L&I seeks public comment on rules for Structured Settlements

TUMWATER – 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., February 24. You can submit written comments to Nancy James at:

Email: [email protected]

Fax: 360-902-4960

Mail to:

Department of Labor and Industries

PO Box 44208

Olympia, WA 98504

Hand delivery:  L&I, 7273 Linderson Way SW, Tumwater, WA  98501.