Frequently asked
legal questions

You can, but sometimes it takes a couple of weeks to see your doctor. If it’s more urgent than that, go to an urgent care facility or the emergency department of your local hospital.

The State of Washington has a law against the retaliatory firing of an injured worker for filing a claim.

You don’t have to sue your employer. The vast majority of claims are concluded without needing to be before a judge.

Workers’ comp claims, like auto accidents, are paid for by the insurance carrier, not the employer directly. Unless the employer has opted to be self-employed.

Currently, no. While tax law and regulations are constantly changing, right now time loss payments are not considered income for purposes of federal taxes.

Depending on why you are trying to reopen your claim, the time passed since the date of closure can be important. Additionally, you’ll almost certainly need to show “objective medical worsening” of your condition since the date of closure. This information needs to come from a doctor, preferably by way of imaging or other objective medical testing – MRI, X-Ray, etc).

This is a complicated question and varies greatly from case to case, but if you flatly deny the offer you may lose your eligibility to collect time loss. For more information, read our blog.

1-800-423-7233 – the Department of Labor and Industries Health and Safety Line.

YES. Washington is a no-fault system. This means that coverage for on-the-job injuries is provided regardless of who is at fault.

Probably not. The no-fault system also means that if you were injured due to the employer’s negligence or failure to maintain a safe work environment, you cannot bring a suit directly against them. If you see a violation, report it to your employer. If they fail to fix it, you may want to call the Department of Labor and Industries to ask that they investigate. If you’re injured on the job, file a claim, and call us.

You can, but it isn’t your only option. Sometimes it can take a few weeks to see your doctor, so if this is urgent, we recommend going to an urgent care facility or the emergency department of your local hospital.

Each jurisdiction is different, but typically between one and three years. It’s best to contact an attorney so that they can assess your claim and statute of limitations.

No, most settle after the facts come out and treatment is concluded. Make sure you hire an attorney who is willing to take your claim to trial.

• Do. Not. Leave. Call the police and wait for them to arrive. This will also give you time to assess your body for injuries.
• Go to the hospital if you have any aches or pains, even minor ones, as some of those could be life-threatening.
• Finally, do not admit fault, but do share your insurance information.

YES! Absolutely file a report. Here’s what to do if you’re in a motor vehicle accident.

If you or the other party have been injured, the car accident is being blamed on you, or if the other party or insurer is denying liability. Here are some other red flags.

We offer both virtual and in-person meetings. Contact us to get scheduled for a free consultation.

We’ve put together this handy guide to help you.

2013

Rich and Chris love to support the fluffy critters at STAHR – Short Term After Hours Rescue.

The vast majority of our work is done on a contingent fee basis, meaning we collect a portion of the financial amount we recover for you rather than charge an hourly fee. There are also a few limited services for which we offer flat-rate pricing.

Chris has an uncanny ability to be in several places at once, or at least it seems so. Between coaching multiple youth sports, to being heavily involved in Boy Scouts with his sons, participating on charity boards and being a zealous advocate for his clients, Chris may actually be faster than a speeding bullet! Rich plays a few different instruments and would like to think of himself as an amateur music producer. There’s some of his work floating around in the cloud and possibly more in the future (maybe coming to a podcast near you!).