Helping Injured Workers protect their rights
A workplace injury can leave you facing medical expenses, lost income, and uncertainty about your future. Navigating Washington’s workers’ compensation system can be confusing, especially if your claim has been delayed, denied, or you are not receiving the benefits you deserve.
At the Law Office of Jeffrey R. Pollock, PLLC we are committed to helping injured workers understand their rights and pursue the workers’ compensation benefits available under Washington law. From our central office in Mount Vernon, we proudly represent clients throughout NW Washington communities, providing experienced legal guidance and dedicated advocacy every step of the way.
Whether you’ve recently been injured on the job or are facing challenges with an existing claim, we’re here to help you move forward with confidence.
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Workers injured on the job in Washington State have been afforded benefits that are overseen and administered by Washington State Department Labor and Industries.
Under Washington’s worker’s compensation laws, an injured worker can be compensated regardless of whose fault the injury was. Victims of workplace injuries or occupational disease can receive medical coverage for surgery, prescription medications, physical therapy or other rehabilitative services. This also includes mental health treatment (both psychotherapy and psychiatric medication management).
If a worker’s injury or disease requires them to miss an extended period of time from work, they may be eligible to have a portion of their wages paid as time loss compensation. If the injury is so severe that the worker has to change careers or maybe even leave the work force altogether, worker’s compensation benefits can provide for retraining or a life-long pension award.
This office provides invaluable advocacy for our clients throughout the Labor and Industries Vocational Process.
Obtaining these benefits can be especially frustrating and difficult without the assistance of experienced legal counsel.
How We Help Injured Workers
Every workers’ compensation claim is different. We take the time to understand your situation, explain your legal options, and advocate for the benefits you deserve. From filing claims to appealing denied benefits, we work to protect your rights throughout the process.
Our goal is to help injured workers receive the financial and medical support needed to focus on recovery.
Workers' compensation should provide coverage for necessary medical treatment related to your workplace injury. If your medical benefits have been denied, we can help you understand your options.
Workplace Physical Injuries Examples
Not every workplace injury happens in a single accident. Some workers develop occupational illnesses or medical conditions over time due to repetitive motions, hazardous materials, chemical exposure, or other job-related factors.
Medical Condition Examples Suffered on the Job
Some workplace injuries include psychological or emotional effects. When appropriate under Washington law, we help clients pursue benefits related to qualifying mental health conditions resulting from workplace injuries.
Mental Disability Examples Suffered on the Job
Certain injured workers may qualify to receive 60% – 75% of their wages based on their average income of the year preceding their industrial injury or occupational disease. These temporary total disability benefits are referred to as “time loss” and often commence within 14 days of the beginning of the claim.
During the healing process, and with the approval of the medical provider, the employer may choose to offer the employee a modified duty position such as answering phones, administrative or clerical tasks, or perhaps a supervisory role. Often times the modified duty compensation rate is less than the amount the worker was earning at the actual job of injury. An employee who suffers such a “Loss of Earning Power” may be entitled to a portion of the difference between the modified duty wage and the pre-injury wage along with salary from the employer.
Durante el proceso de recuperación, y con la aprobación del proveedor médico, el empleador puede optar por ofrecerle al empleado un puesto de trabajo modificado, como contestar llamadas telefónicas, tareas administrativas o administrativas, o tal vez una función de supervisión. Muchas veces, la tasa de compensación de impuestos modificada es menor que la cantidad que el trabajador ganaba en el trabajo real de lesión. Un empleado que sufra tal "Pérdida de poder de ganancia" puede tener derecho a una parte de la diferencia entre el salario de servicio modificado y el salario previo a la lesión.
After an injured worker’s injury or occupational disease has reached maximum medical improvement, a determination must be made as to the worker’s ability to return to the workforce. If an injured worker can no longer perform the type of work he/she was previously performing, then vocational retraining may be authorized. A fund of approximately $20,000 is then set aside for the worker to attend vocational retraining or school for up to a two-year period. Depending on the nature of the retraining plan opted for by the worker, time loss/vocational award benefits may continue for an additional 9 – 24 months.
A worker is permanently totally disabled (and thus considered unable to work) when he/she is no longer able to perform the work they have done in the past and they are not able to be retrained for work that they are able to perform within their permanent restrictions. Permanent disabilities are paid as a pension for the rest of the injured worker’s life; and in some cases for the life of their spouse, as well. Permanently disabled workers may additionally be entitled to Federal Social Security Disability Benefits. We help clients pursue the compensation and benefits available for permanent disabilities.
Once an employee has reached maximum medical improvement, an assessment will be made by a medical professional to determine how much, if any, permanent loss of function the worker has suffered as a result of the industrial injury. Where it can be demonstrated that the worker has suffered claim-related permanent partial disability (“PPD”) the worker is entitled to compensation accordingly. Alternatively, if the worker has suffered permanent total disability the worker is entitled to life long pension payments
Some workplace accidents involve negligent third parties in addition to a workers' compensation claim. When appropriate, we evaluate whether additional compensation (in addition to workers compensation benefits) may be available through a private personal injury insurance carrier.
Understanding settlement options and long-term benefits is essential when resolving a workers' compensation claim. We provide guidance to help you make informed decisions about your future.
Every case begins with a thorough review of your workplace injury, medical records, claim status, and any decisions made by the Washington workers' compensation system. We take the time to understand your situation and identify the best path forward.
A strong claim is built on solid evidence. We collect medical documentation, accident reports, employment records, expert opinions, and other supporting information needed to strengthen your case and support your right to benefits.
Navigating the workers' compensation process can be frustrating. We communicate with the appropriate parties, address disputes, and advocate for your rights while keeping you informed throughout your case.
Our goal is to help you obtain every benefit available under Washington law. Depending on your circumstances, this may include:
If you’ve been injured on the job or are having difficulty obtaining the workers’ compensation benefits you deserve, don’t face the process alone. Contact the Law Office of Jeffrey R. Pollock, PLLC today to schedule a consultation and learn how we can help protect your rights and pursue the benefits available to you.
