In Washington state, the Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) manages workers’ compensation, also known as industrial insurance. If you have a work-related injury or illness, like a back injury, you may get benefits. Back injuries can be very painful and stop you from working.
If you hurt your back at work, here’s what you need to know to protect your right to compensation.
Back injuries are covered under Washington’s workers’ compensation law
Back injuries, whether from a sudden accident or developed over time due to repetitive motions, are generally covered under Washington’s workers’ compensation system. This includes injuries to any part of the back, from the neck to the lower spine.
Even if you have an already existing back condition, you may still be eligible for benefits if your work activities or tasks made it worse.
Don’t delay reporting your injury
Tell your employer about your back injury as soon as possible. In Washington, you have one year from the day of the injury to file a claim for a single accident. For injuries that develop over time, you have two years from when a doctor tells you your condition is work-related.
It’s very important to report your injury as soon as you can, whether to your employer or directly to L&I. This can help you avoid confusion or misunderstandings about when and how your work injury happened.
Remember, you can file a claim straight to L&I if needed, not just through your employer.
Understand your employer’s responsibilities
Your employer has several duties after you report a work-related back injury. They must take the following steps to make sure you don’t miss out on benefits:
- Give you the right paperwork: Provide you with a claim form and information about filing a claim
- Help you get medical care: Assist you in getting any necessary medical treatment
- Send in their part of the report: Complete and submit the employer’s portion of the injury report to L&I
- Keep you updated: Keep you informed about your claim and return-to-work options
- Treat you fairly: Not discriminate against you or treat you badly for filing a workers’ compensation claim
Also, if your doctor says you can do light work, your employer should try to give you work within your limits. If they can’t, you may be eligible for continued time-loss benefits. Time-loss benefits can help make up for the pay you’re missing while you recover.
Back injuries can disrupt your personal and work life. Stay informed about your rights and focus on your recovery with the support you deserve through workers’ compensation.