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Know Your Rights: Choose a Doctor for Your L&I Claim or Workers’ Compensation Claim

In Washington State, work injury claimants have the right to choose their doctor or attending provider (AP) for their claim. This right is part of RCW 51.36.010. Surprisingly, many people that suffer a workplace injury don’t know that they can select their own doctor. Yet, the only requirement is that the doctor or the provider must be part of the L&I Medical Provider Network (MPN).

L&I Interpreter Services: Upcoming Improvements and Online Systems

Did you know the Department of Labor and Industries (L&I) must provide interpreter services to work injury claimants with limited English skills? To meet this responsibility, L&I requires health care and vocational providers to determine if they need an interpreter. Here, the healthcare or vocational provider must arrange and confirm the interpreter for appointments. Moreover, interpreter must carry a certification and must have an active L&I provider identification.

Light Duty Work in L&I Claims and Workers’ Compensation Claims

After a work injury or occupational disease, people with an L&I claim or workers’ compensation claim might have medical conditions that impact their ability to return to work. We refer to workers incapable of working during their recovery as temporarily and totally disabled. These workers receive time-loss compensation benefits, which is a type of wage replacement. When the Department of Labor Industries (L&I) pays time-loss compensation benefits, it negatively impacts L&I insurance rate for the employer. Consequently, L&I created alternative programs and incentives to help employers improve their rate.

L&I Claim Court Decision Prompts Changes to the Stay at Work Program in Washington State

The Stay at Work (WA-SAW) program in Washington State is an incentive program for employers. The Department of Labor and Industries (L&I) offers this program to help employers save costs. Specifically, the program allows employers to apply for cost reimbursement after a worker or an employee suffers an injury at work. To get reimbursements, the employer must provide temporary light-duty job to workers while they heal from their work injury.

L&I Claim Closed – How to Reopen a Workers’ Compensation Claim in Washington State?

If the Department of Labor and Industries (L&I) closes your L&I claim or workers’ compensation claim, then you might be able to reopen it. However, if your L&I claim closed, it’s important to note that L&I doesn’t automatically reopen claims. In fact, your case must meet certain criteria to reopen an L&I claim.