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I am a bit of a Halloween junkie. A neighborhood friend of mine and I compete every year, trying to outdo each other’s decorations and create spooky ways to deliver candy to the ghouls and goblins. In my opinion, there’s nothing more cool than excited trick-or-treaters yelling, “FULL BARS!!!”
Anyway, I regrettably feel like I am at the end of the spooky season, but I’ll throw in one more scary story about L&I and worker’s compensation laws in Washington State.
The real-life frights behind the law
I recently spoke with an injured worker who had fallen from about 15 feet, off of scaffolding, and onto the concrete below. He had cuts, scrapes, broken bones, and he lost consciousness. When he woke up, his site supervisor told him he had to stay out and wait for the company’s nurse to come see him. Over two hours later, concussed, having asked supervisors and coworkers to take him to the hospital, the nurse finally showed up to help. Her first words? “He needs to go to the hospital right now.”
It was revealed quite shortly after that our injured worker had suffered a traumatic brain injury and would spend the next several months dealing with severe headaches, tinnitus, vestibular issues like vertigo, and memory problems. After more than two years of extensive treatment, some of the symptoms are starting to improve.
Scary, right? If you fell from scaffolding, a ladder, or even just the last step off your porch—breaking bones or slamming your head hard enough to lose consciousness—wouldn’t your first thought be, “I need to get to the hospital”? Should that be any different because you’re at work?
**SPOILER ALERT** – the answer is NO!
Red flags to watch for immediately after a workplace injury
Far too frequently, a self-insured employer (or a state-fund employer who uses a retro group or third-party representative) is only concerned with the financial impact of on-the-job injuries. Although claim suppression is illegal, if the employer forces you to see their “nurse” or a company medical officer, etc., they know there’s a chance they can convince you not to file a claim. Here are some common red flags to watch out for:
Being told to stay on-site for treatment
If your employer insists that you remain on site after an injury to see their internal medical staff before seeking outside medical care, be cautious. This is a common tactic used to delay or control your treatment, which can put your health at risk. Don’t feel obligated to wait around—if you’re injured, you have the right to seek immediate medical attention.
Pressure to use a specific clinic or medical professional
Another red flag is when your employer directs you to a particular clinic, doctor, or other healthcare provider, limiting your choice of treatment. This is often a strategy to manage costs rather than prioritize your recovery. You’re entitled to choose your medical provider to get the best care for your injury.
Delays or resistance in getting you to immediate medical care
If you experience any kind of pushback or delay when you request medical treatment after an injury, recognize that your health comes first. An employer should never interfere with or delay your ability to see a doctor.
At the end of the day, if you need medical treatment immediately after an industrial injury, go get it. Period. Full stop.
Got a story? Let’s turn the scary into proactive support
If you’ve had creepy, haunting, downright spine-chilling experiences with an L&I claim, you’re not alone. Many workers face scary hurdles when they’re at their most vulnerable, and we’re here to help you tackle those fears head-on. Whether you’re dealing with ghostly delays, mysterious denials, or endless rounds with company representatives who don’t have your best interests at heart, don’t face the horror alone. Give us a call, and let’s bring a little light (and a lot of courage) into the process. Alright, I think that’s enough Halloween spookiness for now—until next year!
