Washington State Legislators have passed a new law. Now first responders can file a successful PTSD claim for the effects of cumulative trauma. The old law did not allow PTSD claims which are based on psychological traumas which occur over time and combine to cause severe mental problems. This old law is still in effect, for […]
The Supreme Court of Pennsylvania on June 20 2017 found the AMA guides unconstitutional for PPD rating in workers compensation cases. Pennsylvania law provided that the degree of impairment shall be based on an evaluation by a physician…pursuant to the most recent edition of the AMA guides. This delegation to the AMA to determine impairment, allowed […]
L&I providers, including medical doctors, osteopaths; chiropractors; naturopaths; podiatrists; dentists; optometrists; advanced registered nurse practitioners; physical therapists; occupational therapists; speech therapists; mental health providers such psychiatrists and psychologists can now obtain automated claim information. The self service automated phone line provides the following information. Claim Manager’s Name and Phone Number Claim Status Authorization Status Bill Payment Status Utilization Review […]
L&I is moving to encourage more ARNP’s to join and be treated fairly in their provider network. Under the proposal, ARNP’s should receive full L&I reimbursement for their services to injured workers. L&I plans to amend WAC 296-23-245 to make this happen. Comments on public testimony will be allowed between now and mid September. If allowed, the amendment to […]
This week a metro bus driver is in the hospital after a vicious knife attack. Another tragic incident resulting in a nut case for the criminal justice system and an injured driver who has to deal with L&I. How will L&I handle this claim? This claim should be straight forward with undisputed facts, lots of witness’, […]
The Seattle Times editorial board got it right in their recent Culture Change Needed at Western State piece of April 10, 2016 Their critical look at Western State shines a much needed light on the dark practice of failing to protect the nurses, psychiatric technicians, counselors, doctors, and other workers from workplace violence. Intimidation and […]
Looks like another round of layoff’s for Boeing employees. Here is information about how a layoff affects you and your L&I claim. CLAIM BASICSStarting an L&I ClaimStatute of Limitations TYPES OF CLAIMSInjuriesOccupational Disease LAYOFF STATUSLayoffs and L&I Claims WATCH OUT FOREleven Things That Can Ruin Your ClaimClaims Suppression of L&I/Workers’ Compensation Claims
In Washington State, each year the Department of Labor and Industries calculates the state minimum wage. Washington’s minimum wage for 2016 is $9.47 per hour. $9.47 per hour is the same minimum wage as Washington had in 2015. Minimum wage in this country is set by federal, state, and local jurisdictions. State and local jurisdictions can set […]
You have suffered an on the job injury and filed a workers compensation claim. Maybe you’ve had surgery and are off work. You’ve got time on your hands while you heal, so you update and post on your Facebook and Twitter accounts. At first the posts share how miserable you are, and you show pictures […]
Self Insured Employers Now Must Timely Pay Medical Bills For Injured Workers or Be Penalized Pre-existing penalty rule Benefits to Self Insured injured workers must be timely paid. Benefits included: Time Loss, Loss of Earning, and Permanent Partial Disability. A new rule A new rule added medical bills to the benefits Self Insured employers must […]
Christopher Sharpe founded the Sharpe Law Firm 35 years ago. His law firm is helpful, honest, and knowledgeable about workers' compensation and personal injury law in the state of Washington. For more than three decades, they have exclusively represented the little guy against the Department of Labor and Industry and corporate giants. The L&I system shortchanges injured workers of Washington State. The Sharpe Law Firm and their associates tirelessly advocate for their clients to make sure that they receive every dollar they have coming to them. Chris was born and raised in Seattle. Chris is the author of this website, and proud to be able to share workers' compensation information and give back to the community by making this information free. He received his Law degree from the University of Puget Sound and B.A. degree in psychology from the University of Washington. He limits his law practice to L&I Workers Compensation and Personal Injury
Sharpe Law Firm
2775 Harbor Avenue SW, Suite D
Seattle, WA 98126-2138
Phone:
(206) 343-1988
Toll-Free:
(800) 919-4636
Fax:
(206) 652-4655
info@sharpelawfirm.org
