Lehmbecker Law: Your Trusted Yakima Workers' Compensation Lawyers

Workplace injuries can be life-altering events, leaving you with mounting medical bills, lost wages, and the daunting task of navigating the workers' compensation system.

At Lehmbecker Law, our Yakima workers' compensation lawyers are committed to being your trusted advocates during this challenging time. Our experienced workers' compensation attorneys will guide you through every step of the legal process, helping you pursue the full compensation you deserve.

Whether you've suffered a minor injury or a severe disability, Lehmbecker Law will be there for you, providing compassionate legal help and aggressive representation.

Workplace Injury Statistics in Washington State

Workplace injuries are a serious and pervasive issue in Washington State, impacting countless workers and their families every year. The numbers paint a stark picture: the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported about 90,000 private industry workplace injuries and illnesses in Washington in 2022.

This statistic highlights the importance of understanding the workers’ comp process and holding employers accountable for the unsafe workplaces they run. We’ll work tirelessly on your behalf to accomplish these goals.

Common Causes of Workplace Injuries in Yakima

Workplace injuries can happen in a variety of settings and industries. Some of the most common causes of workplace injuries in Washington include:

• Falls: Slips, trips, and falls, including falls from ladders and scaffolds, are a leading cause of workplace injuries, often resulting in sprains, fractures, and head injuries.
• Overexertion: Lifting heavy objects, repetitive motions, and prolonged standing can lead to strains, sprains, and back injuries.
• Contact with Objects: Collisions with machinery, vehicles, or other objects can cause serious injuries, ranging from cuts and bruises to amputations and TBIs.
• Exposure to Hazards: Working with hazardous materials, chemicals, or machinery can lead to respiratory problems, burns, and other health issues.
• Motor Vehicle Accidents: Accidents involving company vehicles are a common cause of workplace injuries.

Getting medical attention and reporting the accident as soon as possible can help workers simplify the workers’ comp process. Vital evidence can be obtained from medical records and the creation of an incident report.

Workers' Compensation in Washington State

Workers' compensation is a form of insurance that provides a safety net for employees who suffer workplace injuries or illnesses. It aims to cover the costs associated with the injury or illness, allowing injured workers to focus on their recovery without facing financial hardship.

Washington State's workers' compensation system provides crucial protection for employees who are injured or become ill due to their employment.

Washington State Workers’ Comp Laws and Regulations

Washington State has a comprehensive system designed to protect workers who experience injuries or illnesses on the job. Here's a breakdown of the key laws and institutions involved:

• Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) is the state agency responsible for administering workers' compensation laws. They oversee claims, provide benefits, and enforce safety regulations.
• Title 51 Revised Code of Washington (RCW) is the primary law that governs workers' compensation in Washington State. It authorizes the Department of Labor & Industries to administer workers' compensation benefits, and only the state legislature can change these laws.

The RCW establishes a no-fault system, meaning that injured workers can receive benefits regardless of who was at fault for the accident.

Is L&I Compensation Mandatory for Employers in Washington State?

Yes, with a few exceptions, most employers in Washington State are required to carry workers' compensation insurance. This ensures that employees have access to benefits if they are injured on the job.

L&I Claim Eligibility

To be eligible for compensation benefits under L&I in Washington State, you must meet the following criteria:

• You Must Be an Employee: Independent contractors are not covered by workers' compensation.
• Your Injury or Illness Occurred in the Course of Your Employment: The injury or illness must have happened while you were working or performing a work-related task.
• Your Employer Must Have Workers' Compensation Insurance: If they meet eligibility requirements, some employers choose to self-insure rather than purchase L&I coverage.

Suffering an injury or illness at work can be disorienting, and you may not know how to proceed. Your lawyer can help you determine whether you qualify for compensation and plan your next steps.

Common Workplace Injuries Covered by Workers' Compensation in Washington State

Workers' compensation in Yakima, WA, typically covers a wide range of injuries and illnesses, including:

• Back Injuries: Strains, sprains, and herniated discs are common in workers' compensation cases, especially in jobs involving physical labor or repetitive motions.
• Neck Injuries: Whiplash (often from car accidents), sprains, and nerve damage are frequently reported.
• Spinal Cord Injuries: These serious injuries, often caused by falls, collisions, and heavy lifting, can result in paralysis and long-term disability.
• Shoulder Injuries: Rotator cuff tears, dislocations, and sprains are common, especially in jobs involving overhead work or repetitive arm movements.
• Knee Injuries: Torn ligaments, cartilage damage, and arthritis can result from falls, repetitive kneeling, or heavy lifting.
• Hand and Wrist Injuries: Carpal tunnel syndrome, tendonitis, and fractures are common in jobs involving repetitive hand movements or forceful gripping.
• Foot and Ankle Injuries: Sprains, fractures, and nerve damage often occur from falls, slips, or heavy lifting.
• Head Injuries: Concussions, traumatic brain injuries, and skull fractures can result from falls, collisions, or objects striking the head.
• Burns: Chemical burns, electrical burns, and thermal burns are covered depending on the circumstances and the nature of the work.
• Respiratory Illnesses: Asthma, pneumonia, and lung cancer can be covered if they are caused by workplace exposures (e.g., dust, fumes, and chemicals).

Physical injuries are not the only type of harm that can be covered by workers’ comp settlements. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression can be covered if they are a direct result of a workplace injury or traumatic event. (It's important to note that proving causation is often complex for mental health claims).

What Compensation Can I Receive Under L&I?

Here's a breakdown of the potential compensation you may be eligible for under workers’ compensation laws in Washington:

• Medical Treatment Compensation: L&I provides coverage for all reasonable and necessary medical expenses related to your workplace injury.
• Permanent Partial Disability (PPD): PPD benefits are provided when your injury results in a permanent disability that affects your ability to work.
• Temporary Total Disability (TTD) or Time Loss Benefits: These benefits cover a portion of your lost wages while you're unable to work due to your injury.
• Permanent Total Disability (PTD): PTD benefits provide financial support to workers who are deemed permanently and totally disabled due to their work injuries.
• Vocational Rehabilitation: If you are unable to return to your previous job due to your injury, vocational rehabilitation services can help you retrain for a new career.
• Compensation for Wrongful Death: If a worker tragically passes away as a result of a work-related injury, their loved ones may be eligible for wrongful death compensation.

The amount of compensation you can recover in a workers' compensation claim depends on several factors, including the severity of your injury, the length of time you are unable to work, and your average weekly wage.

Why Hire a Yakima Workers' Compensation Lawyer?

Dealing with the workers' compensation system can be overwhelming, especially while dealing with the physical and emotional toll of a workplace injury. An experienced WA workers' compensation attorney can be your invaluable ally, providing:

Legal Guidance

Workers' compensation laws are complex and constantly evolving. A lawyer can help you understand your rights, options, and the best course of action for your specific situation.

Overcome Benefit Denials

Unfortunately, benefits you are entitled to can be commonly denied, like wage loss and medical treatments. An attorney will help you provide the proper documentation to overcome these denials to get you the benefits you deserve.

Appeals Representation

If your claim is denied, a lawyer can guide you through the appeals process, presenting a strong case for your benefits.

Litigation Support

In certain situations, pursuing a personal injury lawsuit may be necessary to obtain full and fair compensation. A lawyer can assess your case and determine the most appropriate legal strategy to protect your interests.

Why Choose Lehmbecker Law for Your L&I Case?

At Lehmbecker Law, we are more than just attorneys; we are dedicated advocates for injured workers in Yakima.

You can rely on Lehmbecker Law to provide the unwavering support you need in your pursuit of compensation.