Workers’ compensation plays an important part in keeping America’s workforce on the job, though the specifics of various workers’ comp programs can vary significantly from one state to another. The state of Washington has set forth its own workers’ comp program, which is designed to provide as much coverage as possible for individuals in most professions. Should you be injured at work in Washington, your employer’s workers’ compensation insurance provider will be required to cover your medical expenses as well as potentially offering you additional funds if the injury proves to be immobilizing or disabling.
Unfortunately, there are some individuals who are not included in Washington workers’ compensation coverage. If you work as a domestic servant in a small private household or act as a gardener, maintenance worker, or other hired hand at a private household then you are excluded from workers’ comp coverage. Additionally, you are also not covered if you are employed to do work that is outside of the trade or business of your employer, or if you are performing work for some form of compensation other than money (such as working for a room, food, or other forms of compensation.) Washington workers’ compensation laws also do not apply to anyone who is employed that is under the age of 18 years old. Other exclusions exist for sole proprietors, partners, and certain officers and members of non-public corporations or limited liability companies.
Because of the various exclusions contained within Washington state law, it’s vital that you contact an experienced workers’ compensation attorney should you become injured while on the job. Your attorney will be able to advise you on how to proceed with your workers’ comp claim after you have received medical treatment and will be able to help ensure that you are granted all of the coverage that is allowed to you by law. Should you be temporarily or permanently disabled, or find that due to your injuries you are no longer able to perform essential job functions, then your attorney will also assist you in filing further claims for additional funds or coverage for the expenses of physical therapy, rehabilitation, and if necessary further job training or job placement services.
Should a loved one be severely injured on the job and die as a result of their injuries, you and your family may be entitled to workers’ compensation claims as well. Your loved one’s employer should cover any medical expenses that were accrued as a result of their injury, as well as funeral expenses and survivors’ benefits for children or immediate family. Again, consulting an attorney will help to make sure that all due benefits are paid in a timely manner and they may also be able to consult you as to whether additional legal action (such as a wrongful death lawsuit) should be taken.
Certain professions may also feature additional benefits for workers’ compensation under Washington law. Railway workers, maritime workers, and others who are vital to interstate and intrastate commerce all have specific provisions granted to them under law. Those who are exposed to asbestos as a part of their standard employment may also be entitled to additional benefits should health problems arise from that exposure. Your attorney should be able to provide you with additional information about these specialized workers’ compensation provisions if they apply to you or a loved one.
If you file a workers’ comp claim and it is denied, you may appeal the decision to the Board of Industrial Insurance Appeals. This board is established by the governor of Washington to help ensure that citizens of the state receive the compensation that they deserve, and will review cases whose denial has been called into question. Once an appeal has been heard, the decision of the Board can override the original decision if it is contradictory.
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