What Is a Lump Sum Settlement and Is It Right for You?

If you’ve reached a settlement in your workers’ comp case, you’re going to receive compensation for your workplace injury or occupational disease. Now, you must decide: should you accept a lump sum payout or a different type of payment? Getting...

Jul

2025

What to Do If Your Workers’ Comp Claim Is Denied

by Walthew Law Firm |Workers Comp

The workers’ compensation system in Washington State assists workers who are injured on the job. It provides vital benefits to cover medical bills, lost wages, and, when necessary, retraining for those who cannot return to their previous line of work....

Jul

2025

Challenges Injured Workers Face Navigating the L&I System in Washington State

by Walthew Law Firm |Workers Comp

A recent investigative report by Lizz Giordano at Cascade PBS brings much-needed attention to the significant barriers injured workers encounter when trying to access benefits through Washington’s workers’ compensation system after suffering an on-the-job injury. The investigation underscores systemic issues...

Jun

2025

2025 Cost of Living Adjustments (COLA) for WA L&I

by Walthew Law Firm |COLA

Each year, Washington State adjusts workers’ compensation benefits to account for changes in the cost of living. The 2025 adjustment is 6.8%, takes effect July 1, 2025, and remains in place through June 30, 2026. These adjustments help injured workers...

Jan

2023

What is the Vocational Process?

by Walthew Law Firm |Vocation

In Washington State, all employers are mandated to have workers’ compensation insurance that provides medical coverage and wage replacement benefits to help injured workers recover and return to their job. Also, in the unfortunate event that an injured worker sustained injuries that are so severe that they are not able…

Dec

2022

What Type of Benefits are Available in WC Claims?

by Walthew Law Firm |Claim Resolution

Were you hurt on the job in Washington? You are not alone. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Western Information Office reports that there were 78,200 nonfatal work-related injuries and illnesses reported in Washington in 2020 alone. Every employee in Washington—including part-time—is entitled to workers’ compensation insurance coverage. You can…

Oct

2022

A Family Member Died from a Work Injury—Can I Get Benefits?

by Walthew Law Firm |Wrongful Death Personal Injury

Workers deserve safe conditions. Unfortunately, worker safety still has a long way to go. According to data from the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries (L&I), 693 workers were killed on the job in the state between 2010 and...

Sep

2022

What is a CRSA? A Guide for Injured Workers

by Walthew Law Firm |Claim Resolution Workers Comp

Workplace injuries and illnesses remain a serious concern. According to the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I), more than 108,000 workers’ compensation claims were filed in the state in the 2021 Fiscal Year (FY). Approximately 75 percent of...

Sep

2022

Disability Benefits – PPD / TTD

by Walthew Law Firm |Workers Comp

Following a serious work-related injury, you will need financial compensation to support yourself and your family. If you were forced to miss any time on the job and/or your doctors feel you have permanent impairment because of your work-related injury,...

Jun

2022

Work Safety in Washington: Heat, Wildfire, and Smoke Protections for Outdoor Workers for the Summer of 2022

by Walthew Law Firm |Workers Comp

On June 1, 2022, the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries (L&I) announced a new workplace safety guidance that increases heat and wildfire smoke protections for outdoor workers. At Walthew Law Firm, we are strong advocates for worker safety...