Do I Need a Lawyer for My Washington L&I Claim?
In this article, we'll explain when it makes sense to hire an L&I attorney, what they can do for you, and how to protect your rights under Washington's workers' compensation laws.
What Is an L&I Claim?
An L&I claim is a request for workers' compensation benefits filed through the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries. If you are injured at work or develop a job-related illness, you may be eligible for: Medical treatment
Time-loss compensation (lost wages)
Permanent Partial Disability (PPD) or Permanent Total Disability (PTD) benefits
Vocational retraining
You can file a claim through your doctor, online at the L&I website, or by phone. Once the claim is submitted, L&I reviews the case and determines whether benefits will be awarded.
In some cases, hiring an attorney may not be necessary. If your claim is approved quickly, your injury is minor, and you receive full benefits, you may be able to manage the process on your own.
However, these 'easy' cases are not the norm. Many workers encounter roadblocks that require legal help.
If any of the following apply to your situation, it may be time to contact an experienced L&I lawyer: Your claim has been denied
You're being pressured to return to work before you're ready
Your time-loss benefits are delayed or miscalculated
You disagree with the results of an Independent Medical Exam (IME)
You've received a PPD award that seems too low
L&I won't authorize recommended medical treatment
You are being required to attend vocational retraining against your wishes
Your employer is retaliating against you for filing a claim
These are not just administrative hassles—they are serious threats to your health, your recovery, and your financial stability.
L&I claims are often more complicated than they appear. An experienced L&I attorney can help you: Appeal denied claims or unfair decisions
Gather and submit medical documentation
Challenge IME results
Represent you in hearings before the Board of Industrial Insurance Appeals (BIIA)
Maximize your time-loss or disability award
Guide you through vocational retraining disputes
Ensure fair and timely treatment approval
Your attorney acts as your advocate, protecting your rights when L&I or your employer may not have your best interests in mind.
In Washington, some employers are self-insured, meaning they manage their own L&I claims rather than using the state fund. These employers often use third-party administrators whose goal is to reduce claim costs — not to ensure you receive full benefits.
If your employer is self-insured, it's even more important to consult with a skilled L&I lawyer who understands how to push back against unfair denials, delays, or surveillance tactics.
If you're asking yourself whether you need legal help, it's probably time to reach out. Consulting with an attorney early can: Prevent mistakes that hurt your claim
Help you understand your rights
Give you leverage if L&I or your employer tries to cut off benefits
You have nothing to lose by receiving a free case review, but a lot to lose if you go it alone.
Not every L&I claim requires an attorney — but many do. When benefits are denied, delayed, or miscalculated, an experienced L&I lawyer can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case.
If you've been injured on the job in Washington and you're struggling with your L&I claim, contact the legal team at Emery | Reddy, PLLC. They help workers across the state protect their rights and secure the full compensation they deserve.
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