Filing a workers’ comp claim in Washington.
Administered by the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries. Primary form: SIF-2 — Worker's and Physician's Initial Report.
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Open Notice of Claim wizardWashington State Board
- Agency
- Washington State Department of Labor & Industries
- Primary claim form
- SIF-2 — Worker's and Physician's Initial Report
- Official website
- https://www.lni.wa.gov/claims/
Deadlines at a glance
1 year from date of injury
Report to your employer first. Put it in writing — email, text, or signed letter. Missing this window can reduce or eliminate benefits.
1 year from date of injury
File SIF-2 — Worker's and Physician's Initial Report with the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries before this window closes.
3 days, retroactive after 14 days
Medical benefits typically begin immediately. The waiting period applies to wage-replacement (TTD/TPD) benefits only.
Washington-specific notes
WA is a monopolistic state fund — all coverage through L&I (or self-insurance). No private WC carriers.
Federal programs that may apply
The Washington program covers most private-sector workers. Three federal programs run in parallel for specific worker categories:
- FECA — Federal Employees’ Compensation Act. Covers civilian federal employees. Filed through the US DOL, Office of Workers’ Compensation Programs.
- LHWCA — Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act. Covers maritime workers (longshoremen, shipbuilders, harbor workers) on navigable US waters.
- Jones Act — 46 U.S.C. § 30104. Covers seamen injured in the course of employment. Provides a negligence cause of action and maintenance and cure rights outside the state WC system.
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