L&I Seeks Comment on Structured Settlement Rules
From an L&I press release:
The Department of Labor & Industries is holding four hearings to take public comments on rules pertaining to structured settlement agreements for workers’ compensation claims.
In 2011 the Legislature passed several key workers’ compensation reforms. Engrossed House Bill 2123 allows workers employers or L&I to initiate and negotiate structured settlement agreements to resolve claims for certain injured workers age 55 and over.
A structured settlement agreement is an agreement between the worker the employer and L&I to resolve future non-medical benefits on a claim. In most structured settlements the claim is closed and the worker is paid a fixed amount of compensation in periodic payments spelled out in the agreement.
“Structured settlement is another option for those injured workers who want to pursue work or retirement goals independent of the system” Dustin Dailey Program Manager said.
L&I is responsible for leading negotiations with State Fund employers who insure with L&I and their injured workers. The agency is not included in structured settlement agreement discussions with self-insured employers.
Even though workers enter into a structured settlement agreement they may still receive appropriate medical treatment for conditions allowed on their claim.
The proposed rules concern the implementation of the legislation and they are available under rules at the Structured Settlement website.
Public hearings on the proposed rules will be held at:
• Vancouver Feb. 21 10 a.m. Red Lion at the Quay 100 Columbia St. 98660
• Tukwila Feb. 21 1 p.m. L&I Tukwila office 12806 Gateway Dr. S. 98168
• Tumwater Feb.22 10 a.m. L&I Tumwater building 7273 Linderson Way S.W. 98501
• Spokane Feb.22 10 a.m. Center Place Event Center 2426 N. Discovery Place 99216
Written comments will be accepted until 5 p.m. Feb. 24. You can submit written comments to Nancy James at:
Email: Nancy.James@lni.wa.gov
Fax: 360-902-4960
Mail: Department of Labor & Industries P.O. Box 44208 Olympia WA 98504
Hand delivery: L&I 7273 Linderson Way SW Tumwater WA 98501.