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 all occupations in Washington State, except first […]
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 BASICS Beginners L&I Claim Guide TYPES OF CLAIMS Injuries Occupational Disease LAYOFF STATUS Layoffs and L&I Claims WATCH OUT FOR Eleven Things That Can Ruin Your Claim Claims Suppression of L&I/Workers’ Compensation […]
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 […]
Maximum time loss and pension rates were not capped by the 2011 COLA freeze. This is good news for some high wage employees, on timeloss or pension since 7/1/2011. The good news arises from the case of Crabb v. DLI successfully argued by attorney David Lauman L&I has started to issue the underpayments owed to injured […]
Hundreds of people die each year from chronic asthmatic conditions caused by air pollution at work. Respirable silica is considered one of the most toxic. Dust at dangerous levels is commonly found in wood mills and in wood product fabrication or manufacturing plants. Workers that inhale this poison, over a period of years, can contract […]
Christopher Sharpe is the go to attorney for injured persons. His law firm is helpful, honest, and knowledgeable about workers' compensation and personal injury law in the State of Washington. Chris has been helping injured Washington State workers for over 30 years. He has built his practice on thoroughly educating, honestly helping, and successfully representing workers throughout Washington State. Public schools did not teach you how to survive the effects of a serious job injury and effectively handle an L&I claim. Our website does. It provides you an opportunity to get information about the medical, vocational, financial, and legal help you need to make your L&I claim work for you. Read the information on this website and then contact us with your questions. Taking the time to learn about injury law and your rights could be the smartest thing you've ever done. We are here to help you make good choices.
Sharpe Law Firm
2775 Harbor Avenue SW, Suite D
Seattle, WA 98126-2138
Phone:
(206) 343-1988
Fax:
(206) 652-4655
