You do not have to pay a worker’s compensation lawyer up front.
Workers’ compensation lawyers (Washington State L&I) work on a contingent fee basis. This means you only their attorney fees if and when they recover money for you.
Every lawyer is different. Ask any lawyer you are interviewing to see their fee agreement. It will explain the details.
L&I lawyer fees are limited.
Attorney Fees and Case Costs are two different things.
More information about L&I attorney fees.