If you have been injured while at work in one of Seattle’s many workplaces you may be eligible to file a workers' compensation claim. There is an insurance that employers provide for employees which compensates them for the financial hardship due to the injury. If you are turned down for workers’ compensation and your employer refuses to pay you should contact a workers’ compensation lawyer in Seattle who will decide whether to appeal the decision or discuss with you whether you are eligible to file a personal injury claim. Choosing a Workers’ Comp. Attorney in Seattle When you choose a Seattle workers’ compensation or personal injury lawyer in Seattle you need to be hire one that has an ongoing success in winning compensation claims and is licensed by the state to operate as a lawyer. There are over 200 workers' compensation attorneys in the Seattle area. Workers’ Compensation in Seattle The state of Washington which includes Seattle is the country’s biggest exporter, representing 5% percent of all of the U.S. exports. This includes timber and products related to the aerospace industry. The largest number of injuries* (provided by the Bureau of Labor Statistics) occurs in the production industries, transportation, and in the process of moving materials. Each of these industries involves a variety of different jobs with all sorts of injuries possible. When producing manufactured goods workers can get caught up in machinery or be hurt by hot liquids. In the transportation sector all sorts of accidents are possible ranging from collisions on highways to defective brakes causing rear-enders and other nasty accidents. The Workers’ Compensation Process in Seattle In Washington State, employers have 2 options open to them through the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries (L&I) which manages benefits and claims out of an insurance pool which is referred to as the Washington State Fund. They can also self insure if they have sufficient funds to be deemed eligible. If your employer is self-insured it will handle all workers’ compensation claims. If you are after workers’ compensation for injuries you received at work or from an occupational disease, there is a certain process to follow in Seattle which includes; Immediately reporting your accident and injury to your employer and seeking medical treatment. Filing an accident report for your injury or exposure to a toxic substance at your doctor's office, on the L&I website, or by phoning L&I during office hours. If your doctor is eager to certify that your injury took place at work, or is willing to say you have acquired an occupational disease, L&I or if your employer is self-insured employer will more than likely approve your workers compensation claim. If your workers’ compensation claim in Seattle does not get approved you will have to talk to a workers’ compensation lawyer in Seattle to see if a personal injury compensation claim is the best option for you. Speak with a Workers' Compensation Attorney Today Once you have decided which claim is appropriate for your needs you can access a Seattle workers’ compensation lawyer by completing our free claim evaluation form below. Start your claim as soon as you can otherwise you will find the statute of limitations will prevent you getting the compensation you deserve. Additional Resources Workers' Compensation Attorneys in Washington Help! I was Injured Working for Starbucks *bls.gov/iif/oshwc/cfoi/tgs/2015/iiffw53.htm
