Workers’ Compensation

To receive any benefits, you must file a workers’ compensation claim with either the Department of Labor and Industries (L&I) or your Self-Insured Employer (SIE). The process for doing this depends on who your employer is.

If your employer is not self-insured, you can file your L&I claim in one of the following ways:

• Visit an L&I-approved doctor. The doctor will file your accident report during your visit. We are happy to provide a list of L&I approved doctors to you.
• File the claim directly online through the L&I website or by calling L&I. This process may seem straightforward, but it’s important to include accurate and complete information to avoid delays.

If your employer is self-insured, the process changes. You’ll need to:

• Get a Self-Insured Accident Report (SIF-2) from your employer and complete it with your doctor at your initial visit
• Ask your doctor to submit a Provider’s Initial Report to document your injury

Both processes require prompt action and accuracy in detail.

Once your claim is active, a claim manager will be assigned by L&I or your self-insured employer. This individual reviews your medical records, monitors your recovery, and makes decisions about your benefits. These decisions are issued in writing, in documents known as “orders and notices of decision.” They determine what treatment and benefits you will receive during and after your case.

If you receive an order that you disagree with in any way, you have 60 days to file a protest or appeal. Missing this deadline can lock you into an unfair decision permanently. So, you have to make sure you are on top of every order and protest every order until they get it right. 

Incorrect or incomplete orders happen all of the time. Sometimes the claim manager relies on outdated records. There are also times where the most recent medical updates never reach their desk. Without pushback, these decisions are final.

That’s why we monitor every order in your case. We review the evidence, consult with your medical providers, and submit timely protests when necessary. We protect your rights and hold the system accountable.

Dougal Neralich brings years of workers’ compensation experience to every case. Before starting his own firm, he handled hundreds of claims and saw how frustrating the process can be when workers don’t have someone in their corner.

That’s why Neralich Law Firm takes a hands-on approach and will help you understand your case, make informed decisions, and stay on top of every detail.

Unlike large firms where your file may be passed around, you will speak directly with your attorney. That relationship matters. It builds trust, improves communication, and leads to better results for our clients.

We take the time to listen. We track deadlines closely. We respond when the system fails to do its job. These may sound like basic expectations, but they make a big difference in a workers’ comp case.

Our clients include construction workers, healthcare staff, office employees, delivery drivers, and others who never expected to need legal help. Many come to us after getting frustrated with the system, others come to us from the start. In either situation, our job is to take over the fight so you can focus on healing.