Reporting a Workplace Injury in Washington State

If you were injured at work, you are entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. To obtain these benefits, you must complete the process of reporting a workplace injury in Washington State. You are required to report your accident and all resulting injuries within a specific amount of time. Meeting this filing deadline is the first step in the reporting process.

In addition to notification deadlines, obtaining workers’ compensation benefits requires you to meet a filing deadline and provide a plethora of medical and other information. A lawyer can help you gather, organize, and submit medical information. The process can be challenging and stressful. You do not have to go through it without legal guidance and support. A workers’ compensation attorney can provide guidance and support from start to finish.

When You Report Your Workplace Injury in Washington State Matters

Your first priority after being injured at work is to get any emergency medical attention you need. As soon as you are able, do two important things—notify your employer of your accident and resulting injury and consult a workers’ compensation lawyer in your area. 

According to Washington State Department of Labor and Industries guidelines, once notified, your employer is obligated to:

• Ensure you receive prompt medical attention
• Complete their section of your accident report form
• Identify any available opportunities for you to return to work

Do not hesitate to inform your employer of your injury out of concern for your job. If you get hurt, you are entitled to time to recover before returning to work. In Washington State, your employer cannot retaliate against you or otherwise penalize you for notifying them of your accident or for seeking or receiving workers’ compensation benefits.

How to Report Your Injury to Your Employer

You can report your injury in multiple ways—online or via telephone. Under certain circumstances, you can also report your injury right from your doctor’s office. Your application will require a range of forms and information, including:

• Details on where your injury occurred
• Contact details for any available witnesses 
• Employer and wage information
• Names and birth dates of your dependents
• Medical care and records to date
• Name and contact details for your doctor
• Name and contact details for your treatment facility

Gathering as much information as possible prior to beginning the application can make the process run more smoothly. The reporting process may be slightly varied if your employer is self-insured. If you are represented by a lawyer, they will explain any exceptions and help you meet the self-insured filing requirements.

Understanding Workers’ Compensation’s Financial Benefits

Replacing your income after you are injured is important because it will allow you to keep supporting yourself and your family while you heal. Until you are able to return to work, you can generally expect to receive:

• Between 60% and 75% of your average weekly salary if your injuries are classified as a temporary total disability and you cannot work for at least four days
• As much as 80% of your average weekly salary if your injuries are classified as a partial temporary disability

Depending on the depth of your injury, you could also be entitled to permanent partial disability or a permanent total disability pension. Your lawyer will work hard to have your injured status accurately described and categorized.

Understanding Workers’ Compensation’s Medical Benefits

The medical benefits you can expect to receive from your workers’ compensation claim include all the treatments and recovery aids you need. Your claim should cover:

• All reasonable medical care
• All prescribed medications
• Assistive medical devices
• All necessary rehab and therapy

You will not incur any copays or deductibles for any part of your prescribed treatment plan. Your treatment must be provided by in-network healthcare professionals and facilities. You can also receive additional benefits as needed, including vocational rehabilitation.

If you are reporting the fatal injury of a loved one, your family could recover death benefits. They will pay for your loved one’s final arrangements, replacement income, and pension payments, where applicable.

How a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer Supports Your Application for Benefits

Reporting a workplace injury and applying for workers’ compensation benefits is a complex process. When you turn to a workers’ compensation attorney, you do not have to manage on your own. Your attorney will:

• Take the confusion out of the application 
• Explain each upcoming step in the process
• Gather information about your claim
• Collect the required medical evidence
• Avoid application errors and omissions

Let your lawyer take care of the details and legalities of your claim. Having a lawyer is also beneficial if you need to file a protest or appeal. Your lawyer can also explain and comply with all notification and filing deadlines. While you are focusing on your recovery, their involvement could prevent you from missing critical deadlines. 

Your Lawyer Can File a Strong Appeal If Your Initial Application Is Denied

You do not have to accept a denial of your application without a fight. Your lawyer can help you file an appeal. Your request should include the following information:

• Your full name and claim number 
• The date your application was denied
• A description of the denial
• How you disagree with the denial
• Your complete mailing address and contact number
• The preferred location for your hearing
• Any medical or other supporting information

You have 60 days to file a protest or appeal. Your lawyer will help you meet the filing deadline. Failing to do so could prevent you from appealing at all, and the denial of your request for benefits will become final. 

Contact Our Workers’ Compensation Team Now

If you were injured at work, you can file a workers’ compensation claim for medical and financial benefits to get the medical and financial support you need while you recuperate. Our client-focused team makes reporting a workplace injury in Washington State easy to understand and navigate. 

Get started reporting your injury or filing your claim by contacting one of our Jackman Law Firm team members for your free consultation today.