Worker Can't Subtract Attorney Fees From Reimbursement Obligation for Overpayment

The Washington Court of Appeals ruled that a worker who received retroactive benefits from the Department of Labor and Industries could not reduce his repayment obligations for unemployment benefits to account for legal expenses. Case: Belling v. Employment Security Department, No. 34066-0-III, 09/12/2017, unpublished. Facts: Christopher Belling suffered a disabling workplace injury in 2005. The Department of Labor and Industries began paying him time-loss benefits of $1,486 twice each month. In March 2011, DLI notified Belling that it was terminating time-loss payments based on its determi...