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What is a Posthumous Permanent Partial Disability (PPD) Award? A posthumous PPD award is an entitlement of an injured worker’s survivors to claim an amount of permanent partial disability (PPD) payment equal to what the worker should have received had they not died prior to their L&I claim closure. Not…
Can an Injured Worker Obtain Permanent Partial Disability for Headaches? Yes. Permanent Partial Disability (PPD) benefits are based upon subjective headache symptoms as long as the injured worker’s doctor certifies that those symptoms “more likely than not” cause permanent impairment. Chronic headache conditions can result from either head or neck…
Following the argument of Washington Law Center attorney, Scott Goodrich, on August 12, 2024, Washington State’s Division 1 Court of Appeals published a landmark decision in the case of Ten Injured Workers v. The State of Washington. This decision marks a significant victory for injured workers and upholds the fundamental…
Can an Injured Worker sue the Department of Labor & Industries to force a favorable claim determination? No. Courts do not have original jurisdiction to order the Department of Labor & Industries to decide any issue the way the injured worker believes is correct. The doctrine of Sovereign Immunity generally…
What is the 2024-2025 Cost of Living Adjustment in Washington State? Washington State’s Statutory Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) for 2024-2025 provides a 5.9% increase. The increase is according to the Employment Security Department’s findings that the average annual wage in Washington State increased from $84,167.00 in 2022 to $89,138.00…
Yes. Although the Department of Labor & Industries may initially deny authorization for implanted spinal cord stimulation devices, the Board of Industrial Insurance Appeals and higher state courts may still order that the treatment be provided. In Washington State, the Department of Labor & Industries initially adopted a formal policy…
Catastrophic Industrial Injury Benefits in Washington Include: Artificial Eyes pursuant to RCW 51.36.020(2) and (3) Prosthetics and Limb Replacements pursuant to RCW 51.36.020(2) and (3) Tooth Restoration and Implants pursuant to RCW 51.36.020(3) Eyeglasses and Lenses Restored or Replaced Pursuant to RCW 51.36.020(4) Hearing Aids pursuant to RCW 51.36.020(4) Crutches,…
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Even if your doctor has formally recommended a surgery, getting authorization from L&I can be challenging for injured workers in Washington. This is not only frustrating, but the delay in your much-needed medical treatment may pose a harmful risk. Spencer Parr, Partner at Washington Law Center, has provided some clear…
Many injured workers, especially those residing out of state, encounter medical providers who are unfamiliar with Washington state’s workers’ compensation rules so it is essential to understand your rights when it comes to medical bills related to your care. Washington State’s Medical Treatment Fee Schedule All medical expenses related to…