Owada Law provides assertive representation for employers in all aspects of workers’ compensation matters before the Department of Labor and Industries, the Board of Industrial Insurance Appeals, and the Appellate Courts.
When an employer needs a defense attorney for workers’ compensation issues and disability claims, the employer wants a lawyer who has essential knowledge of the law and an understanding of the workers’ compensation system. Our experienced litigators defend workers’ compensation claims on behalf of employers throughout Washington State in claims involving industrial injury and/or occupational disease.
A tenacious defense can make the difference in the outcome. Allow us to defend your company against a finding for time loss, vocational services, medical payments, and permanent, partial, or total disability awards.
The Department of Labor and Industries is permitted by law to audit employer records to ensure compliance with relevant codes and statutes. Facing an auditor’s assessment can be a daunting experience. The Department will inspect general business operations, examine payroll and employee hours for accuracy, and ensure worker hours and claims are in appropriate risk classification.
Owada Law has worked with numerous, local businesses to resolve audit disputes via informal resolution and/or litigation. Changes in statutory requirements and compliance issues over the years have resulted in an increase of audits by the Department of Labor and Industries. We are committed to providing the finest services and keeping our clients well informed of ever-changing employment laws. We will provide minimal disruption to your regular business routine while assisting you with the audit process.
The workers’ compensation system is designed to provide compensation for employees who are injured on the job. However, the employer still has the responsibility to maintain a safe work environment. If the employer fails to do so, it can be subject to WISHA/OSHA fines ultimately resulting in an increase to workers’ compensation insurance premiums.
Owada Law has extensive experience defending clients that are issued general, serious and willful citations. Our goal in every case is to protect the rights and interests of our client to minimize any resulting fines or penalties, if not to achieve the employer’s vindication.
When accidents occur, Owada Law is available for onsite inspections, informal conferences and/or citation appeal proceedings.
Strategic corporate advice is critical to compete effectively in a business environment. We pride ourselves on having a thorough understanding of our clients’ industries and their business goals. We provide the best information available, along with our reasoned, professional judgment, and recommendations on the optimal strategy.
Businesses’ needs for professional counsel change as employee relations become more complex. Owada Law attorneys work with business owners, human resource professionals and individuals to address a client’s unique circumstances. We work with you, as an employer, to create a strategy tailored to your needs and goals, as well as ensure this strategy complies with the law. We also provide effective representation before agencies and courts when necessary.
The area of clean air regulation is a sensitive area of law which includes an expanding set of federal and state statutes, regulations and judicial interpretations. Owada Law will defend your business or corporation if you are faced with citations from agencies such as the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency (PSCAA) and/or the Southwest Region Clean Air Agency (SRCAA). Violations may include the following areas: Air toxins, carbon monoxide, climate protection, asbestos demolition, outdoor burning fine particulate matter, indoor air quality and ozone. Owada Law will assist you with defense against legal actions and also provide information regarding permits, appeals, standards, and current state regulations.
Owada Law litigates diverse administrative and civil matters. Our attorneys and skilled support staff effectively and vigorously assert and defend our clients’ interests at trial and on appeal.
Throughout our representation, our attorneys aggressively pursue early negotiation, mediation, and other conflict resolution methods to assist clients in achieving successful resolution at the earliest possible date.
We also offer our litigation clients comprehensive pre-hearing services, including compensability determinations, hearing work-up, exposure assessments and expert depositions.
Owada Law understands the difficulties and worries you face, and filing for bankruptcy can be a tough and stressful decision. However, bankruptcies are becoming much more frequent in our society today and our attorneys can provide compassionate assistance through the complex legal maze. If you are experiencing debt caused by financial stress due to declining home values, extraordinary medical expenses, a death in your family, divorce, unemployment, underemployment, or an overextended budget, you are not alone. You have options available to you, some that do not involve bankruptcy.
We employ highly qualified professionals to assist you with the complex bankruptcy process. Owada Law can help stop creditor harassment, wage garnishments, and help you get the debt relief you need. We will keep you informed and involved throughout the entire process, while maintaining an empathetic respect for your individual situation.