Christine Foster

March 3, 2015

Protecting Washington Health Care Providers from Workplace Injuries

Health care providers are responsible for taking care of thousands of people every day. Whether you’re sick, hurt, having a baby, or just need a checkup, they are at the forefront making sure you receive the care you need. Unfortunately though, in the United States there is a pandemic that is affecting the health care world; and it has predominately affected those working in the health care environment. In the hospital industry, workplace injuries plague many of its staff. Thousands of nursing and nursing assistants suffer from disabling injuries every year, primarily from doing their everyday jobs — transferring and […]
February 25, 2015

Going Back to Work in a Light-Duty Job

Are you recovering from a workplace injury or occupational disease? If so, you could tell your employer that you are interested in doing light-duty work. Light-duty work is transitional work that you can do with your medical restrictions while recovering from an injury. The Washington Department of Labor and Industries (L&I) encourages employers to provide employees recovering from workplace injuries with light-duty work because it reduces the impact of workers’ compensation claims on workers, employers, and the workers’ compensation system. In fact, L&I offers financial incentives to employers that provide light-duty work through the “Stay at Work” program. What Is […]
February 9, 2015

Is Your Injury or Illness Work-Related?

If you get hurt or sick on the job, you will qualify for workers’ compensation benefits as long as you can prove that your injury or illness is work-related. Generally speaking, you must be able to prove that you were doing something for the benefit of your employer and that it resulted in your injury or illness. In addition, you must meet other eligibility requirements to receive workers’ compensation benefits. Workers’ compensation covers injured workers’ medical bills in addition to providing a portion of their lost wages. Workers’ compensation also offers temporary disability benefits, permanent disability benefits, death benefits, and […]
January 28, 2015

Making a Workers’ Compensation Claim for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome in Washington State

Repetitive stress injuries like Carpal Tunnel Syndrome are becoming increasingly common, especially as more and more workers perform their jobs at a desk with a computer and mouse. Carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition that affects the hands and fingers. It is caused by the compression of the median nerve, which controls sensation and movement in your hands. Symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome include pins and needles, a dull ache in the hand and arm, and pain, tingling, and numbness in the hands and fingers. Symptoms tend to develop gradually and are typically worse at night. Carpal tunnel syndrome is […]
December 10, 2014

Questions to Ask a Seattle Workers’ Compensation Lawyer

Suffering a workplace injury or occupational disease is a stressful experience that could come with many costs, including medical expenses, lost wages, and rehabilitation costs. If you have been injured at work, you might consider hiring a Seattle worker’s compensation lawyer to file a claim for workers’ compensation benefits, which will cover any costs associated with your injury. An attorney can advocate on your behalf to ensure that you receive the medical care and compensation you are entitled to. A lawyer can also guide you in filing a third-party claim, obtaining Social Security disability benefits, or appealing a denied claim. […]
November 25, 2014

What to Do If You Are Injured on the Job in Washington

If you are injured at work or develop an occupational disease, you can file a workers’ compensation claim with the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I). If your workers’ compensation claim is accepted, you will receive workers’ compensation benefits to cover the cost of medical care related to your injury or illness. If you are unable to work after your injury, you may also be eligible to receive a portion of your lost wages. Seek Treatment Right Away If you suffer an injury at work, the first thing you should do is get treatment as soon as possible. […]