Workers Compensation in Washington, D.C.

A workplace injury can upend your life in an instant, leaving you with medical bills, lost wages, and an uncertain future. Questions arise quickly—will your employer cover your treatment? How long will it take to receive benefits? What happens if your claim is denied?

Securing the benefits you deserve starts with understanding your rights and acting fast. From reporting your injury to navigating potential challenges, every step you take plays a role in protecting your claim.

This guide breaks down Washington, DC’s workers’ compensation process, explains the benefits available and details how legal assistance can help if your claim is delayed or denied.

Workers Compensation Statistics in Washington, D.C.?

Every year, thousands of workers in Washington, DC, suffer injuries or illnesses while on the job. In 2023, private-sector employers in DC reported approximately 4,500 nonfatal workplace injuries and illnesses, with an incidence rate of 2.6 cases per 100 full-time employees, slightly above the national average.

Some industries in Washington, DC, report higher rates of workplace injuries than others:

• Construction – With an injury rate of 4.1 per 100 workers, common hazards include falls from heights, electrical accidents, and heavy machinery incidents.
• Public Administration and Government Workers – A sector with an injury rate of 3.7 per 100 workers, where risks include repetitive stress injuries, workplace violence, and vehicle-related accidents.
• Healthcare and Social Assistance – An industry with an injury rate of 4.2 per 100 employees, where frequent injuries stem from patient handling, exposure to contagious diseases, and workplace violence.

How Does Workers Comp Work in Washington, D.C.?

Most employers in Washington, DC, are required to carry workers’ compensation insurance to cover employees injured on the job. The DC Office of Workers’ Compensation (OWC) oversees the claims process and ensures that eligible employees receive benefits.

In Washington, DC, any employer with at least one employee must carry workers’ compensation insurance. However, certain groups, such as independent contractors, business partners, and sole proprietors, may be exempt. If you qualify for benefits, you can expect to receive weekly payments equal to two-thirds of your average salary from the past year, along with medical coverage to support your recovery.

If your claim is approved, you may qualify for:

• Medical Benefits – Covers doctor visits, hospital stays, rehabilitation, medications, and necessary medical treatments.
• Temporary Total Disability (TTD) – If you’re unable to work while recovering, you may receive 66 2/3% of your average weekly wage, subject to state-mandated maximums.
• Temporary Partial Disability (TPD) – If you return to work in a limited capacity at reduced pay, TPD benefits help supplement lost wages.
• Permanent Partial or Total Disability (PPD/PTD) – If your injury results in a lasting impairment, you may qualify for additional compensation.
• Vocational Rehabilitation – If you cannot return to your previous job due to your injury, you may be eligible for retraining or job placement assistance.
• Death Benefits – If a worker dies due to a job-related injury, dependents may receive financial assistance, including funeral and burial expenses.

Get Medical Attention

After a workplace injury, your first priority should be getting medical care. Not only is this important for your health, but delaying treatment can also hurt your workers’ compensation claim. If you wait too long, the insurance company may argue that your injury wasn’t serious or wasn’t work-related.

In Washington, DC, your employer has the right to choose your initial treating physician. However, after seeing the company-assigned doctor once, you are allowed to switch to a doctor of your own choosing.

To protect your claim:

• Seek medical attention immediately, even if the injury seems minor.
• Follow your doctor’s treatment plan, including therapy, medications, and work restrictions.
• Keep copies of all medical records, prescriptions, and doctor’s notes.
• Communicate with your employer about your medical status and any work limitations.

If your employer or the insurance company refuses to authorize treatment, a workers’ compensation attorney can help ensure you receive proper medical care.

File a First Report of Injury

Washington, DC, law requires employees to report a workplace injury to their employer within 30 days of the incident. However, reporting the injury as soon as possible is always the best course of action to prevent disputes or delays.

After notifying your employer, you must:

1. File an Employee’s Notice of Injury (Form 7 DCWC) with the DC Office of Workers’ Compensation.
2. Seek medical treatment and ensure your doctor documents that your injury is work-related.
3. Follow up with the OWC to track the status of your claim.

Once the claim is submitted, the insurance company will review it and decide whether to approve or deny benefits. If your claim is denied, you have the right to appeal through the DC Administrative Hearings Division.

Washington, DC, has a one-year statute of limitations for filing a workers’ compensation claim, meaning you must take legal action within one year of the injury or risk losing benefits.

In Washington, DC, there is a three-day waiting period before injured employees can start receiving workers’ compensation payments. However, if the disability lasts beyond 14 days, those initial three days are retroactively covered as part of the benefits.

Why You Should Hire a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer

Navigating Washington, DC’s workers’ compensation system can be complex, especially if you’re dealing with a claim denial, delayed payments, or employer disputes. An experienced lawyer can:

• Ensure all paperwork is completed accurately to avoid unnecessary delays.
• Negotiate with the insurance company to maximize your compensation.
• Collect medical evidence and expert testimony to support your claim.
• Represent you in appeals and hearings if your claim is denied.

Work With an Experienced Local Lawyer in Washington, D.C.

Your health and well-being need to come first. If you are hurt while working or find out an illness you are suffering is the result of your job, you will want to seek compensation.

We can connect you with a local attorney or one across Washington, D.C. state lines.

Submit a request online or call us at (866) 345-6784 to find a workers’ compensation lawyer today!