Governor Approves Lump-Sum Settlements

Washington state Gov. Jay Inslee signed a bill that took effect immediately and for the first time allows injured workers to receive lump-sum settlement payments. Inslee on Friday signed SB 5046, by Sen. Steve Conway, D-Tacoma. Lawmakers in 2011 for the first time allowed injured workers in Washington to settle their claims. Provisions in the 2011 reform bill required that injured workers receive structured settlement payments. SB 5046 preserves the ability of workers to enter structured settlement agreements while also allowing them to receive settlement proceeds in a lump-sum payment. Th...