As a worker, you might get hurt while delivering your services to the employer. Such risks are known as on-the-job injuries, and you should be compensated for them. However, not all employers take the time to pay their workers or even care for their medical bills when they encounter on-the-job injuries. This piece shares financial strategies to cover lost wages from on-the-job injuries.
What is L&I Claim?
Workers’ compensation is a form of insurance that provides monetary benefits to employees who become injured or sick due to their job. Washington has its own workers’ compensation program. It is known as the Washington Industrial Insurance System (L&I). The system covers employers and employees in cases where injuries or illnesses are work-related.
An injured worker can file an L&I claim if he becomes ill or gets hurt while performing his duties, especially if there was an accident at work. They can also file for an L&I claim if they’re already receiving wage replacement benefits through another common type of insurance. You can complete the process with the help of an L&I attorney.
Let us look at the financial strategies to cover lost wages from on-the-job injuries.
1. Receive the Maximum Benefits
The state has set a cap on the maximum benefits from an L&I claim. The amount of compensation is usually 80% of the injured worker’s average weekly wage (AWW). It is payable until he either goes back to work or reaches his statutory limits.
Were you hurt at work but aren’t sure if you meet the criteria? Visit MyLni.wa.gov and start your free, no-obligation case evaluation.
When filing for an L&I claim, make sure you provide all necessary medical documentation. Provide clinic notes, lab results, hospital bills, etc., to get the benefits allowable under the law.
2. Know Your Rights
The laws that govern the L&I system are written in favor of workers, which is why you can get substantial monetary benefits when injured at work. Suppose your employer provides safety training and equipment to help avoid injuries. In that case, he cannot be held responsible for any on-the-job accidents or illnesses you might encounter. Every worker must know their rights about occupational safety to maximize their chances of filing an L&I claim.
It might take time before settling with the insurer (especially if your employer contests the claim). Ensure that you file for an L&I claim within 90 days after becoming ill or hurt at work. Otherwise, Washington State will not compensate you.
3. Ask for an Advance Payment
This is a cost-free way to cover your lost wages while you wait for the settlement of your L&I claim. You can get up to $250 in advance by applying for this payment through MyLni.wa.gov. Note that this advance payment comes from the insurer, not from L&I, which means it will be deducted from your final compensation.
The Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) Underinsured Employers Program (UEP) provides wage replacement benefits when injured workers are either underinsured or uninsured at the time of the accident.
This type of coverage protects employees who suffer injury or illness due to work-related accidents. It also involves uninsured workers.
L&I’s UEP pays around 80% of the worker’s AWW, similar to what you can receive under an L&I claim. UEP recipients are not required to undergo physical examinations like those who qualify for the traditional L&I benefits.
4. Retraining Opportunities
Are you suffering from a work-related injury or illness and it prevents you from working? Then you might want to take advantage of retraining opportunities provided by Labor & Industries (L&I). You will be paid for up to 12 weeks while getting trained in another department, division, section, etc., within your company.
If retraining is available in your area, you will be informed by Labor & Industries so that you can apply. The retraining is usually conducted at no cost to the injured worker, although your employer will pay the cost.
There are some restrictions on where and what you can learn for this program. Thus, it’s best to learn more about the retraining opportunity before filing for an L&I claim.
Conclusion
By filing an L&I claim, you might be entitled to many incredible things. They include wage replacement benefits, retraining opportunities, medical treatment, and physical rehabilitation. However, you need to speak with a professional L&I claims consultant first so you can avoid possible frauds and scams.
