Everett Workers’ Compensation Attorney

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 returned 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 (hyperlink) 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.

Common Workplace Injuries and Occupational Diseases

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.

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

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.

Contact an Everett Workers’ Compensation Attorney Immediately

Recovering L & I benefits is usually harder than it should be 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.