PREMIER L&I ATTORNEYS Injured on the job? Securing Multi-Million dollar Workers' Comp Settlements since 1995

Workers’ Compensation Attorneys

Workers’ compensation was introduced in America over a century ago to ensure medical care and regular paychecks to workers injured on the job while avoiding extended litigation—where the employee most always came out on the losing end. While the workers’ compensation program has helped hundreds of thousands of injured workers on the job, it remains a somewhat controversial system. Employers tend to believe workers’ compensation premiums are almost prohibitively expensive, while workers who are injured on the job and must file for workers’ compensation benefits could find the process filled with complexities.

Employers may even discourage employees injured on the job from filing a legitimate claim. Delays are common, and many workers on the lower end of the socio-economic scale may find they simply do not have the financial means to protest a system that leaves them injured and unable to support their families on the benefits provided. While every state in the U.S. has some form of workers’ compensation, the system does vary from state to state. Individual state laws determine which businesses must carry coverage, how much and how long they must pay an injured or ill employee, and what penalties are imposed if a company fails to comply.

For a FREE initial consultation, call Palace Law at (253) 544-5935.

States also set time limits for each step of the workers’ compensation claim process, including:

How long the employee has to report a job-related injury or illness
How long employers and insurers have to investigate, process, and approve or deny a claim
How medical expenses will be covered
What type of wage benefits the employee will receive (temporary total disability, temporary partial disability, permanent partial disability or permanent total disability)
What death benefits and burial expenses will be paid to dependents of employees who die in a work-related accident

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When Jodi Crouch reflects on her husband Aaron, she sees a man who devoted 32 years of his life to helping others. But over time, the job took a toll on him.

"Jodi encouraged Aaron to reach out to Palace Law after they heard about the firm through a friend. She knew he needed someone who truly understood what it was like to be a public servant and to carry the weight of those hard days. For Jodi, Palace Law was different."

Types of Cases We Handle

What Workers’ Compensation Benefits Are Available in Oregon?

In Oregon, workers' compensation benefits include several types of support for injured workers. Here's a summary of the key benefits available:

Medical Benefits: Coverage for medical treatment related to the work injury, including doctor visits, hospital stays, surgeries, and medications.
Temporary Disability Benefits: These are payments to compensate for lost wages while the worker is temporarily unable to work due to the injury. The amount is typically a percentage of the worker's average weekly wage.
Permanent Disability Benefits: If the injury results in permanent impairment, workers may receive compensation based on the severity of the disability. This includes both permanent partial disability and permanent total disability benefits.
Death Benefits: In the unfortunate event of a worker's death due to a work-related injury, benefits are provided to the worker's dependents. This includes funeral expenses and ongoing financial support.
Return-to-Work Programs: Oregon offers programs like the Employer-at-Injury and Preferred Worker programs to help injured workers return to work. These programs provide financial incentives to employers and support for workers to facilitate their return to the workforce

How Long Do I Have to File My Washington Workers’ Compensation Claim?

While you should always file your workers’ compensation claim as quickly as possible, under Washington law you have one year from the date of your work injury to file a claim with Loss and Injury or your self-insured employer and two years from the date of a doctor’s diagnosis for an occupational disease claim to file for workers’ compensation.

How Long Do I Have to File My Oregon Workers’ Compensation Claim?

In Oregon, you only have 90 days to file a claim following an accident. So, you should file your workers' compensation claim as soon as possible after a work-related injury or illness.

Here are the key steps and timelines:

Immediate Reporting: Inform your employer about your injury or illness right away. This is crucial for starting the claim process.
Form 801: Complete the "Report of Job Injury or Illness" (Form 801) and submit it to your employer. Your employer is required to send this form to their workers' compensation insurance carrier within five days of being notified.
Medical Reporting: If you seek medical treatment, inform your doctor that the injury is work-related. Your doctor will help you complete Form 827, which they must send to the insurer within 72 hours of your visit.

What Workers’ Compensation Benefits Are Available in Washington?

In the state of Washington, the program administrator for workers’ compensation is the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries. Any employer with one or more employees must provide workers’ compensation coverage (with standard exceptions). Employers must cover all reasonable medical treatments related to workplace injuries. Although employees are allowed to choose their own doctor for a first visit, after that, the employer can require the employee to stay in-network.

Temporary total disability benefits are equal to 60-75 percent of the regular monthly wages, depending on the worker's number of dependents and the current average weekly wage in the state ($1,190 as of 2018). Workers must wait three days for benefits, and those benefits will be paid until the worker is able to return to work or has reached “maximum medical improvement.”

Temporary partial disability benefits in Washington are equal to 80 percent of the employee’s pre-injury wages minus post-injury wages. Permanent partial disability benefits will vary according to the severity of the injury (as rated by a qualified doctor). Permanent and totally disabled workers are eligible for a monthly pension, with the amount being dependent on pre-injury wages, the average state wages at the time of your injury, marital status, number of dependent children, Social Security benefits, and health-care benefits. Survivors may also receive a monthly pension at 120 percent of the statewide average wage for the year prior to the award. Domestic partners and spouses are also eligible for a one-time immediate death and burial benefit.

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Stay informed. stay connected.

“I hope to never get injured on the job again, but if I do, I would be contacting Palace Law again.”
It was so much easier allowing Palace Law to represent with my claim. Great communicators. All questions answered. Easy to get in contact. The team will take great care of them.

- Former Client
“The team here has done everything in their power to actually help me out.”
Totally a 5 star Law Firm. They actually care about "the RIGHT thing to do" and everyone has done and said nothing short of that. I have, would, and will, recommend them to anyone that has had a workplace injury and needs help navigating their way through the L&I process because L&I says they're there for you, but they really aren't. Palace Law really is and win or lose, they really do the footwork necessary to get you what's due. Thanks again for all your continuing help!!

- Ed G.
“Thanks Jordan for helping me when I had lost hope.”
Just when you feel like giving up and do not where to turn for legal advice. Call them, they are experienced, knowledgeable, caring and responsive.

- Former Client
“Definitely recommend if you are injured at work and don't know what steps to take.”
They have been entirely helpful since they accepted my case. Thorough and informative every step of the way. When I had an IME and no gas in my car they arranged for a ride to and from. After fighting tooth and nail myself with little to no results Palace Law stepped in and immediately Sedgwick stopped dragging me through the mud.

- Jacob H.
“Palace Law took my case when no other law firm would, and got me an amazing settlement, they are very thorough.”
They are an amazing team and made my case an easy process to cope with. They stayed in great communication with me every step of the way and fought to maximize my profit. Palace Law is hands down THE BEST law firm I’ve dealt with. Attorney John H and assistant Hailey make an amazing team.

- Former Client
“First time I felt like someone cared.”
Took my L&I case and immediately went to work. Got my denial appealed and I expect to get this case resolved soon. Stef is great and keeps me informed every step of the way. I’ve worked 48 years without any claims. I file ONE and L&I immediately denies me. L&I suks, thank God for Palace Law!

- Mike N.
“This company has gotten me through some of the hardest times of my life.”
I have worked with PALACE law for the last five years. On several occasions, my lawyer without her knowledge, has talk me off the edge when I was ready to give up. This company not only did they have my best interest, but also my well-being. I can not say enough positive things about my lawyer, Stefanie Carlton, she is always going above and beyond!

- Natalie W.
“Palace Law has the most professional, knowledgeable, courteous, understanding staff EVER!!”
If you're in need of an attorney, please call here first. You'll be glad you did.

- Aislyn R.

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What Are the Exceptions for Washington & Oregon Employers Regarding Workers’ Compensation?

While most businesses in Washington and Oregon, even with one employee, must carry workers’ compensation, there are some narrow exceptions, including:

Private homes that employ individuals to garden, do maintenance work, or make repairs
Individuals who work in return for assistance from a religious or charitable organization
Employees who are covered under federal law

Obtaining Legal Help for Your Workers’ Compensation Benefit Claim

Interpreting Washington’s workers’ compensation laws could be more complex than you might think; workers’ compensation laws change frequently, and handling a viable workers’ compensation claim on your own can be difficult. At Palace Law, we have helped thousands of injured workers win their workers’ compensation claims in Washington and Oregon. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to help you with your claim. We possess over 100 years of collective legal experience, which can benefit your workers’ compensation claim.

Don’t wait; contact Palace Law today for experienced assistance with your workers’ compensation claim.

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253-544-5935

4009 Bridgeport Way W
#B
University Place, WA 98466

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