Business Details
32 Years
experience
Trusted Workers' Compensation Lawyers in Spokane
Since 1994, Madel & Smith has provided dedicated legal representation to injured workers and accident victims in Spokane, WA. With over 45 years of combined experience, our attorneys specialize in workers' compensation and personal injury cases, offering aggressive advocacy tailored to each client's unique needs. We prioritize client communication, ensuring transparency throughout the legal process while negotiating with insurance providers and litigating complex claims.Our proven track record includes securing medical benefits, wage loss compensation, and permanent disability awards for clients, supported by strategic collaboration with medical experts. We operate on a contingency fee basis, ensuring our clients receive results-driven representation without upfront costs.
Services
Workers' Compensation
Personal Injury
Catastrophic Injury
Back Injury Claims
Third-Party Litigation
Details
- Year established: 1994
Highlights and features
- We offer 30+ years of combined experience in workers' compensation law
- Our attorneys provide personalized case strategy sessions with clients
- We handle complex third-party injury claims alongside workers' comp cases
- Our team includes former Navy legal professionals and appellate litigators
- We operate on a strict contingency fee basis with no upfront costs
What people say
Highly recommend
Very helpful staff
Honest law firm
Very thorough
Successfully litigated cases
Services
Workers' Compensation
We represent clients in workers' compensation cases involving industrial injuries, occupational diseases, and permanent disabilities. Our attorneys negotiate with L&I claims managers, handle medical provider coordination, and litigate disputed claims before the Board of Industrial Insurance Appeals. We specialize in securing time-loss compensation, vocational services, and permanent partial disability awards for workplace injuries.
Personal Injury
Our personal injury practice handles auto accidents, slip-and-falls, and medical malpractice cases resulting in neck/back injuries, spinal cord damage, and traumatic brain injuries. We work with medical experts to document impairment and pursue compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering through insurance negotiations or courtroom litigation.
Catastrophic Injury
We provide specialized representation for catastrophic injuries including amputations, severe burns, and organ damage requiring lifelong medical care. Our attorneys investigate accident causes, calculate future care costs, and pursue comprehensive settlements or verdicts that address long-term disability needs and quality of life considerations.
Back Injury Claims
Our firm specializes in work-related back injuries from heavy lifting, falls, and equipment accidents. We handle herniated disc cases, spinal cord damage claims, and chronic pain syndrome evaluations to secure appropriate medical treatment coverage and disability benefits through the workers' compensation system.
Third-Party Litigation
We pursue third-party claims against contractors, equipment manufacturers, and property owners responsible for workplace injuries. These cases often involve motor vehicle accidents during employment, premises liability issues, and subcontractor negligence that can be litigated separately from standard workers' compensation benefits.
People
Derek Madel
Partner
Licensed Washington attorney with 30+ years of workers' comp experience. Former Navy legal professional who successfully argued precedent-setting cases before Washington Court of Appeals. Specializes in L&I claims litigation and permanent total disability awards.
Kyle Smith
Partner
Washington-licensed attorney focusing on workers' compensation and personal injury litigation. Former NCAA All-American wrestler with expertise in third-party injury claims and appellate court representation for complex workers' comp disputes.
John Kirsten
Paralegal
Certified paralegal with 25+ years of Spokane legal experience. Graduated from Spokane Community College paralegal program in 1998. Provides case management support and notary services for workers' compensation documentation.
Diana Peckham
Office Manager
Licensed notary with 35+ years of Spokane legal administrative experience. Manages firm operations and client scheduling while maintaining deep community connections through local sports affiliations.
Questions
What does workers' compensation cover in Washington state?
Washington workers' comp covers medical treatment, wage replacement, vocational rehabilitation, and disability benefits for work-related injuries or illnesses through the Department of Labor & Industries.
How do I file a workers' compensation claim?
Report your injury to your employer within 30 days, seek medical treatment, and submit a claim form to L&I within one year of the injury date to ensure eligibility for benefits.
Can I sue my employer for a work injury?
Washington's exclusive remedy rule generally prevents suing employers directly, but third-party claims against contractors or equipment manufacturers may be pursued alongside workers' comp claims.
What constitutes a catastrophic injury claim?
Catastrophic injuries include permanent disabilities like spinal cord damage, traumatic brain injuries, amputations, and severe burns that significantly impact the victim's quality of life and earning capacity.
How are attorney fees structured for personal injury cases?
Our personal injury cases operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning we only collect fees if we successfully recover compensation for your damages through settlement or trial.
