Workers’ Compensation In Washington: How It Works (2026)

Workers’ Compensation Coverage in Washington

In Washington, most employers with at least one employee are required to have workers’ compensation insurance. However, some employees don’t have to be covered. These are some common exemptions:

• Domestic workers (unless two or more people regularly work 40+ weekly hours)
• People hired to do gardening or basic repairs
• Jockeys
• Most entertainers and musicians
• Children employed on their family’s farm
• Freelance journalists
• Newspaper carriers
• Insurance companies
• Barbers and cosmetologists who rent booth space
• Chauffeurs and for-hire vehicle operators who own or lease their vehicles

Because Washington is a monopolistic state, employers must buy workers’ compensation insurance through the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries (L&I). Alternatively, they may self-insure.

How Workers’ Compensation Works in Washington

Workers’ compensation in Washington is relatively straightforward. Here’s a quick look at how it works:

• Employers purchase workers’ comp insurance policies and pay premiums
• Employees who are injured at work or suffer work-related illnesses file claims for benefits
• If a claim is approved, the insurer pays for medical care
• Approved employees can receive wage replacement benefits
• If the injury causes permanent impairment, the employee might qualify for disability benefits

In most cases involving non-work injuries, a person who is injured by someone else can contact a Washington personal injury lawyer and possibly sue for damages. Personal injury lawsuits can take months or years to resolve, and if someone gets hurt at work, they need to access medical and wage replacement benefits as soon as possible.

Eligible Injuries and Conditions in Washington

To qualify for workers’ compensation benefits, an employee must have suffered an injury on the job or come down with an illness due to workplace exposure.

What Workers’ Compensation Does Not Cover in Washington

Some work injuries aren’t covered by workers’ comp. These are a few examples:

• The employee was under the influence of alcohol or drugs at the time of the injury
• The employee was fighting with a coworker
• The employee was engaged in an unauthorized activity
• The employee broke a safety policy that led to the injury

If the injury or illness seriously aggravated a pre-existing condition, the employee might still qualify for benefits. However, if the injury itself was pre-existing, their claim will likely be denied.

Filing a Workers’ Compensation Claim in Washington

You may file a claim online, by phone at 1-877-561-FILE (3453) or at your doctor’s office.

L&I and Self Insurance in Washington

For very large employers, it may make more economic sense to self-insure. If an employer is interested in self-insurance, L&I will conduct a review to verify that the business is stable and has the necessary resources.

Benefit Amounts and Available Benefits in Washington

These are some of the key workers’ comp benefits:

Medical Benefits

Workers’ comp generally covers all injury-related medical care.

Wage Replacement Benefits

Employees can usually receive 60% to 75% of their average wages while recovering. The exact amount depends on marital status and the number of dependents.

If you can still work but must temporarily take a lower-paying position, you may receive up to 80% of the difference between your current wage and pre-injury wage.

Disability Benefits

If the injury causes permanent disability, you may qualify for ongoing compensation based on injury severity.

Death Benefits

If the injury is fatal, the loved ones of the deceased may receive ongoing compensation.

Vocational Rehabilitation

If you can no longer work at your current job, you could receive training for a new career.

Deadlines and Statute of Limitations in Washington Workers’ Comp

You must file a claim for workers’ compensation in Washington within a year of your injury. If you have a work-related disease, you have two years from the time you received a written diagnosis.

Employer Insurance Costs and Premiums in Washington

How much does workers’ comp insurance cost in Washington? On average, employers pay $1.21 per $100 of payroll. Premiums are much higher for employers in hazardous industries like roofing or construction.

Penalties and Compliance for Washington Employers

A violation of Washington’s workers’ comp laws may lead to major consequences for employers. If your business does not have proper workers’ compensation coverage, you could be fined $250 for each day you don’t have insurance, up to a maximum penalty of $50,000.

Washington will typically issue a stop-work order for employers not in compliance. Businesses that disregard this order may be fined up to $1,000 per day.

Need Help With Workers’ Compensation in Washington?

Whether you’re an employee having trouble getting a claim approved or an employer with questions about benefits and compliance, the best way to protect yourself and your rights is to consult a workers’ compensation lawyer.

In this situation, it’s critically important to find an attorney with considerable experience. ConsumerShield can help! If you’re ready to be matched with a capable lawyer near you, fill out our contact form to get started for free.