Monday, June 11, 2012

Should I get an Attorney?

Many people ask me whether they need an attorney to navigate the L & I process in Washington.  As with all things an attorney is not required, however; recommended.  The Department does not have the injured worker's best interest at heart when it reviews your claim.  The Department is seeking to process the claim as quickly as possible.  They want to eliminate time loss, Permanent Partial Disability (PPD) claims and vocational benefits.  From their perspective the government is spending too much money on these types of claims.  They are encouraged to save costs and eliminate exposure where possible.  Frankly, they are just doing their job.
However, they know how to influence the data to get a claim closed sooner than may be beneficial for you.  That is why an attorney is advantageous.  An attorney does not get paid unless he or she is getting you a benefit.  It is in the attorney's best interest to make sure your rights are protected.  While you may not need to retain an attorney in your particular case the sooner you talk to one the more likely you are to be protected during the process.  If you have any other questions please contact me through our website www.fordlawofficesspokane.com.

Do I report an Injury at Work?

The biggest problem with work related injuries is that they are not timely reported.  If you are injured at work go tell your supervisor.  Ask for a report of accident form and immediately write down what happened to you, who witnessed and when it occurred.  Employers, as a rule, are suspicious of claims that are not reported as soon as possible.  Employers tend to be more likely to fight an accident claim if it is not immediately reported.  While your employer may like you, they do not want to pay for an injury a work.  In my experience employers will fight claims that are not quickly reported.
They also tend to fight claims for any injuries that occurred on Monday mornings.  In their experience it is the employee trying to claim a weekend injury as work related.  To avoid the hassle report your injury as soon as it occurs.  Give the employer witnesses to talk to and you are more likely to get a claim up and going as soon as you are hurt.  If you have trouble with your claim give an experienced workers compensation attorney a call to help you resolve the issues.  If you have any questions please give me a call. 
 Disclaimer.  These blogs are meant to be helpful in understanding the process and in no way should be considered legal advice regarding your claim.  Please contact my office if you would like to schedule an appointment to discuss your claim.

Monday, April 2, 2012

Ford Law Workers Compensation Spokane

Workers Compensation
Representation For On-The-Job Injuries
If you were injured at work we can help you. The law requires that your employer or the Department of Labor and industries pays for certain expenses related to your injury at work. These benefits include but are not limited to compensation for time lost and medical expenses, as well as loss of earning power. When your claim is closed, you can cash the check sent to you without foregoing your right to have your claim reviewed as long as you, or this office on your behalf, appeals in a timely manner any order received by you. When your workers compensation benefits are not fully provided to you, you have the right to protect your rights in court.
Our goal is to help you obtain all the benefits to which you are entitled under the Industrial Insurance Act. At many of the firms you do not get to speak to your attorney. At Ford Law Offices, P.S. we strive to make our attorney’s available to answer your questions. We give you the personal service you deserve. Please give us a call 509-924-2400 for your free consultation.
Our Service is Right for You.
One of our key areas of focus at Ford Law Offices, P.S. is resolving workers compensation issues. Our attorneys have experience in personal injury, worker’s compensation and disability cases.
We want to help you with your workers compensation or Labor & Industries (L&I) claim.
• Filing for permanent partial disability
• Filing for occupational disease or repetitive trauma claims
• Review of your file to ensure maximum benefit
• Denial of an application to reopen your claim
• Widow or widower claims
• Filing pension claims
• Representation when you’ve been denied time off, have lost wages or been denied medical treatment
• Assistance in acquiring vocational training
• Representation against harassment or breach of civil rights by an employer
• Filing crime victims claims
• Filing a claim to review the permanent partial disability awarded to you, which is not a settlement payment, but a right, so you can cash the award check and still appeal if you act timely from the date of the award
• We will review your case to see if we can work on a contingency fee basis. A contingency fee mean that you do not pay any attorney fees until you’ve recovered compensation. If you think you may have a workers compensation claim, or want to ensure that the benefits being offered are fair under the law, please contact one of our offices; the initial review of your claim is free.
Take advantage of our free initial consultation by calling us today at 1.866528.7577 or e-mail us. We offer a no risk opportunity to speak to a lawyer about your workers compensation issue

Visit us at www.fordlawofficesspokane.com