Workers' Compensation Attorney
&
Social Security Lawyer
We are a small law office that focuses on serving people in Tacoma, Washington and the surrounding communities. We know that Workers' Compensation or Social Security system can be frustrating and we will fight to get your case on track. Our office is dedicated to winning and helping you make the best out of your life. With our focus on 12 new cases each month (6 Workers' Compensation and 6 Social Security/Disability cases), you know your case is our priority and getting the legal attention it deserves.
Workers' Compensation
If you are injured at work and your claim is accepted, workers‘ compensation (LNI) pays for medical care directly related to your accident. If you are unable to work following your injury, you may be eligible for a portion of your lost wages.
Phase 1 - Injured at Work
If you are injured at work, you and the doctor who treats you will fill out an accident report form. Your claim is filed when your doctor sends this report to LNI for processing.
Phase 2 - File a Claim
LNI can approve your claim if your doctor certifies that you were injured at a specific time and place during the course of employment, or that you have an occupational disease. Claims are often rejected if the injured worker's doctor cannot certify that the worker's medical condition is related to an injury or an occupational disease while in the course of employment.
Phase 3 - Claim is Approved or Rejected
LNI normally closes claims when the insured works have reached their maximum medical improvement. Often this is based on a physician certifying that further treatment will not improve their condition.
Phase 4 - Closed Claim
LNI can reopen a claim based on a timely application once it is closed when there is objective evidence of worsening. It is not a right to have the claim reopened, but a legal standard. The injured worker has the right to file the reopening application.
Phase 5 - Reopening Claim
Social Security Disability
If you become unable to work due to mental health and/or physical conditions, apply for SSD benefits. You can apply online or at your local office in person or by phone (1-800-772-1213).
Phase 1 - Can No Longer Work - File for Benefits
If you can't work, file for Title II SSD benefits (worked full time five of last ten years or Title XVI SSI benefits (Asset limitations ($2,000 individual/ $3,000 couple), Income limitations (from all sources), and be a US citizen (few exceptions). If successful, both provide medical coverage and monthly checks.
Phase 2 - What Type of Benefits
To qualify for benefits, you must prove that you incapable of any substantial, gainful employment. Social Security denies ~70%-75% of applications for disability. Approximately 60%-70% of denials are turned into accepted claims, after reconsideration or a hearing before a judge.
Phase 3 - Denied a Claim
If your claim is rejected, reconsideration must be requested within 60 days or all potential benefits are lost. If reconsideration is denied a hearing must be requested within 60 days or all potential benefits are lost.
Phase 4 - Request Consideration - Request Hearing
A hearing will be your opportunity provide your story to a Judge. The Judge presiding over your hearing will make an independent decision on the claim. Proper medical documentation licensed, credible source(s) and the ability to cross examine the experts from the ALJ is critical in winning your case.
Phase 5 - Hearing