Christine Foster

If you have been hurt at work or have developed a serious medical condition that prevents you from working, you may qualify to receive workers’ compensation benefits. Some workers who are eligible for workers’ compensation benefits in Washington State may also qualify for Social Security disability benefits, or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). Contrary to popular belief, Social Security isn’t just a retirement benefit. If you are unable to work due to an injury or illness that is expected to last for more than a year, SSDI benefits can provide you with much-needed assistance either temporarily or permanently. In most […]

Do you disagree with the outcome of your workers’ compensation claim? If you disagree with a workers’ compensation claim decision made by the Washington Department of Labor and Industries (L&I), you can file a “Protest and Request for Reconsideration” to appeal. There is no particular form used to do this. You simply write a letter to the adjudicator listed on the order you dispute, stating the reasons why you disagree. The first page of the order will have the address to which you must send the dispute. You cannot phone in your protest – your protest must be in writing […]

Washington State workers’ compensation laws protect workers who sustain injuries or illnesses in the course of employment. Through the Washington workers’ compensation system, injured workers can get payments to cover medical expenses, partial compensation for lost wages, and payments for partial or total disabilities. Additional benefits, such as vocational counseling, may also be available. Defining Industrial Injury Under Washington law, an industrial injury is considered to be a sudden or tangible happening of a traumatic nature with an immediate or prompt result. One of the most common types of industrial injuries is a fall at work. Most injuries cause bumps, […]

Were you injured while working in the State of Washington? If so, you may be eligible for Washington workers’ compensation benefits. Getting hurt at work can be painful and costly. Missing work due to an injury on the job only exacerbates the problem. Workers’ comp benefits may include the payment of medical treatment, lost wages, compensation for partial permanent impairment, vocational rehabilitation, and more. Washington State Workers’ Compensation Laws Washington State is one of four states that are monopolistic, or in other words, the state government rather than a private insurance company is the insurer. Employers with one or more […]

A workplace injury or occupational disease could result in medical expenses, lost wages, and rehabilitation costs. Workers’ compensation benefits are designed to cover those costs. If you’ve been injured in the workplace, you might be wondering whether you should hire a Seattle workers’ compensation attorney to represent you. A workers’ compensation lawyer can help you file a claim and get the compensation you’re entitled to. The types of injuries and illnesses that workers’ comp benefits typically cover include the following: Traumatic physical injuries Injuries due to repetitive physical motions Occupational diseases Death on the job Unfortunately, many workers’ compensation claims […]

According to the Industrial Safety Training Institute (ISTI): "65% of all confined space fatalities are due to hazardous atmosphere In 139 deaths, there were no detectors and no ventilation One-third of all deaths were supervisors 60% were rescuers 25% of spaces were toxic before entry" Unfortunately, many of these incidents occur because workers and employers do not know what constitutes a confined space and are unaware of the possible dangers that exist. In the event of an emergency, those that are faced with the dangers of entering a confined space are improperly trained and going in without the proper safeguards. […]