Washington State Workers Compensation Insurance

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Nobody plans on having an accident or getting sick on the job. But it can happen and when it does workers compensation insurance can pay for medical care, physical therapy, disability benefits and lost wages among other benefits.

Workers compensation laws are regulated at the state level, with each state in charge of its own laws. Let’s take a look at workers compensation in Washington State.

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Who Needs Workers Compensation in Washington State?

Workers compensation insurance is required in Washington state if you are a business with one or more employees. This includes part-time employees.

What Should I Do If I Get Sick or Injured at Work?

If you are injured or ill as a result of your job, there are two essential things to do. You’ll want to get medical assistance immediately and tell your employer about the injury or illness.

Small injuries can become serious injuries if left untreated. So be sure to get the initial first aid that you need at your place of work. All employers in Washington are required to provide a first-aid kit.

Workers compensation insurance pays for medical care directly related to a work accident or work illness. If you are unable to work following an injury or illness, you may be eligible to receive a portion of your lost wages.

If you need additional medical treatment, go to an emergency room or health care provider and let them know that you got injured or became ill on the job.

For a second medical visit, you’ll need to see a medical provider in the network for the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I).

L&I is the sole provider for workers compensation coverage in the state of Washington. It provides medical and wage-replacement coverage to employees who have job-related injuries and illnesses.

L&I also regulates 400 self-insured employers in Washington state.

Becoming Self-Insured for Workers Comp

Self-insured employers provide workers compensation benefits directly to injured and ill employees.

To be self-insured in Washington, an employer must meet all of the following criteria:

  • Have run a business for three years
  • Have an accident-prevention program in writing for at least six months prior to making an application
  • Show assets of at least $25 million
  • Show earnings in the present year and two of the past three years
  • Demonstrate a liquidity ratio of at least 1.3:1 and demonstrate a debt to net worth ratio of no greater than 4:1

Can I Get Private Workers Compensation Insurance in Washington State?

You must purchase your workers compensation coverage from L&I or be certified as a self-insured employer in Washington. No private workers compensation insurance is available.

Washington Workers Compensation Insurance Cost

There are several factors that impact workers compensation costs: business size, type of work done by employees, claims history, company payroll and state laws.

The estimated employer cost for workers compensation in Washington State is $1.57 per $100 covered in payroll, according to Insureon.

Filing a Workers Compensation Claim

If you work for a self-insured employer, you must file the claim directly with them. Otherwise, you’ll need to file a workers compensation claim with L&I.

Before you begin a claim, you will need the following information:

  • Where the injury or illness occurred
  • Witness contact information
  • Employer information
  • Wage amount
  • Names and birthdates of dependents
  • Doctor’s first and last name
  • The hospital or clinic where you received medical treatment

Include all this information in a claims report and send the claims report as soon as possible to L&I or to a self-insured employer.

Getting Back to Work

An employer may offer light duty work to an employee returning after a workers comp injury or illness. Light duty work can mean:

  • Working shorter hours
  • Doing some duties part-time and gradually increasing to full-time work
  • Performing different duties with lighter physical demands before eventually returning to previous job duties
  • Creating a new job within the medical restrictions until the employee is able to handle more strenuous work tasks

Reporting Workers Compensation Fraud

Report fraud regarding workers compensation to the L&I. Workers comp fraud can include:

  • Employer premium fraud. If you suspect an employer is not paying enough of a workers compensation premium, you can report employer premium fraud.
  • Workplace rights. If you believe your basic workplace rights have been violated, you can file a complaint asserting your workplace rights.
  • Claim suppression. If an employer prevents you from filing a workers compensation claim for a workplace illness or injury, you can file a complaint for claim suppression.
  • Discrimination. If an employer discriminates or retaliates against you for filing a workers compensation claim, you can make a discrimination complaint.
  • Injured worker fraud. If a person receives workers compensation benefits but appears to be able to work or was not injured, this may be a case of fraud and should be reported to the L&I.