Kennewick Workers’ Compensation Lawyers

Key Takeaways

• Injured workers in Washington may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits for medical treatment, lost wages, and other covered costs.
• The Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) oversees the workers’ compensation system and processes claims.
• A workers’ compensation attorney can help navigate complex claims, handle denials or appeals, and protect your rights throughout the process.
• McPartland Law Offices represents injured workers in Kennewick and the Tri-Cities area, providing guidance from filing through resolution.

A work-related injury can affect every part of your life, from your health to your ability to earn an income. Without skilled legal guidance, you may face denied benefits, reduced wage replacement, and growing medical expenses.

A workers’ compensation attorney in Kennewick can help you file a complete claim, address disputes, and pursue the benefits you are entitled to under Washington law. Contact McPartland Law Offices for a free consultation to discuss your case and learn how we can protect your rights.

What Is Workers’ Compensation in Washington?

Workers’ compensation is a no-fault insurance system that provides benefits to employees who suffer work-related injuries or occupational illnesses. In Washington, the program is administered by the Department of Labor & Industries under Title 51 of the Revised Code of Washington (RCW).

If you are injured or become ill on the job, workers’ compensation may cover:

• Medical bills related to your injury or illness
• Prescription medication costs
• Partial wage replacement through time-loss benefits
• Vocational retraining if you cannot return to your prior work
• Permanent disability benefits if your condition results in lasting impairment

Some claims may also qualify for loss of earning power benefits under RCW 51.32.090 or permanent partial disability benefits under RCW 51.32.080.

In Washington, you must file your claim with L&I or a self-insured employer within one year of the date of injury (RCW 51.28.050). Occupational disease claims have a two-year deadline from the date you are informed in writing by a medical provider that your condition is work-related.

How a Workers’ Compensation Attorney Can Help Your Claim in Washington

Workers’ compensation in Washington is governed by the state’s Department of Labor & Industries (L&I), which has strict rules and procedures for filing and managing claims. Navigating this system can be difficult, especially if your case involves unique challenges. A Washington workers’ compensation attorney can assist by:

• Explaining how state laws apply to your claim and how L&I processes cases in the Kennewick and Tri-Cities area.
• Preparing and submitting claims with the documentation L&I requires to help avoid delays in receiving benefits.
• Managing cases involving long-term medical care, specialized treatment, or requests for vocational rehabilitation.
• Assessing whether a third-party claim may be filed if someone outside your employer contributed to your injury.
• Communicating directly with insurance representatives and L&I to address disputes over benefits or medical treatment.
• Developing an appeals strategy if your claim is denied or benefits are reduced.

At McPartland Law Offices, we handle these tasks for our clients so they can focus on recovery while knowing their claim is being addressed in accordance with Washington law.

Why Clients Choose McPartland Law Offices For L&I Claims in Kennewick

Founded in 2012, McPartland Law Offices was built on the belief that injured people deserve representation focused on fairness and accountability, not quick profits. Bryce McPartland left a well-established personal injury firm to create a practice committed to standing up for individuals against powerful organizations, including insurance companies, corporations, and government entities.

Since opening our doors, we have:

• Recovered more than $50 million for injured clients.
• Earned over 150 five-star client reviews.
• Represented clients in challenging cases that required extensive investigation and persistence.

Our mission has always been to level the playing field for injured workers and their families in eastern Washington. We continue to fight for justice and hold those responsible for harm accountable.

Dedicated to Protecting the Rights of Injured Workers

Bryce McPartland, founder of McPartland Law Offices, trained with the National Institute of Trial Advocacy and has completed extensive continuing legal education in litigation and trial practice. He has served on the Washington State Bar Association’s Mentor Development Team and the Washington State Association for Justice Board of Governors and Judicial Committee.

Our Kennewick Client Testimonials

“I am very very thankful & happy with Bryce McPartland & his whole staff. I came to McPartland Law hopeless after being mislead & mistreated as a client from another law firm the Grant County. From start to finish, they took care of my half started messy case kept me in the loop, & did all the work to make sure justice was served. Communication is amazing, don’t stress you or overwhelm you. Really fought for me & made sure i was taken care of. I would definitely say this is the best law firm in the area, really specialize in what they do, & take care of you. Thank you Mcpartland Law saved me from a lot of headache.” — Elizabeth

“Great people.They spent lots of time reviewing my case before letting me know what was best. Most others will want you to hire them right away before they even know if they can help.” — Seth

“I was first introduced to Bryce McPartland and his team when I suffered a job injury and I was faced with having to hire an attorney. I had heard about McPartland Law Offices and decided to give them a call. The McPartland team not only represented me, they helped and educated me through the whole process. Bryce and his team always kept me informed of the progress with my case and ultimately rendered a favorable outcome for me. A few years later I was injured in a vehicle accident. Because of my previous positive experience, I did not hesitate to call McPartland Law Offices. I was living in Spokane and was pleasantly surprised to learn that they had opened an office in Spokane. The accident I was involved in was traumatic and resulted in surgery and other treatments. Bryce was there for support and advised me of the right course of action to take. I can truly say my experience with being represented by the McPartland team has been second to none. I would recommend McPartland Law Offices to anyone that is looking for an attorney that will always have your best interest.” — Randy

Common Causes of Workplace Accidents in Kennewick

Workers’ compensation claims can arise in any industry, but certain sectors in Washington consistently see higher rates of work-related injuries. In Kennewick and the surrounding Tri-Cities area, common causes of workplace accidents include:

• Construction incidents such as falls from scaffolding, ladder accidents, or equipment failures.
• Agricultural injuries involving heavy machinery, livestock handling, and repetitive motion tasks.
• Healthcare hazards including patient handling injuries, needle sticks, and exposure to infectious diseases.
• Retail and warehouse incidents such as lifting injuries, slips and falls, and accidents involving forklifts or pallet jacks.

McPartland Law Offices assists injured workers across these and other industries by building claims that meet the requirements of the Washington Department of Labor & Industries (L&I).

Frequent Injuries After Workplace Accidents in Kennewick

Workplace accidents in Kennewick can result in a wide range of injuries, many of which require extensive medical care and time away from work. Common injuries include:

• Back and neck injuries from lifting, falls, or repetitive strain
• Bone fractures caused by falls, machinery accidents, or vehicle collisions
• Sprains and strains from overexertion or awkward movements
• Burns from electrical hazards, chemicals, or hot surfaces
• Head injuries, including concussions and traumatic brain injuries
• Lacerations from sharp tools, machinery, or broken equipment

Even when an injury appears straightforward, securing full benefits under Washington’s workers’ compensation system can be difficult. Claims may be denied, benefits may be reduced, or medical treatment may be delayed without proper documentation. Having legal representation from McPartland Law Offices helps protect the rights of injured workers and addresses challenges that arise during the claims process.

Types of Injuries Not Covered by Workers’ Compensation

While Washington’s workers’ compensation system covers most work-related injuries and occupational diseases, there are situations where benefits are not available under Title 51 RCW. These include:

• Self-inflicted injuries that are intentional
• Injuries caused by intoxication or use of illegal drugs, if that was the primary cause of the incident (RCW 51.32.020)
• Injuries resulting from willful misconduct or violation of workplace safety rules
• Injuries sustained while commuting to or from work, unless you were on an assigned work-related errand

Because exclusions can be interpreted narrowly or broadly depending on the facts of your case, having legal representation can help clarify whether your injury should be covered and protect your right to benefits if coverage is disputed. McPartland Law Offices reviews the circumstances of your injury and advises on the best path forward.

What Should I Do After a Work-Related Injury in Kennewick?

Taking the right steps immediately after a workplace injury can protect your health and your right to benefits under Washington law. In Kennewick, you should:

• Report the injury to your employer or supervisor as soon as possible. For non-life-threatening injuries, notify them at the time of the incident and ask where to receive medical care.
• Document the incident by taking photographs of the location, equipment, or conditions that contributed to your injury, and gather names and statements from any witnesses.
• Seek medical care from an approved provider under the Washington Department of Labor & Industries network, and follow all treatment recommendations.
• File a claim with L&I or your self-insured employer. Your provider can help submit the initial Report of Accident form, but you are responsible for ensuring the claim is filed within the legal deadlines (RCW 51.28.050). We have discovered occasions where providers have not filed claims on behalf of injured workers. While this is both unfortunate and a situation in which a penalty may be assessed against a provider, failing to meet filing deadlines will not be held against anyone other than the injured worker.
• Answer L&I questions truthfully, but avoid making speculative statements about fault or responsibility.
• Contact a workers’ compensation attorney if your injury is serious, if you anticipate being out of work for an extended time, or if your claim is disputed. Legal representation can help prevent delays and address denials during the process.

What Steps Should an Employer Take When an Employee Gets Hurt?

In Washington, employers must provide prompt medical attention when a worker is injured and report the incident to the Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) or their self-insured claims administrator. They are also required to document the circumstances of the injury, cooperate with L&I during the claim process, and maintain accurate wage and employment records.

Employers are prohibited from retaliating against workers for filing a claim. If an employer fails to meet their obligations, it can delay benefits or create disputes over coverage. McPartland Law Offices helps injured workers address employer noncompliance and protect their rights under Washington law.

Who Is Required to Have Workers’ Comp Insurance?

Most employers in Washington are required to provide workers’ compensation coverage for their employees. This requirement generally applies to both full-time and part-time workers.

Some limited exceptions include:

• Gardening, maintenance, or repair work performed at a private residence
• Individuals performing casual or sporadic work who are not regular employees of a business
• A person under the age of 18 employed by a parent for agricultural work
• Volunteers working in exchange for aid from a charitable or religious organization
• Employees covered by applicable federal programs, such as the Federal Employees’ Compensation Act
• Sole proprietors and independent contractors without employees

Most domestic workers in private homes are exempt unless the employer regularly employs two or more such workers, each working at least 40 hours per week (RCW 51.12.020(5)). Always confirm your specific work situation with L&I to determine eligibility.

Even when an exemption applies, it is important to verify coverage with the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) to avoid disputes after an injury. McPartland Law Offices can review your work arrangement and help determine if you are entitled to workers’ compensation benefits.

Who Administers Workers’ Comp Insurance?

In Washington, the workers’ compensation system is primarily managed by the Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) under Title 51 RCW. Most employers pay premiums into the state-run fund, and L&I processes and manages the claims.

Some larger employers are approved as self-insured and handle claims directly, but they must still comply with state workers’ compensation laws and remain under L&I oversight. McPartland Law Offices assists injured workers with both state-managed and self-insured claims, ensuring the process meets Washington’s legal requirements.

L&I Benefits Available in Kennewick, Washington

If you are injured on the job in Washington, you may be eligible for several types of benefits through the Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) or a self-insured employer, including:

• Medical treatment: Coverage for necessary care related to your injury or illness, including doctor visits, hospital stays, surgeries, and prescriptions.
• Time-loss compensation: Partial wage replacement paid every two weeks while you cannot work, usually between 60% and 75% of your earnings before the injury (RCW 51.32.090). • If your injury occurred on or after June 6, 2024, those first three days are retroactively paid if you miss work through the 7th day. For injuries before June 6, 2024, the three days are only paid if you miss 14 days or more.
• Vocational rehabilitation: Job retraining or assistance if you cannot return to your previous work due to your injury.
• Permanent partial disability (PPD): A one-time award if your injury causes lasting impairment, calculated using an impairment rating under RCW 51.32.080.
• Death benefits: Payments to eligible family members if the injury or illness results in death, including survivor pensions and burial expenses (RCW 51.32.050).

McPartland Law Offices helps injured workers in Kennewick and throughout eastern Washington identify which benefits apply to their case and works to document eligibility according to L&I requirements.

Who Is Eligible for Workers’ Compensation in Washington?

To qualify for workers’ compensation benefits under Title 51 RCW, you must:

• Be an employee of an employer required to provide coverage.
• Have suffered a work-related injury or occupational illness.
• File your claim within the applicable deadline, which is generally one year from the date of injury for traumatic injuries (RCW 51.28.050) or two years for occupational disease claims (RCW 51.28.055).

Eligibility extends to full-time, part-time, seasonal, and temporary workers. Undocumented workers are also covered under Washington law. McPartland Law Offices can review your employment status and injury circumstances to confirm whether you meet the requirements for coverage.

Frequently Asked Questions About Workers’ Compensation

When Does Workers’ Compensation Not Apply in Washington?

Workers’ compensation generally does not apply if the injured person is not considered an employee under state law, if their work is specifically excluded under RCW 51.12.020, or if the injury occurred outside Washington’s jurisdiction. All workers are presumed covered unless they meet one of the statutory exemptions. Notably, whether a person is or is not ‘on the clock’ is something worth examining with an experienced worker compensation attorney. This is because whether or not your employer has chosen to pay you or even whether you have an expectation of pay is not a determinative factor in identifying coverage.

How Is Workers’ Comp Different from a Personal Injury Claim?

Workers’ compensation provides benefits for job-related injuries without requiring proof of fault and typically covers only economic losses such as medical costs and lost wages. A personal injury claim requires proving negligence or fault and may include recovery for non-economic damages like pain and suffering.

What If My Employer Doesn’t Have Workers’ Compensation Insurance?

In Washington, most employers are legally required to carry coverage. Employers who fail to do so may face stop-work orders and penalties under RCW 51.48.022. If they continue operations in violation of the order, they can be fined $1,000 per day, with no statutory cap, and may be held personally liable for any injury-related costs.

Protect Your Rights After a Work Injury. Speak With Our Kennewick Workers’ Comp Attorney

McPartland Law Offices represents injured workers in Kennewick, Pasco, Richland, and throughout eastern Washington. Our team handles workers’ compensation claims, appeals, and related legal matters so clients can focus on their recovery.

If you have been injured at work or developed a job-related illness, contact us today at 509-495-1247 or fill out our contact form to schedule a free consultation with one of our personal injury attorneys. We can review your claim, explain your options, and outline the next steps for moving forward under Washington law.