Injured on the job Washington State

[AtheHun]

In late May 2025 I suffered a "right proximal tendon tear" (Rt biceps "Popeye" deformity), at work; (my right arm is my dominate arm). The large wealthy company that I work for is self insured. I had been previously wrongfully terminated by this company, and reinstated with full back pay and benefits, (so my relationship isn't the best).

The surgeons are not willing to repair my injury. I have not problem performing my duties at work, but: my personal life is ruined. I can no longer water ski, use my chainsaw to manage my wooded property, or many other things I have always done in my previously active life.

Question: is there a range of disability assumed with this type of injury, and a level of monetary compensation to offset this life long major injury? If so, what is the range, or where can I find this type of data?

I have been assigned physical therapy, as the muscle will never be repaired.

Thanks in advance for any help I get.

ATH

 

[LdiJ]

In late May 2025 I suffered a "right proximal tendon tear" (Rt biceps "Popeye" deformity), at work; (my right arm is my dominate arm). The large wealthy company that I work for is self insured. I had been previously wrongfully terminated by this company, and reinstated with full back pay and benefits, (so my relationship isn't the best).

The surgeons are not willing to repair my injury. I have not problem performing my duties at work, but: my personal life is ruined. I can no longer water ski, use my chainsaw to manage my wooded property, or many other things I have always done in my previously active life.

Question: is there a range of disability assumed with this type of injury, and a level of monetary compensation to offset this life long major injury? If so, what is the range, or where can I find this type of data?

I have been assigned physical therapy, as the muscle will never be repaired.

Thanks in advance for any help I get.

ATH

This is something that is beyond the scope of an internet forum. You need an in person consult with an attorney. Tendons can heal so much will depend on your long term prognosis.

 

[AlmostThere]

You have not given us your state.

It sounds like you may need to seek out other surgeons. I would start by researching the person or medical group with the most experience in repairing this type of injury and arranging to see them, even if it means traveling.

 

[Just Blue]

You have not given us your state.

It sounds like you may need to seek out other surgeons. I would start by researching the person or medical group with the most experience in repairing this type of injury and arranging to see them, even if it means traveling.

WA State. It's in the thread title.

 

[AtheHun]

This is something that is beyond the scope of an internet forum. You need an in person consult with an attorney. Tendons can heal so much will depend on your long term prognosis.

This tendon will never heal, unless a surgeon is willing to fix it. I have been told by several doctors that they do not fix this type of injury for an ordinary person, (unless I was a major league pitcher, [I was literally told that by a surgeon]).

I have minimal pain, (more of an ache), some tingling in my fingers, (that I never had before).

My arm is now deformed, as the longer of the two muscles is completely detached. My dominate arm has only the shorter of the two muscles attached for the rest of my life.

It is hard to imagine that there isn't some sort of compensation range for this common on the job injury.

Thanks for your help.

 

[AtheHun]

My layman's understanding is: due to the fact that this employer is self insured, Federal law governs. The state of Washington issued their determination that I was entitled to "premium care", (there is a 60 day window for the company to appeal that determination), and I expect that they will do just that. They are a terrible employer and very aggressive.

 

[zddoodah]

You have not given us your state.

Ummm...the title of the thread is "Injured on the job Washington State."

The surgeons are not willing to repair my injury.

I have been told by several doctors that they do not fix this type of injury for an ordinary person, (unless I was a major league pitcher, [I was literally told that by a surgeon]).

Surgeons (plural)? One surgeon? Several doctors who are or aren't surgeons?

The notion that you cannot find any surgeon willing to perform an operation on you just because you're "an ordinary person" defies credibility.

In any event, it would be foolish not to at least consult with a local workers' comp attorney.

 

[AtheHun]

I talked with two surgeons and got the same story, three other Doctors also said the same thing.

 

[cbg]

s there a range of disability assumed with this type of injury, and a level of monetary compensation to offset this life long major injury? If so, what is the range, or where can I find this type of data?

You contact a workers compensation attorney; you put the facts and the medical records in front of them, and you ask them this question. A message board cannot make that kind of determination.

 

[AlmostThere]

Ummm...the title of the thread is "Injured on the job Washington State."




Surgeons (plural)? One surgeon? Several doctors who are or aren't surgeons?

The notion that you cannot find any surgeon willing to perform an operation on you just because you're "an ordinary person" defies credibility.

In any event, it would be foolish not to at least consult with a local workers' comp attorney.

I am guessing he is trying to find someone to do the surgery through his wokrer's comp insurance vs other insurance.

 

[AtheHun]

I am guessing he is trying to find someone to do the surgery through his wokrer's comp insurance vs other insurance.

You guessed wrong. I'm trying too find the range of settlements for this type of common on the job injury, as I stated.

 

[cbg]

Which you're not going to find on a legal message board. Maybe a medical one, I don't know. But this is not a question we can answer. Talk to a workers comp attorney.

 

[quincy]

From Washington State Department of Labor and Industries:
https://www.lni.wa.gov/patient-care/treating-patients/treatment-guidelines-and-resources/

From “Legal Clarity” on how labor and industry settlements work in Washington State:
https://legalclarity.org/how-li-settlements-work-in-washington-state/

A “range of settlements” will be of no benefit to you in figuring out what compensation you might expect from your particular injury. You need a personal review by both legal and medical professionals in your area.

 

[AtheHun]

From Washington State Department of Labor and Industries:
https://www.lni.wa.gov/patient-care/treating-patients/treatment-guidelines-and-resources/

From “Legal Clarity” on how labor and industry settlements work in Washington State:
https://legalclarity.org/how-li-settlements-work-in-washington-state/

A “range of settlements” will be of no benefit to you in figuring out what compensation you might expect from your particular injury. You need a personal review by both legal and medical professionals in your area.

That second site was very helpful, Thank You. I have learned that "self insured" employers, (like the one in this situation), are governed by Federal not State law.

 

[AtheHun]

That second site was very helpful, Thank You. I have learned that "self insured" employers, (like the one in this situation), are governed by Federal not State law.

This observation seems to be incorrect, (I've been advised that my self insured employer still will follow state law)