WSAJ

In addition to representing individual clients on a daily basis, we also try to protect the rights of all injured workers, whether we represent them or not.  That is why each of the attorneys in our office is an Eagle member of the Washington State Association for Justice (WSAJ).  This is a state wide group of trial lawyers who attempt to protect people’s rights within the civil justice system and the rights of injured workers.

THE DEPARTMENT'S WAY or THE HIGHWAY (WPN and COHE)

Effective January 1, 2013, the Department will launch a statewide Medical Providers Network (MPN) for treating injured workers and expand the Centers of Occupational Health Education (COHE).  Doctors who want to treat injured workers will have to apply to be part of the MPN.  The Department predicts these programs will improve quality of care and save the State over $200 million over the next four years.

After January 1, 2013 you can only treat with a non-network (MPN) provider for the initial office or emergency room visit. For additional care, the worker must transfer to a network provider.  Workers should ask their regular doctors to enroll in the network.  Currently, out of state medical providers are not required to be part of the network (MPN.) 

UPDATE ON STRUCTURED SETTLEMENTS

As of August 31, 2012 the Department had received 340 applications for state fund claim settlements. The majority of these, 264, involved workers without legal representation. Of the 340, so far 13 applications led to final settlement contracts approved by the Board of Industrial Insurance Appeals. Others are in various stages of consideration, which can be a lengthy process.