

A workplace injury can affect your medical care, income, and even your ability to return to gainful employment in the future. Lehmbecker Law helps injured workers in Yakima with every aspect of their workers’ comp case, including L&I claims, self-insured employer disputes, denied benefits, stopped time-loss checks, IMEs, claim closure, PPD ratings, and appeals.
Workplace injuries remain a serious issue across Washington State. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, private industry employers in Washington reported 76,400 nonfatal workplace injuries and illnesses in 2024. The state’s total recordable case rate was 3.2 cases per 100 full-time workers, higher than the national private-industry rate of 2.3.
At Lehmbecker Law, our Yakima workers' compensation lawyers are committed to being your trusted advocates during this challenging time. Our Yakima workers' compensation attorneys will guide you through every step of the legal process, helping you pursue the full compensation you deserve.
Lehmbecker Law is committed to standing by your side when you’ve been injured at work, offering both empathetic legal support and tenacious advocacy, whether you have sustained a minor wound or are facing a life-altering disability.

Workplace injuries can happen in a variety of settings and industries. Some of the most common causes of workplace injuries in Washington include:
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.
A work injury can keep you off the job for days, months, or even permanently. Some injuries need surgery and long-term physical therapy. Others leave permanent restrictions that make it hard to return to the same work.
Common work injuries include:
Work-related mental health conditions may also be part of a claim when they are connected to an accepted injury or traumatic workplace event.
Washington workers’ compensation may pay for medical care, part of your lost wages, and disability-related benefits after a job-related injury or occupational illness. These claims are handled under Title 51 RCW through L&I or an approved self-insured employer.
Depending on your injury and claim status, benefits may include:
A benefit dispute may happen if treatment is denied, wage checks stop, an IME report is used against you, or the claim closes before your condition has stabilized.

Workers’ comp is generally no-fault, so the main question is usually whether your injury or illness is work-related and supported by medical records. Under Washington’s workers’ compensation law, benefits may apply to workers injured in the course of employment.
Key rules include:
Deadlines can affect your right to benefits. For a work injury claim, L&I or the self-insured employer must receive the Report of Accident within one year of the injury date. For an occupational disease claim, the deadline is generally 2 years from the date of diagnosis.
If you receive a written claim decision and disagree with it, the protest deadline is usually 60 calendar days from the date you receive the decision. Vocational benefit decisions may have a shorter 15-day deadline.
Washington workers’ compensation is usually a no-fault system, so you may still qualify for benefits even if no one clearly caused the accident. The main issue is whether the injury happened because of your job.
In some cases, fault may still matter if someone outside your employer contributed to the injury. This could include:
When a third party is responsible, you may have both a workers’ compensation claim and a separate personal injury claim. Our skilled Yakima workers' compensation attorneys can review whether another party may be legally responsible.

Dealing with the workers' compensation system can be overwhelming, especially while dealing with the physical and emotional toll of a workplace injury. A WA workers' compensation attorney can be your invaluable ally, providing:
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.
If your claim is denied, a lawyer can guide you through the appeals process, presenting a strong case for your benefits.
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.
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.

If your work injury has left you without pay, without clear answers, or unable to get treatment, Lehmbecker Law can use our advanced knowledge to review your claim and provide honest answers on what to do next.

Decades of casework: Lehmbecker Law has successfully represented injured people in Washington since 1986.
Workers’ comp and injury claim support: We handle L&I claims, self-insured employer disputes, and third-party injury claims when a work accident involves another responsible party.
Strong claim follow-through: We help with denied claims, stopped time-loss checks, IME disputes, claim closure, PPD ratings, and appeals.
No upfront fees: Consultations are free, and there is no fee unless we recover compensation where applicable.
Claim denied, delayed, or closed too soon? Call Lehmbecker Law for a free consultation before a deadline passes, and it’s too late.
If you want to call: (425) 455-3186
If you want to email: info@lehmlaw.com
In most cases, yes. Washington employers must carry workers' compensation coverage through L&I or qualify as self-insured. If your employer says you are not covered, have the claim reviewed before accepting that answer.
You may qualify if your injury or illness is connected to your job, you were working as an employee, and your claim was filed within the correct deadline. Medical proof is usually the deciding factor.
You may still have options. Medical records, witness names, job-duty details, photos, time records, and incident reports can help support the claim.
A denial does not always end the case. You may be able to protest or appeal, but the deadline may be short. Have the order reviewed before it becomes final.
You generally have one year from the date of injury to file a workers' compensation claim with L&I. For occupational diseases, the deadline runs from when you knew or should have known the condition was work-related. Reporting to your employer sooner always strengthens your case.