Brandon Apela Afoa v. Department Of Labor & Industries

**What Happened** Brandon Afoa, who worked for Evergreen Aviation Ground Logistics, was injured on the job and needed in-home care assistance. He requested 24-hour daily attendant care services through Washington's workers' compensation system, which is managed by the Department of Labor & Industries. However, the department only approved 16 hours of daily care instead of the full 24 hours he wanted. Afoa appealed this decision and also argued that the appeal process violated his right to have a jury decide his case. **What the Court Decided** The Washington Court of Appeals sided with the Department of Labor & Industries. The court upheld the department's decision to limit Afoa's attendant care to 16 hours per day. Additionally, the court ruled that the workers' compensation appeal process does not violate a person's right to a jury trial. **Why This Matters for Workers** This ruling shows that workers' compensation agencies have significant authority to determine what medical care and services injured workers receive. When workers disagree with these decisions, they must go through the agency's administrative appeal process rather than requesting a jury trial. Workers should understand that getting additional services beyond what the agency approves can be challenging and may require strong medical evidence.