Category: LNI News (Page 3 of 22)

I’ve been representing work injury claimants for nearly 20 years. I don’t want to say that I’ve seen it all. I’m sure I haven’t. But I’ve seen a lot. During a standard day, I take approximately 3-5 claim consultations. Usually, while on the phone with injured workers, we spend a lot of time discussing workers compensation claim outcomes. If anything, there’s one top thing I’ve learned to date. No claim outcome is better than not getting injured in the first place!

 

Improving safety means less work injuries

Many organizations are committed to improving workplace safety. Here, at state level in Washington State, we have the Department of Labor and Industry (L&I) and WISHA. Then, at the federal level, there’s OSHA and NIOSH. In general, most employers also work very hard to eliminate work injury occurrences. After all, fewer workplace injuries mean lower workers’ comp claim costs. It also means lower employer premiums, and less loss of productivity.

 

How a workers’ comp attorney views workplace safety

Many people ask me what I do. What does it mean to be a workers’ compensation attorney? Usually, I say that I help people navigate the most challenging and life altering event of their lives. Remember- fewer workplace injuries means fewer work injury claimants who have to endure these challenges. We must acknowledge that all participants play a key role here. Federal organizations, state agencies, employers, and workers. Therefore, I can’t stress enough the importance of doing your part. For me, my primary concern is obviously the worker. KEEP YOURSELF SAFE IN THE WORKPLACE!

 

What can I do to avoid a workplace injury?

There are many things that workers can do to improve their personal safety at work. For one, you should know your work environment. Knowing the layout, hazards, emergency routes, and environment can help workers spot dangerous situations. On top, it can also help workers get out of a dangerous circumstances or minimize injury. More importantly, identifying unsafe situations can prevent accidents before they happen.

 

Another way to reduce injuries is to learn how to use equipment safely. It’s critical to know how to properly operate tools, machinery, and other office equipment. Sometimes, there are certain procedures that you must follow. Here, obeying to simple procedures can dramatically reduce the likelihood of getting injured while operating equipment.

 

What are other ways to improve safety at work?

It’s also very important to take regular breaks. Taking breaks isn’t about being lazy. Additionally, it’s not about shirking job responsibilities. Studies show that taking breaks reduces fatigue and burnout. Furthermore, it improves attention, concentration, and thought clarity. Being alert, focused and clear is another great way to reduce the chance of suffering a work injury.

 

In general, we also recommend coming to work rested. While it’s not always possible, it’s very important. Fatigue leads to mistakes and reduces reaction times. Both factors can be a recipe for disaster in the work setting.

 

Other tips to reduce work accidents

Finally, it’s important to maintain good body mechanics. Body position is extremely important. This is true for both sedentary workers and physically demanding jobs. More explicitly, you can maintain good body mechanics through good posture, safe maneuvers, and movements. You can also pay attention to ergonomics, and appropriate body conditioning. These are all great ways to decrease the probability of workplace injury.

 

In summary, as workers, we must remember that organizations and employers are working to reduce the frequency of injuries in the workplace. However, it’s not only on them. It’s also on us. It’s up to us to take steps to protect ourselves. There is no greater workers’ compensation benefit than not suffering an injury in the first place.

 

The Department of Labor and Industries (L&I) in Washington State announced premium rate hikes this week. The rate change affects workers and employers alike. Interestingly, this is the first workers’ compensation insurance rate increase in 5 years. In fact, premium rates will increase by 3.1% in 2022. Yet, even with this increase, workers’ compensation premium rates will be lower than in 2017.

 

Work injury claim insurance coverage

It’s important to remember that L&I provides workers’ compensation coverage to roughly 2.6 million workers. The insurance fund uses funds from premiums that L&I collects from employees and employers statewide. These funds cover all aspects of L&I claim expenses. This includes medical treatment benefits and wage replacement such as time-loss compensation and loss of earning power benefits. It also covers permanent partial disability awards, L&I claim settlement, and L&I claim pension payments.

 

Employers and workers pay into the workers’ compensation system to help cover insurance costs. Payments for the L&I Accident Fund provide workers with wage and disability benefits after a work injury on the job. It also covers the medical treatment for the work injury, occupational disease, or other work-related illness.

 

L&I claim insurance rate hike – reasons and background

Per L&I, the rate increase in 2022 is necessary because of rising coverage costs. Specifically, according to L&I’s announcement, costs are rising due to Cost-of-Living Adjustments (COLA). Furthermore, costs are increasing because of higher average wages across the state and the spike in inflation.

 

Naturally, many wonder if the increase in insurance costs has to do with coverage for COVID L&I Claims. During the pandemic, L&I helped thousands of businesses with premium payment grace periods and payment plans. However, according to L&I, it is not including COVID claim cost exposure in calculating premium rates.

 

Not all work injury rate hikes are equal

Remember, the 3.1% L&I insurance rate increase is an average. This means that certain employers and employees might see different increases (or decreases). It all depends on a variety of factors. For example, factors include things like recent claim history. Moreover, they comprise changes in the frequency and cost of claims in industry risk classes. At the same time, employees will continue to pay approximately quarter of the higher premium cost. In fact, employee’s contribution share is comparable to the contribution percentages in 2021.

 

The workplace injury insurance outlook in Washington State

In its announcement, L&I explicitly emphasized the importance of keeping rates steady and predictable. It plans to do this through efforts to prevent workplace injury and workplace illness occurrences. Additionally, L&I plans to continue to help workplace injury claimants heal and return to work.

 

Furthermore, L&I announced its goal to support recovery and provide services more early in the workers’ compensation claim process. Given this statement, I humbly suggest that L&I does a better job authorizing necessary objective diagnostic studies early in claims. That way, we won’t need to discover herniated disks, fractures, and tears two years into the L&I claim administration process.

 

Our law firm, Reck Law – Workers’ Compensation Attorneys, is adding two motivated individuals to our hard-working team. At Reck Law, we strive to achieve the best outcomes for the injured workers we represent all over Washington State. We do it through fierce advocacy at all levels of the L&I claim and self-insured employer claim process, from administration to litigation.

 

Entry level paralegal or legal assistant

We are preparing for the upcoming retirement of one of our most cherished paralegals. Therefore, we are looking for a new entry level paralegal or legal assistant to join our team. The most critical characteristic for this position is a genuine desire to help people after, particularly after a work injury. The second most critical characteristic is a strong work ethic and commitment to being a good team member. You must also be able to pay close attention to detail. Our team is vibrant and energetic. We have a lot of fun working together. We are looking for a new team member that can fit in and contribute to our work culture.

 

This entry level position requires close collaboration with other members of our team, which include senior paralegals and attorneys. Here, daily activities include regularly reviewing L&I claim file materials and completing and submitting necessary paperwork. It also includes preparing and processing a variety of correspondence and following up on requests and inquiries. Moreover, you’ll be taking and responding to client calls, and maintain a personal system for tracking tasks and deadlines. If you would like to learn more, please email office@recklaw.com for details on the application and interview process.

 

Entry level associate attorney

Most of our litigation work takes place before the Board of Industrial Insurance Appeals. By far, the topmost requirement for this position is your passion to help people following a work injury to get their life back on track. After that, the second requirement is your unquestionable work ethic and your commitment to winning cases. If you think you have what it takes, this position offers a rare opportunity to train and mentor under one of the top workers’ compensation attorneys in Washington State. On top, you’ll have the opportunity to engage in all aspects of BIIA litigation from day one.

 

You will learn how to weigh the strengths and weaknesses of each case. You’ll develop successful litigation strategies. Litigation before the Board requires reviewing claim file materials in detail and understanding the issues under appeal. Furthermore, it requires identifying elements required to meet the burden of proof on each issue, being involved in preparing and responding to discovery requests, and preparing and responding to pre and post hearing pleadings. Moreover, it involves witness preparation, presenting compelling lay and expert testimony, and effective cross examination of lay and expert witnesses. If you would like to be considered, please email us at office@recklaw.com to inquire about the application and interview process.

 

Personal note from the managing attorney

Workers’ compensation isn’t easy. It’s a labor of love. However, in our experience, most people don’t realize they’re going to love it until they do. We work hard, we’re scrappy, and we have A LOT of fun. Our work environment is hyper-energetic, no BS and no drama. We pride ourselves on having a healthy work life balance. Finally, at Reck Law, we don’t discriminate. Come join us.