Logger Ordered to Pay $163,000 in Restitution

The Washington State Department of Labor and Industries announced that a logger convicted of faking injuries to collect workers’ compensation benefits was ordered to pay more than $163,000 in restitution. James J. Thomasson, 53, was also ordered to serve 60 days in home detention. Thomasson was struck in the leg by a tree, suffering bruises and abrasions while working as a logger in the fall of 2006. A year later, he claimed he hurt his back while using a wedge to fell a tree in Shelton. His medical provider told L&I that Thomasson could not work due to the injuries, making him el...