Washington State Self-Insured Workers' Compensation Attorneys

Washington state law requires employers to pay a premium to L&I each month, establishing a fund that is then used to pay out workers’ compensation claims as they arise. Self-insured employers in Washington state account for 30% when it comes to workers’ compensation. Instead of paying their premium each month to L&I, self-insured employers choose to pay workers’ compensation benefits out of their own pocket or use an alternate insurance fund. Because this can save the employer a lot of money, these employers must be able to pass certification requirements from L&I to prove they can take on the risk of covering workers’ comp claims.

This also means these employers hire third-party firms—instead of using L&I—to evaluate workers’ compensation claims, which can cause endless headaches for injured workers.

Definition Of Self-Insured Employers

Every company is subject to having to pay medical claims from its workers. Because of that, they need to have insurance to deal with these claims when they arise. There are two main ways they go about it:

• Labor & Industry (L&I)
• Self-insured

Most companies will opt to use L&I services to deal with insurance claims because they may not have the funds necessary to go self-insured—but using L&I can end up being more expensive.

Self-insurance is less common, but it’s quite popular among larger corporations, as self-insured policies allow the company to save money.

So, self-insured employers pay the claims and the workers’ compensation themselves. They do this by using a specific sector inside their company or a third-party administrator to process the claim on their behalf.

Importance Of Understanding Self-Insured Employer Lawsuits In Washington State

Understanding self-insured employer lawsuits is important both for employees and employers. Since the laws can change from state to state, it’s important to contact a lawyer that is familiar with the laws in Washington state.

• In the case of employers, it will help defend themselves if employees file an illegitimate claim.
• In the case of employees, it’s even more important. Self-insured claims work differently from L&I state-funded claims and can make it more difficult to get compensation.

What Is A Self-Insured Employer Claim Vs. An L&I State-Funded Claim?

First, let’s start by addressing the question: is L&I self-insured?

In short, no; L&I and self-insured are two independent practices. The main differences between a self-insured employer claim and Labor & Industry (L&I) claim are:

• In the self-insured, the claim is going to be managed by a service company or by a specific sector inside your organization.
• In the L&I claim, the process will be managed by the state agency.

Self-Insured Employer Claim Vs. L&I Claim

Large organizations have the resources to manage their own self-insurance for workers’ compensation. The most common reason for this is saving money.

This will make it more difficult for you to get your compensation. They will do everything in their power to deny it. However, they still need to follow L&I’s rules for self-insured companies.

If you disagree with their decision, you have the right to speak up and appeal. The best way of appealing is by contacting a lawyer to help you get in touch with L&I.

The Washington Department of Labor & Industries is a state organization dedicated to the safety, health, and security of Washington workers. The Department of L&I handles all workers’ compensation claims (referred to as L&I claims in Washington) and ensures self-insured companies abide by the necessary rules to protect their employees.

Benefits Under Self-Insured Employer Claim

It doesn’t matter if the company uses a self-insured program or third-party insurance. Employees have the right to file a claim and request compensation for injuries and other problems at work. The advantage is that since the claims will be handled internally, filing them can involve less bureaucracy.

For employers, it provides several benefits, such as:

• Control
• Reduced costs
• Increased cash flow because there’s no need to pay for pre-coverage
• You can choose who will administer it

L&I Attorney For Self-Insured Employer Claim

If you’re filing a workers’ compensation claim in Washington, it’s vitally important to contact a knowledgeable lawyer. Here at Emery | Reddy, PLLC, we have a team of self-insured workers comp attorneys with a lot of experience fighting L&I claims and self-insured employer claims in the Washington area.

Washington Self-Insured Employer Lawsuits

We find that claims against self-insured employers often require the most attention. A third-party claim administrator’s job is to save the self-insured employer money, often by minimizing your award and fighting your workers’ comp claim. Self-insured employers hire claims managers that are skilled at denying claims. From the moment a claims manager is hired, they become focused on one goal: to deny your claim at all costs. Once the claim is denied, it takes experience and persistence to get L&I to reverse the initial denial.

Laws And Regulations Governing Self-insured Employers In Washington State

In Washington state, employers need to pay a premium price each month for L&I or have a self-insured policy.

When you are injured at work and your employer is self-insured, your claim will be handled by a third party. However, L&I will oversee the entire claim process and ensure your employer follows the rules and regulations.

Common Reasons For Self-Insured Employer Lawsuits

The most common reason for self-insured employer lawsuits is work injuries. Employers are required to provide a safe work environment, and employees have the right to receive compensation if they are injured at work.

Even if the company is self-insured, it is still subject to state and federal laws. If the employee doesn’t think they were treated fairly, they can sue their employer.

Don’t Wait To Get Help With Self-insured Employer Claims In Washington

Before filing your L&I claim, contact us to find out if your employer is among the 30% of self-insured employers in Washington state. Waiting to get counsel may be detrimental to your claim. With over 30 years of combined experience in L&I and employment law, our team has the experience you need to win the full compensation that you’re entitled to.

Call A Lawyer To Handle Your Self-insured Employer Workers’ Comp Claim

Our attorneys have vast experience fighting self-insured employer claims in Seattle and Washington state and setting cases up for success. We have vast experience in dealing with these types of claims. Call the legal team at Emery | Reddy today to find out how we can help you. Please remember to have your L&I claim number readily available.