Bad Workers’ Comp Reforms

Washington State has passed workers’ compensation reform.   Unfortunately, these reforms are by and large harmful to workers. While harkened as savings and efficiencies, these changes are made on the back of Washington’s workers.  Examples of how the law will change include:

• 55+ year old workers are now able to accept lump-sum settlements after 6 months.  Many workers will still be treating at 6 months, so this law may mean that workers are going to settle their case for pennies on the dollar.
• Eliminating worker’s cost-of-living adjustment for one year.
• Deducts permanent partial disability awards from pensions.
• Eliminates interest on permanent partial disability awards.

For more information, please read the Everett Herald commentary by Bill Hochberg (http://www.heraldnet.com/article/20110420/OPINION03/704209964) and the article “‘Shameful’ cuts OK’d; see how they voted” at the Stand (http://www.thestand.org/2011/05/workers-comp-cuts-approved-see-how-they-voted/).