What Should You Do After a Workplace Injury in WA?

Suffering a workplace injury is overwhelming, and the last thing you want to worry about is a mountain of paperwork. However, how you handle the immediate aftermath is crucial. The steps you take can directly influence your access to necessary medical care, wage replacement, and L&I (Department of Labor & Industries) benefits. To safeguard your future, please continue reading to learn the essential steps to follow and why connecting with our dedicated Workers’ Compensation Lawyers is in your best interest. 

What’s the First Thing You Should Do After a Workplace Injury in Washington?  

First and foremost, it’s crucial to understand that Washington law (RCW 51.28.010) requires injured workers to notify their employer immediately after an accident. Doing so prevents future disputes and ensures a clear link between your job and the injury. 

Don’t ignore your pain. Visit a doctor as soon as possible to ensure proper diagnosis and treatment. You should select a provider approved by L&I, and explicitly state that the injury occurred on the job, as your initial medical report is critical for your claim. 

From here, you must determine whether your employer is state-funded or self-insured. Use the “Report of Industrial Injury or Occupational Disease” form. Filing with the wrong entity is a common cause of delays. 

What Are the Key Deadlines?

Understanding the strict filing timelines is essential for protecting your rights to workers’ compensation benefits. When it comes to an acute workplace accident, you are required to file your claim with L&I or your self-insured employer no later than one year from the date of the incident. If you’re suffering from an occupational disease, such as repetitive stress injuries, the window to file is typically two years starting from the day a physician provides written notice that your illness is job-related. 

Failing to meet these strict deadlines can result in a permanent loss of benefits. As such, consulting with a qualified attorney early on can ensure your claim is handled correctly and promptly. 

Do You Need to Track Your Claim’s Progress? 

If an injury prevents you from working for more than three consecutive days, L&I or your self-insured employer typically issues time-loss compensation within 14 days of receiving the accident report. 

If you don’t receive payment or confirmation within this timeframe, it’s advisable to contact your assigned claims manager directly to request a status update. Furthermore, it’s critical to review all official correspondence and notices from L&I. Failure to respond within the designated legal window may forfeit your right to appeal a decision. 

At Calbom & Schwab Law Group, PLLC, we are prepared to help you understand your rights and guide you through this complex process. Contact our office today to schedule a consultation.