What are objective medical findings?

If you’re dealing with a workplace injury or an L&I claim, a Washington workers’ compensation lawyer can help protect your rights and benefits. Atlas Law represents injured workers across Washington in workers’ compensation and L&I claims, including appeals and disputed benefits.

In Washington workers’ compensation claims, objective medical evidence means medical findings that can be observed or measured by a healthcare provider, rather than symptoms reported only by the injured worker.

L&I often relies on objective medical evidence when deciding whether to allow or deny a claim, approve treatment, or determine ongoing benefits.

Examples of objective medical evidence may include:

• Imaging studies such as X-rays or MRIs

• Measurable loss of range of motion

• Muscle spasms observed by a provider

• Swelling, atrophy, or neurological findings

If L&I believes a claim lacks sufficient objective medical evidence, it may deny or limit benefits, even when an injured worker is experiencing real pain or limitations.