The worker’s compensation process is designed to protect workers and ensure they get access to the care they need after a work injury. Unfortunately, the path a worker has totake to seek compensation and get adequate medical treatment is not always straightforward, and many workers simply give up due to the numerous obstacles. That is when hiring an L&I attorney can make all the difference.

What Does an L&I Lawyer Do?

A Labor & Industry Lawyer (also known as a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer) assists injured workers in the process of obtaining benefits. An attorney can help the worker by performing a long list of tasks, including conducting a thorough medical investigation, interviewing doctors and witnesses, handling paperwork and filing forms as needed, and if necessary, litigating the case before a judge. An attorney can make sure a worker submits enough medical evidence to support the claim and can communicate with the employer, insurer, and different parties involved in the claim process.  At Church & Page PLLC, we can assist workers who were injured by a third party (someone other than the worker’s employer or co-worker), and also assist an injured worker to find an attorney to help with the Labor & Industry claim.

Why Should an Injured Worker Hire an L&I Lawyer?

The claim process for obtaining or keeping L&I benefits can be confusing and time-consuming for many workers. Here are 13 examples of when hiring an attorney may be in your best interest.

  1. You have filed a claim and your benefits have been delayed or denied altogether.
  2. You have a pre-existing condition that may affect your claim.
  3. You are suffering from a mental condition such as burnout or depression and need to take time off work.
  4. You are having difficulty gathering enough evidence to show your injury was work-related.
  5. Your employer is saying you are not covered by workers’ compensation.
  6. You have been told to see the company doctor and are unsure about the diagnosis that doctor has given you.
  7. The doctor downplayed your injury or miscategorized it, resulting in reduced benefits.
  8. You are confused and unsure about how to proceed with your claim.
  9. Your employer or their insurer is not treating you well and withholding documents.
  10. You are facing workplace retaliation after filing a claim.
  11. Your injury resulted in permanent disability.
  12. You are being accused of fraud.
  13. You would rather focus on healing and let someone else handle all the paperwork and phone calls.

What if I Can’t Afford an Attorney for My Case?

Many L&I attorneys work on a contingency fee basis. This means you will likely not need to pay anything out-of-pocket, and your attorney will only get paid when you receive your benefits or your settlement.

At Church & Page PLLC, we have assisted countless injured workers to get the settlement they deserve. There is no reason to try to handle it all yourself. Our attorneys can help with making a claim, and may be able to help you find an attorney to handle the Labor & Industry claim. Contact us at (509) 638-1414.