Workers’ Comp 101: Navigating a workplace injury claim and getting your employee back to work

With any luck – and a solid safety culture – your workplace hasn’t experienced a workers’ compensation claim. However, it pays to be aware of your rights and responsibilities as an employer, so you are prepared to handle a claim with the least stress possible.

With limited exceptions, all Washington state employers pay into the workers' compensation fund through the Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) for their employees. Workers’ compensation is the state’s own insurance plan, paying for medical care for work-related injuries or illnesses. If your worker is unable to work after their injury, they may also be eligible for a portion of their lost wages. Most importantly, L&I can help you coordinate a safe and timely return to work for your worker.

File a claim, stay involved

Even before a claim is filed, there are two very important things to do immediately: Get your employee medical help and document how the injury happened. 

After the claim is filed, you’ll need to complete the employer section of the report of accident either by mail or online at File Employer's Report of Accident. Make sure to include accurate wage information, where the injury happened, and the last day your worker was able to work their regular job duties.

You’ll want to stay involved in your worker's claim. You are an interested party in the claim and have access to any and all documents related to this injury. Open and read any mail you receive regarding this claim, some types of mail called “orders” have strict deadlines on when L&I must receive information or a protest. 

Win-Win return to work

Both you as the employer and your employee win by maintaining employment following a workplace injury. Despite medical restrictions that may prevent your employee from returning to their regular job, it is possible for them to return to work in a different capacity (light duty) while still receiving medical benefits. Research shows the sooner your employee returns to work, the more likely they’ll preserve future income and health.

L&I’s Return to Work and Stay at Work programs are designed to help your worker heal and return to work faster and potentially reduce the impact of a claim on your account. For example, employers may be eligible for reimbursements through the Stay at Work program for some base wages and expenses such as training and tools related to the light-duty work. 

Want more details? Join us for Workers’ Comp 101

The experts at L&I will present Workers’ Comp 101 online Tuesday, Sept. 10, at 2 p.m. During this webinar, they will walk you through the claims process and address strategies to help get injured employees back to work.
Join us for this workshop full of practical tips to help you breathe easier the next time you face a workers’ comp claim.