‘Structured settlement’ seminar Jan. 27 in Olympia; Spokane rescheduled for Feb. 24

The first of two free seminars — presented by the Washington State Labor Council and the Project Help program — to explain the dramatic changes and answer questions about “structured settlements” in workers’ compensation will be this Friday, Jan. 27 from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the WSLC’s Davis Williams Building, 906 S. Columbia St. SW.

The second seminar, which was postponed due to the snow/ice storm in Spokane, has been reschedule for Friday, Feb. 24 from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Operating Engineers Hall, 510 S. Elm St.

Last year, lawmakers in Olympia dramatically changed Washington’s workers’ compensation system. The biggest change was the legalization of “structured settlements,” also known as compromise-and-release buyouts, whereby employers can negotiate with injured workers to pay a series of lump-sum payments to settle claims.

Although organized labor aggressively opposed this change, it has become the law. Therefore, it is in the interests of union organizations to learn how this new system will work in order to best preserve the rights and protect the interests of workers injured on the job.

The two free seminars by the WSLC and the Project Help program will feature presentations from various perspectives will give you an overall picture of the new structured settlement options, including from:

• Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO
• Self-Insured Ombudsman’s office
• Department of Labor and Industries
• Board of Industrial Insurance
• Washington State Association for Justice
• Project Help

Participants in Friday’s seminar in Olympia can register at the door. Those who want to attend the Feb. 24 should pre-register by calling Karen White at 206-281-8901 ext. 14 or emailing her at kwhite@wslc.org. Provide your name, union organization, mailing address, email address, and phone number for each attendee.

The Project Help Program is a cooperative effort between the WSLC, the state’s business community, and the Department of Labor and Industries with the goal of facilitating early and successful resolution of workers’ compensation claims. Learn more here.