Free Washington Workers' Compensation FAQs | Workers' Compensation Frequently Asked Questions

How Long After An Injury Do I Have To Report It To My Employer?

Mon, 04 Jun 2007 20:51:22 GMT

You should report any work related injury to you employer immediately. If your employer is not made aware of your injury they may deny your claim for benefits. Injuries must be reported within one year. Diseases must be reported within two years after receiving written notice from a doctor that the condition exists and is workrelated.

In Washington, you must also file a claim for industrial insurance benefits. You accomplish this by completing the Washington State Fund Report of Industr

How Do I Know If My Employer Is Covered By Workers' Compensation?

Tue, 29 May 2007 20:19:00 GMT

Generally, employers of one or more employees are required to provide industrial insurance coverage. Coverage is not required for the following employees. The following are examples of those that are exempt from coverage.

A sole proprietor or partner of a business.
Corporate officers are exempt if they meet the criteria set by state law.
A domestic servant in a private home. However, if two or more are employed regularly for 40 or more hours each per week all must be covered.

What Workers' Compensation Benefits Am I Entitled To?

Tue, 29 May 2007 20:19:00 GMT

You may be entitled to receive all reasonable and necessary medical treatment, benefits for lost wages, benefits for specific injuries resulting in permanent disabilities such as loss of use and/or disfigurement (scars). You may also qualify to participate in certain physical and vocational rehabilitation programs. If the injury causes the death of an injured worker, burial expenses are covered and the dependents of the deceased worker are entitled to certain benefits.

Repair or replacement of

If I Am Injured On The Job Can I Choose The Doctor Who Treats Me?

Tue, 29 May 2007 20:19:00 GMT

You may choose any doctor who is qualified to treat your injury or disease. You may change doctors or ask for a consulting opinion from another doctor if you feel you are not making proper progress with your current doctor. However, to ensure proper payment of your medical bills, you must get approval from your claim manager before changing doctors or seeking another opinion.

When Will My Benefits Begin And How Much Will They Be?

Tue, 29 May 2007 20:19:00 GMT

If you are unable to work as a result of your injury or disease, you will be paid a portion of your regular wages. These taxfree benefits are called timeloss payments. They are based on a percentage of your wages, your marital status and the number of legally dependent children you have at the time of your injury. The Washington State Supreme Court has also ruled that employerpaid healthcare benefits may also be included when calculating a worker`s gross wage at the time of

If I Am Unable To Return To The Type Of Work I Did Before I Was Injured, What Happens?

Mon, 04 Jun 2007 20:51:22 GMT

If you are able to return to work and are paid less wages then your pre injury wages and your claim was on or after May 7, 1993, you may receive benefits which equal eighty percent of the actual difference between the your present wages and wages at the time of injury. The total of these payments and the worker`s present wages may not exceed one hundred fifty percent of the average monthly wage under state law.

My Employer Has Denied My Claim, What Do I Do?

Tue, 29 May 2007 20:19:00 GMT

If you believe a decision is wrong, it may help to talk to your claim manager. If you still are dissatisfied, you should send a written protest to the Department of Labor and Industries within 60 days of receiving Labor and Industries decision.

Explain in detail why you think the decision is unfair, supply any additional information you may have, and tell us what you think would be fair.

Your claim will be reviewed, and you will receive a written decision in response to your letter. If you