Protest or appeal.

If you, your doctor or your employer disagree with any decision L&I makes about your claim, all of you have the right to protest the decision or appeal directly to the Board of Industrial Insurance Appeals (BIIA).

Questions workers have

Did you know?

You can get more information from the BIIA Web site (www.biia.wa.gov) about protesting and filing an appeal or, you may call L&I.

Apply to reopen your claim if your injury worsens.

You and your doctor may apply to reopen your claim. However, there must be objective medical evidence that the condition caused by the same workplace injury has worsened and needs more medical attention.

Questions workers have

Did you know?

If your reopening application seeks time-loss as well as medical benefits, you must apply within seven years of the date your claim was first closed (10 years for eye injuries).

You may be rated for a permanent partial disability before L&I closes the claim.

When you have completed treatment but have suffered a permanent disability, you may qualify for a Permanent Partial Disability (PPD) award. PPD must be rated by a qualified doctor.

Questions workers have

Be certified permanently and totally disabled before L&I closes the claim

There are two types of pension:

1. If you lose (or lose the use of) both legs, both arms, an arm and a leg, or your vision, you are eligible for a monthly pension by law, even if you can return to work.
2. If, after medical and vocational evaluations, L&I finds that your injury prevents you from ever becoming gainfully employed, you may receive a pension. Contact Us About Pension Benefits for more information.

Questions workers have

Cooperate with any requests for an independent medical exam

Sometimes, a claim manager will authorize an independent medical exam for an injured worker. This means another doctor will be evaluating your medical condition.

Questions workers have

Did you know?

If you do not attend your scheduled Independent Medical Exam, you may be charged a no-show fee. Also, you may jeopardize any benefits you are receiving.

Learn about getting back to work.

There are many resources available to help you return to work or receive training for a new job once your claim is closed:

• You may qualify for frozen unemployment benefits when your claim closes through the Employment Security Department (www.esd.wa.gov).
• Worksource (www.go2WorkSource.com) provides job search assistance including job listings, help with interview skills, help with resume writing, and use of Microsoft Office computer applications. Services vary by location.
• You can use Career Bridge (www.careerbridge.wa.gov) to find the education and training you need to get the job you want.
• Apprenticeship allows you to earn wages while training for a new career.
• Check out a College (www.checkoutacollege.com) matches your interests with community and trade programs in Washington State.
• Find information about how to use your training money if you have selected Vocational Option 2 and want to develop your own training plan.

Your employer should:

• Find out if your doctor has ordered any permanent work restrictions, if you are still an employee.
• Keep legal notices and correspondance related to the claim on file.(NOTE: This is not a legal requirement.)

Did you know?

L&I cannot close your claim if there is an outstanding protest from you, your employer or your provider.

Your doctor should:

• Send the claim manager a final report on the worker's condition. All medical reports go directly to:
  (Claim manager)
  Department of Labor & Industries
  P.O. Box 44291
  Olympia, WA 98504-4291
• Send bills separately from medical reports. Billings go directly to:
  Department of Labor & Industries
  P.O. Box 44269
  Olympia, WA 98504-4269
  (Please attach a copy of the report for which you are billing L&I)
• Call the Provider hotline if there are questions: 800-547-8367.