Win Payment for Wages You Lost After Getting Hurt at Work

Most employers in Washington have workers’ comp coverage through the Washington Department of Labor and Industries (L&I). Some employers choose to self-insure for workers’ comp.

If your doctor has certified that you’re unable to work because of your workplace illness or injury—and your claims manager has received that verification—workers’ comp benefits may start paying for a percentage of the pay you’re losing.

In Washington, this is called “time loss” compensation, although you may have heard it referred to as “lost wages,” a term used in some other areas of the country.

The first three consecutive days of work you miss immediately following your injury or the onset of your illness are considered a waiting period. After that, your benefits start.

This is how these benefits work:

• You’ll receive between 60% and 75% of what you were earning on the job.
• The exact amount depends on your marital status and number of children.
• Your time-loss checks also are limited to a maximum amount that changes over time, based on Washington State’s average wage.
• You’ll receive your first check within 14 days of L&I or your employer getting notice from your doctor that you can’t work.
• The checks come twice a month.
• Your checks continue as long as your doctor says you can’t work.

At Bothwell & Hamill, we don’t charge anything for you tell us about your case, so we can help determine what’s best for you.