Workers' Compensation
The Washington Industrial Insurance Act (L&I) is a no-fault system which covers medical expenses and pays a portion of lost wages while a worker recovers from a workplace injury or occupational disease. Your employer may be insured through the state fund, or be self-insured, either way the same laws have to be followed. Many claims go from start to finish with no problems. However, disputes may develop over acceptance of a claim, calculation of benefits, authorization for medical care, acceptance of specific conditions, ability to return to work or your impairment rating. If there is a dispute in your claim, you may not be getting all the benefits you are entitled to receive.
The Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA) helps Longshore workers and maritime construction workers, shipyard workers and maritime construction workers who are injured on the job. Compensation, medical care and vocational rehabilitation services are available to workers injured under the LHWCA. Claims are managed and benefits are paid by private insurance companies, or self-insured employers , with some oversight by the Federal Department of Labor. Claims managers are often located in other states, which can make communication frustrating and confusing. If benefits are not timely paid, a claim is controverted, or you are not getting answers to your questions, we can help.
The extensions to the LHWCA include the Nonappropriated Fund Instrumentalities Act (NAFIA), the Defense Base Act (DBA), War Hazards Compensation Act, Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act (OCSLA), and the District of Columbia Workers’ Compensation Act. The NAFIA covers civilian employees compensated from the nonappropriated fund, this includes civilian employees on military bases, such as our own local Joint Base Lewis McCord.
The Defense Base Act (DBA) provides coverage to civilian employees working outside the U.S. on U.S. military bases or under a contract with the U.S. government for public works or national defense. Even though these injuries may occur in far off places like Afghanistan or Iraq, workers returning from overseas may need help with their claims. Workers who sustain injuries in war zones, but are not military, may need the specialized assistance and understanding that we can provide.
If you were injured on the job and need help, give us a call.