Workers' Compensation Attorneys

Tacoma, WA Workers’ Compensation Attorney

Incorporated in 1874, Tacoma is the third-largest city in Washington, located off the southern tip of Puget Sound in Western Washington. Tacoma lies 26 miles east of Seattle—the peak of Mount Rainier is roughly 40 miles to the southeast, dominating the skyline. European-Americans settled in the Tacoma area, constructing the first sawmill in 1852. The railroad that came to Tacoma in the late 1800s created Tacoma’s nickname, “City of Destiny,” as Tacoma was the final stop, linking the railway with shipping vessels. Today, Tacoma is the sixth-largest shipping port in North America.

In 1990, Money Magazine voted Tacoma the fourth-best place to live in the United States. In 1995, Entrepreneur Magazine voted Tacoma the Top Mid-Sized City for Small Businesses, and in 2004, Tacoma was voted the Most Livable Region by Partners for Livable Communities. As a city that is seeing an expansion of businesses, Tacoma residents may suffer work injuries that require them to file a workers’ compensation claim. Having an experienced Tacoma workers’ compensation attorney by your side can make a significant difference in the outcome of your claim.

Are There Any Circumstances in Which Workers’ Compensation Will Not Pay?

While fault for the accident generally does not factor into whether a worker is eligible for workers’ compensation benefits, there are certain circumstances that could prohibit workers’ compensation benefits from being awarded, including:

An accident caused by the employee’s drug or alcohol use
Injuries resulting from violations of the law
Any injury that is not connected to the job
Violations of company policy

Over 30 Years of Experience Fighting for Personal Injury Victims

If you've been hurt and left to deal with the aftermath on your own, we're here to guide you through the process and fight for the compensation you truly deserve.

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“Five stars without a doubt!”
I had an outstanding experience working with Ciana on a personal injury matter. Without her expertise, I would have never realized that I even had a case. Ciana’s attention to detail and deep understanding of personal injury law were invaluable. She guided me through every step with professionalism and care, ensuring I understood the process and felt supported. Thanks to her diligence and expertise, what could have been overlooked became a well-handled case. I highly recommend Ciana to anyone needing a knowledgeable and dedicated legal professional.

- Natalie S.
“She and the rest of the team at Palace law made what could've been a stressful endeavor extremely smooth.”
Hailey was super helpful and communication was always prompt and professional. Thank you for all your hard work Hailey and the rest of the team at Palace law.

- Jay R.
“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
“Not only did they win my case, but they did it with professionalism and kindness.”
I highly recommend Palace Law for your work place injury. I would definitely use them again but hopefully I won’t have to.

- Sharon R.
“Palace Law and Sandra has been a true blessing during the hardest time of my life.”
I’ve spent the last 7 years working with them and it hasn’t been a easy ride but they work very hard to get the best outcome for there clients. Sandra has done an outstanding job keeping me informed of the process and keeping me feel safe and secure with my future. I couldn’t of asked for a better person and team to help me during this stressful time and working hard to get me what I deserved.

- John A.
“I highly recommend Palace Law to anyone seeking expert guidance and support for injury cases.”
Exceptional legal representation! My experience with Kim was outstanding. She was incredibly knowledgeable, professional, and dedicated to ensuring I received the outcome I deserved. Kim’s communication throughout the process was clear and timely, providing me with peace of mind during a challenging time.

- Chad F.
“Without their help I definitely would’ve been lost.”
Aria has been working with me and she is very thorough. I don’t get good sleep at night because of my injury but knowing that Palace Law is on the job gives me peace of mind specially, when they have employees like Aria thanks for letting me give my feedback and putting me in a position to give feedback.

- Kelly Y.
“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.

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Why Should You Choose a Tacoma Workers’ Compensation Attorney from Palace Law?

It can be more complex than you might think to interpret Washington’s workers’ compensation laws. The laws that govern workers’ compensation in Washington may change often and handling a claim on your own can be difficult. At Palace Law, we have helped thousands of injured workers be successful with their workers’ compensation claims. Not only is the Palace Law legal team available 24/7 we have many more reasons it could benefit you to hire Palace Law for your workers’ compensation claim.

Palace Law has four lawyers that have tried more than 200 cases each
Our firm has more than 1,500 positive reviews
If you are too injured to travel, we can come to you
We offer free legal forms and a free case evaluator – try out PatBot now!
Palace Law offers fast, free workers’ compensation case assessments
Even if you think you cannot afford a lawyer, talk to Palace Law—we make hiring a lawyer affordable and easy

What are the Requirements for Workers’ Compensation in Washington?

Workers’ compensation requirements vary from state to state, as each individual state sets the requirements. In the state of Washington, all businesses with one or more full or part-time employees are required to carry workers’ compensation insurance. This insurance must be purchased from the State Fund. Business Owners, Partners, Corporate Officers, LLC Members, and Sole Proprietors are excluded from workers’ compensation insurance under the statutes, but they may elect to be covered. The state of Washington has an online tool for verification of workers’ compensation coverage.

Companies that have employees that travel out of state for work could potentially require a policy for each of the states where the employees are located and working, however, in many cases, multiple states can be covered under your Washington policy. Policy premiums are generally based on a number of factors, including prior workers’ compensation claims, estimated payroll, class codes assigned to the business and employees, covered states, and prior policies. There are other exemptions to workers’ compensation requirements, including:

Private homes that employ individuals to make repairs, garden, or do maintenance work
Individuals that work in return for assistance from a charitable organization or religious organization
Individuals hired to perform personal errands or chores that do not benefit the business, rather benefit the owner of the business
Individuals that perform domestic work in private homes so long as two or more workers do not work more than 40 hours per week
Any employees covered under federal law
Children under the age of 18 employed by their parents
Some musicians and entertainers

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Award-Winning Representation

What is the Difference Between an Injury Claim and an Occupational Disease Claim?

An occupational disease occurs as a result of the workers’ employment. As an example, a shipyard worker exposed to asbestos who is diagnosed with mesothelioma could have an occupational disease claim. The occupational disease must be a condition or disease that is caused or aggravated—at least in part—by the specific work conditions of the employer. Occupational disease workers’ compensation claims are often rejected because there is insufficient information to provide a compelling argument for benefits.

It is important that you have written documentation regarding the onset and development of your symptoms, and that you accurately convey key details regarding why you can no longer meet the physical demands of your job due to your occupational disease. An injury claim occurs when you are injured on the job. You may have fallen on a slippery floor or suffered an injury from a machine used at your workplace. An injury occurs immediately, while an occupational disease can take months or years to develop.

What Benefits Might You Be Entitled to Receive for Your Workers’ Compensation Claim?

Washington workers’ compensation generally covers medical and hospital benefits that arise from your workplace injury. This includes doctor visits, prescriptions, surgical costs, rehabilitation services, and certain other medical expenses. Your benefits may also cover some travel for medical appointments and procedures. Washington workers’ compensation benefits can also cover partial wage replacement if you are unable to work or have been delegated to light duty as a result of your injury.

You may also be eligible for job retraining and assistance finding a new job following your injury. While you are generally able to see a medical provider of your choice for emergency treatment immediately after your workplace injury, follow-up care must be through a Washington workers’ compensation authorized provider. Generally speaking, wage benefits are about two-thirds of your normal monthly salary. Washington workers’ compensation also pays for a partial or more permanent disability.

If, for example, an employee lost a finger in an accident at work, he or she might be paid a sum (Impairment Rating) for the loss of the finger for permanent disability as well as some temporary disability during the recuperation process. Workers’ compensation also pays the funeral expenses of an employee killed on the job, along with death benefits to the employee’s family.

Are There Any Circumstances in Which Workers’ Compensation Will Not Pay?

An accident caused by the employee’s drug or alcohol use
Injuries resulting from violations of the law
Any injury that is not connected to the job
Violations of company policy

What Are Some Common Causes of Workers’ Compensation Injuries?

There are scores of ways workers could be injured on the job. Slip and fall accidents are a relatively common source of injury, thus workers’ compensation claims. Other common causes of Washington workers’ compensation claims include:

Accident on construction sites
Electrical accidents
Chemical spill accidents
Welding accidents
Occupational diseases
Ladder and scaffolding accidents
Traumatic brain injuries
Back and neck injuries
Carpal tunnel injuries

What Should You Do Immediately Following Your Workplace Injury?

Your employee handbooks and/or human resource departments should have specific procedures for what to do after an on-the-job injury. If this is the case, you should follow the guidelines listed. Otherwise, you should notify your supervisor or HR department then go to a doctor or urgent care to be checked out. While you are at the doctor’s office you can file an accident report for your workplace injury or occupational disease.

Generally speaking, if your doctor certifies you were injured at work or have an occupational disease, your claim will likely be approved, however, if the doctor is unable to certify your injury or medical condition, your claim may be denied. If your claim is denied, you can protest the decision through the Board of Industrial Insurance Appeals.

Do You Really Need a Tacoma Workers’ Compensation Attorney?

Not everyone that files a workers’ compensation claim will require an attorney, but interpreting the laws associated with Washington workers’ compensation can be complex. These laws tend to change frequently, requiring an attorney who keeps up with the changes. Further, if any of the following are true regarding your workers’ compensation claim, you would benefit from having a Tacoma workers’ compensation attorney in your corner:

Your benefits are being denied or have been delayed
You have a pre-existing condition
You have been asked to attend an independent medical exam
You have been accused of WC fraud
You are not sure which doctor to see
Your symptoms have developed gradually, over time
Your employer is claiming you are not covered by Washington workers’ compensation

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How a Tacoma Workers’ Compensation Attorney from Palace Law Can Help

At Palace Law, we are highly skilled in dealing with workers’ compensation claims. We have a full understanding of the process and know how to file an appeal that gets results. If you have suffered a work injury, or have an occupational disease, we can help you file your worker’s compensation claim and will answer all your questions in an easy-to-understand way.

Contact Palace Law today for a free, comprehensive evaluation of your claim.

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4009 Bridgeport Way W
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