Structured Settlement Agreements For Washington L&I Claims
If you are looking into an L&I settlement and you are 50 or older, we can help you understand voluntary claim closure options that may fit your goals. At Bothwell Hamill & Sutton, PLLC, our attorneys serve Central Washington, including Yakima, Kennewick and Sunnyside, with deep roots in the Yakima Valley and the Tri-Cities.
Many local workers come to us after machinery accidents on farms, falls from ladders, truck loading injuries or repetitive strain in distribution centers. When treatment is winding down but the claim is still open, Washington structured settlement agreements can offer a practical path toward closure, budgeting and peace of mind.
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What Is A Structured Settlement In Workers’ Compensation?
In Washington workers’ compensation, we usually handle structured settlements through a Claim Resolution Settlement Agreement, or a CRSA. It is a voluntary settlement between the injured worker and L&I, or the self-insured employer, that resolves parts of the claim in exchange for payments over time.
Unlike some other benefits, you choose whether to use this option. We will review the terms with you, discuss the handling of your medical coverage, and make sure you understand what rights you keep and what rights you give up before you sign. A CRSA can be a tool for planned claim closure when the timing is right.
Who Qualifies For L&I Structured Settlements In Washington?
Structured settlements are primarily for workers aged 50 and older. That age threshold matters because the law treats these agreements as a voluntary settlement option for older workers who may prefer predictable payments over ongoing claim administration.
Another key rule is that there should be an acceptance of the claim for at least 180 days before the CRSA approval. We will also look at whether your condition is stable, whether you may need future care and whether you are dealing with return-to-work barriers. If you have questions about eligibility, we can evaluate your timeline and your medical status quickly.
How Are Structured Settlements And Permanent Partial Disability Benefits Different?
Permanent Partial Disability (PPD) is statutory, while a structured settlement is a negotiated contract. PPD benefits follow a rating schedule and pay a set amount based on impairment. A CRSA is a voluntary settlement determined by risk, timing and the issues still in dispute.
This PPD vs structured settlement question comes up often because some workers may qualify for PPD while also considering settlement-driven claim closure.
Schedule A Free Consultation With A Washington Structured Settlements Lawyer
If you are considering a voluntary settlement for your Washington claim, contact Bothwell Hamill & Sutton, PLLC, at 509-606-6917 to schedule a free consultation. We will listen to your story, explain your options in plain language, and help you decide whether a CRSA or another approach fits your needs.
