Blog/Articles – Althauser Rayan Abbarno

Washington adopts Uniform Family Law Arbitration Act

Washington adopts Uniform Family Law Arbitration Act

This year, Governor Jay Inslee signed into law HB 1088, which adopted the Uniform Family Law Arbitration Act (UFLAA), a statutory scheme for the arbitration of family law disputes. Many UFLAA provisions are similar to the Washington Uniform Arbitration Act, with...

New crime created for counterfeit pill machines

New crime created for counterfeit pill machines

On April 13, 2023, Governor Jay Inslee signed ESB 1209, which creates a new crime is related to the use of tableting and encapsulating machines in connection with controlled substances. Under the new law, it is a class C felony, punishable by up to five years in...

Washington DUI laws see more changes

Washington DUI laws see more changes

Rarely does a year go by in which the Washington state Legislature does not change the laws on how driving under the influence (DUI) is charged and prosecuted. The 2024 legislative session was no different. The Legislature recently passed, and the governor is expected...

Reporting a workplace injury to employers

Reporting a workplace injury to employers

Seeking medical attention and telling your employer immediately after a workplace injury are very important. Employers need to be familiar with the situation when the L&I paperwork arrives so that they can help you plan your return to work. What to expect from...

Getting medical attention after a workplace injury

Getting medical attention after a workplace injury

There are two very important things injured workers should do after an injury: get medical help and tell the employer. Workers' compensation pays for medical care directly related to your accident or illness. Injured workers are eligible for important benefits....

Protect yourself from uninsured drivers

Protect yourself from uninsured drivers

All drivers in the State of Washington must carry liability insurance and proof of the auto insurance, including for a motorcycle. Up to 20% of drivers may not have enough insurance coverage for all the property damage and injuries they cause. Some drivers also choose...

Paying costs and expenses with PIP after a car accident

Paying costs and expenses with PIP after a car accident

PIP is an optional coverage that you may add to your auto insurance policy. If you're in an auto accident, it can help pay for: Medical and hospital expenses Wage loss Loss of services Funeral expenses PIP applies no matter who is at fault; with a few exceptions. Do I...

Wage Replacement after a workplace injury

Wage Replacement after a workplace injury

If you miss work because of your injury and your doctor certifies you are unable to work, L&I or your self-insured employer may pay for a portion of your lost wages, called "time‑loss compensation." However, the first 3 days immediately following your injury are...

Using personal injury protection (PIP) after a car accident

Using personal injury protection (PIP) after a car accident

Personal injury protection (PIP), also known as “no-fault insurance,” is a component of an automobile insurance plan that covers the healthcare costs, lost wages, childcare, and other expenses associated with a car accident. What does PIP cover? PIP covers medical...

Changes to pet insurance pass state Legislature.

What is Pet Insurance? Pet insurance provides health care coverage for family-owned pets, primarily dogs and cats. Pets are legally considered personal property and pet insurance is classified and regulated as property and casualty insurance. Similarly, human health...

Is street racing illegal?

Senate Bill 5606 looks to deter and further penalize illegal street racing after law enforcement agencies in Washington reported an increasing number of sometimes violent or deadly events in recent years. As defined by the new law, “willfully comparing or contesting...