age, education, work history, pre-existing disabling conditions, and the physical limitations from the industrial injury. Rather than trying to live on a relatively small PPD award, a lifetime pension can provide financial security.
Let the knowledge and experience of the Everett workers’ compensation attorneys at The Walthew Law Firm work for you. Don’t accept claim closure as the final say in your workers’ comp claim. It may be premature and an incorrect decision on the part of the claims manager. We have the skills and experience to take on even the most challenging for workers’ comp claims—including permanent partial disability and lifetime pension cases. No matter your circumstances, our Everett workers’ comp lawyers are standing by, ready to protect your rights and your interests.
Common Workplace Injuries
Whether you are suffering from a broken bone or a repetitive injury or disease that resulted in days off work, you deserve to be compensated for your injury and how it impacted your ability to work. Common workplace injuries include the following:
- Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI);
- Burns;
- Fractured hand, foot, toes, or fingers;
- Knee injuries;
- Shoulder injuries;
- Elbow or wrist injuries;
- Chronic overuse injury, such as damage to tendons, muscles, or joints;
- Strains and sprains;
- Chronic neck pain;
- Chronic back pain; and
- Hearing loss.
Common Occupational Diseases
The Walthew Law Firm also handles occupational disease claims in Everett, Washington. We can help you navigate all types of occupational disease cases.
State law defines an occupational disease as a condition that arises naturally and proximately out of employment.
In other words, the disease must be a direct result of the work performed and the environment in which it is done. Many (but not all) occupational diseases arise with a delayed onset. Typical occupational diseases include:
- Lung disorders from occupational exposures such as Baker’s Lung, asbestosis, and occupational asthma,
- Hepatitis C or HIV from needle sticks at work; Skin disorders from exposure to harsh chemicals at work;Joint injuries from repetitive use of vibratory tools such as jackhammers.
Suing a Third Party for a Work Injury in Everett, Washington
Sometimes, the injury was the fault of a third party other than a coworker or your employer. For example, a careless or distracted driver swerving through a construction zone could be held liable for damages they cause to a construction worker.
The construction worker could collect workers’ compensation benefits at the same time as filing a lawsuit or claim against the driver. The Department of Labor & Industries or self-insured employer would have a lien on any third-party recovery from the claim or lawsuit.
The recovery formula is set by law and takes into consideration the attorney fees and costs paid by the construction worker on the third-party lawsuit.
Do you have questions about a third party liability claim? We can help. Contact our Everett third party liability work injury attorney today for a free, confidential initial consultation.
Navigating the workers compensation process can be overwhelming for any injured worker, especially when facing workplace injury complications.
Our team of workers comp attorneys specializes in handling the complexities of workers compensation claims. From filing initial claims to challenging unfair denials, we are here to guide you through every step of the process.
Why Rely On the Everett Workers’ Comp Lawyers at The Walthew Law Firm

A workplace injury or illness can be difficult for workers and their families. If you are forced to miss a lot of time on the job, that means more than just medical care needs—it means lost paychecks. Workers’ comp benefits are designed to fill that gap.
Unfortunately, many people struggle to get access to the full and fair workers’ comp that they are entitled to under the law.
At The Walthew Law Firm, we are proud to put injured workers first. For more than 9 decades, we have advocated for workers in Washington. We have an office right here in Everett. When you reach out to our Everett law office, you will have a chance to speak to a Washington work injury lawyer who can:
- Hear what you have to say and answer questions about your case;
- Investigate your work injury in Everett—gathering the evidence needed to proceed;
- Handle all of the workers’ comp claims paperwork;
- Evaluate your case to see if you can bring a third party liability claim;
- Handle any of the settlement negotiations with the insurance company; and
- Develop a thorough strategy focused on maximizing your workers’ comp benefits.
Contact an Everett Workers’ Compensation Attorney Immediately
Recovering L & I benefits is usually harder than it should be. At The Walthew Law Firm, our attorneys will make sure that your rights are protected, and that you receive the medical attention and wage replacement benefits that are owed to you.
Reach out to one of our experienced Everett workers’ compensation attorneys today for a free, no obligation consultation. With an office in Everett, we fight tirelessly to protect the rights of injured workers throughout the region.
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Seattle, WA 98121
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