An Experienced Workers’ Compensation Attorney Pursuing The Benefits You Need

After a workplace injury, it can feel like everything is out of your control. You deserve a skilled workers’ compensation lawyer committed to the same goal you have: getting your life back. My name is Drew D. Dalton, and I’m ready to give you the personalized and results-focused support you need when you get hurt on the job.

From my law firm of We Care Legal, PLLC, I help injured workers throughout Spokane and the Spokane Valley area pursue the workers’ compensation benefits they deserve. I understand the challenges that can come with navigating Washington’s workers’ compensation system. With 16 years of legal experience, I’m here to help you with every step. You can count on me for caring representation that always prioritizes your unique needs.

What Is Workers’ Compensation?

Workers’ compensation is a system that aims to provide financial benefits to employees who suffer work-related injuries or illnesses. Under it, you can receive relief regardless of who was at fault for what happened. However, it also generally prohibits you from suing your employers over workplace accidents.

In Washington, the Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) administers this no-fault system.

Workers’ compensation can be a critical source of financial stability for people who have been injured at work. Let me help you pursue it.

Is Your Employer Required To Have Coverage?

Washington law requires most employers with one or more employees to have workers’ compensation coverage. Exceptions are rare. Employers can meet this requirement through two main routes:

• State Coverage: Getting coverage through L&I
• Self-Insured: Directly provide benefits to employees

Washington does not permit employers to use private insurers for workers’ compensation coverage.

If you have questions about your employer’s coverage situation, I can provide answers and clarify what it means for your workers’ comp claim.

What Types Of Benefits Are Available?

Washington’s workers’ compensation system offers several benefits to injured workers, including:

• Medical benefits: Covers necessary treatment for your injury or illness
• Lost wages: Also known as time-loss compensation, this provides partial wage replacement for time missed from work
• Disability benefits: Such as partial permanent and total permanent disability benefits
• Survivor benefits: For families of workers who died as a result of a workplace accident or illness
• Vocational benefits: For helping you get back into the workforce

I can help you determine what workers’ compensation benefits you may be eligible for and assist you with all aspects of pursuing them.

Do You Get To Pick Your Own Doctor?

Yes, you can generally choose your own treating physician under Washington’s workers’ comp system. However, for ongoing care, your doctor must be part of L&I’s Medical Provider Network.

Here To Help With All Types Of Work Injury Cases

Workers’ compensation generally covers any work-related injury or illness. I can assist with all types of claims, including those involving:

• Industrial injuries: Such as hearing loss, repetitive stress injuries, injuries from machinery accidents and cancers from chemical exposure
• Construction injuries: Such as those resulting from falls, crane accidents, ladder accidents, scaffolding accidents and construction vehicle accidents
• Health care injuries: Such as patient lifting injuries, infectious disease exposure, radiation exposure, patient violence and needlestick injuries
• Office injuries: Such as carpal tunnel syndrome, tripping injuries, electric shocks and back injuries
• First responder injuries: Such as burns, smoke inhalation, harmful substance exposure and other harm EMTs, police officers and firefighters face
• Retail injuries: Such as injuries from slips on wet floors, lifting accidents, stocking accidents, cuts and workplace violence
• Hospitality injuries: Such as scalds, cleaning chemical exposure and other injuries suffered by bartenders, wait staff and hotel staff

Whatever workplace injuries or illnesses you have suffered in the Spokane area, you can count on me for workers’ compensation support personalized to your needs.

Are Mental Injuries Covered?

Workers’ compensation covers work-related mental injuries in certain circumstances. Typically, in Washington, benefits are only available if the condition stems from a specific traumatic event. A key exception to this regards first responders, who can receive benefits for mental health conditions caused by ongoing job-related stress. I understand the complexities of the laws around workers’ compensation claims for mental injuries and can advise you on your options.

What To Do After An On-The-Job Injury

When you suffer a work-related injury, key steps to take include:

• File an injury report: Let your employer know what happened
• Get medical attention: Seek immediate care for your injuries
• Speak with a workers’ compensation lawyer: An experienced legal professional can help you file your workers’ comp claim, gather evidence to support it and respond to any challenges that your claim encounters.

Speed and accuracy are both critical when it comes to protecting your health, finances and rights after a work injury. Turn to me for the prompt, reliable and responsive support you deserve.

Where Do You File Your Workers’ Comp Claim?

Who you bring your workers’ comp claim to depends on your employer’s coverage:

• For state coverage claims: You file with L&I
• For self-insured claims: You file directly with your employer

As your workers’ comp attorney, I can explain the filing process to you, guide you through its steps and help you avoid common claim errors.

How Long Do You Have To File A Claim?

In Washington, your filing deadline depends on whether your workers’ comp claim regards an injury or occupational disease:

• For Injuries: You typically have one year from the date of the injury to file
• For occupational disease: You have generally two years from the time of diagnosis to file

I can assist you with keeping track of and meeting important deadlines for your claim.

What If Your Claim Is Denied?

There are a range of reasons why L&I or your employer might deny your claim. If this happens, you don’t just have to accept the denial, you can contest it. You have two main options on this front:

• Protest: This involves submitting a protest to L&I or your employer. In it, you lay your case for why you think your claim should not have been denied.
• Appeal: This involves filing an appeal with the Board of Industrial Insurance Appeals. You can do this after an initial denial, or after a protest decision.

In most situations, your deadline for filing a protest or appeal is 60 days after the denial or negative protest decision.

If you have experienced a claim denial, I can help you understand your rights and pursue the protest or appeal process.

Take The First Step Toward Getting Your Life Back

Protect your future after a work-related illness or injury. Get the guidance and support of a skilled workers’ compensation lawyer. Reach out today for a free consultation to learn more about how my experienced and caring legal services can help you move forward from your on-the-job injury. You can connect with me by email or by calling 509-537-0388. Let’s work together toward securing the workers’ comp benefits you need to take back control of your life.