If you’ve been injured on the job in Washington state, documenting your injury properly is one of the most important steps in securing your L&I claim. The Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) provides workers’ compensation benefits to help cover medical costs, lost wages, and rehabilitation, but only if your claim is filed correctly and supported by strong documentation.
Here’s how to document your workplace injury to protect your rights and maximize your benefits.
Step 1: Get Medical Help Immediately
Before anything else, seek medical attention. Your first visit is covered by L&I, even if your claim hasn’t been approved yet. Be sure to:
- Tell your doctor your injury occurred at work.
- Ask them to complete the Report of Accident.
- Keep copies of all medical records and prescriptions.
If your doctor doesn’t handle workers’ compensation claims, you can find an L&I-approved provider through the L&I website.
Step 2: Notify Your Employer
Inform your employer as soon as possible. Include:
- Date and time of the injury
- Location of the incident
- How the injury occurred
- Names of any witnesses
This step is critical, even if the injury seems minor. Delays in reporting can lead to claim denials.
Step 3: File Your L&I Claim
You can file your claim in one of three ways:
- Online via L&I’s File Fast tool
- By phone: 877.561.3453
- At your doctor’s office
If you work for a self-insured employer, you must file directly with them using a Self-Insurer Accident Report (SIF-2).
Step 4: Gather Supporting Documentation
Strong documentation can make or break your claim. Be sure to collect:
- Medical records: Diagnosis, treatment plans, and doctors’ notes
- Witness statements: Written accounts from coworkers who saw the incident
- Photos: Images of the injury, equipment, or location
- Workplace reports: Any internal incident reports filed with HR or management
- Pay stubs: To verify wage loss for time-loss or LEP benefits
Keep both digital and physical copies in a secure location outside of work.
Step 5: Track Your Recovery
Continue documenting your condition throughout your recovery:
- Keep a journal of symptoms and limitations
- Save receipts for out-of-pocket medical expenses
- Record missed workdays and reduced hours
- Attend all medical appointments and follow your doctor’s advice
This ongoing documentation helps support your eligibility for benefits like time-loss compensation, vocational rehabilitation, or a settlement or award.
Step 6: Watch for Common Mistakes
Avoid these pitfalls that can jeopardize your claim:
- Waiting too long to report the injury
- Failing to mention the injury was work-related
- Missing medical appointments
- Posting contradictory content on social media
- Not submitting required forms like the Activity Prescription Form (APF) or Work Status Form
Step 7: Know Your Deadlines
You must file your L&I claim within:
- 1 year of the injury date
- 2 years for occupational disease claims (from the date your doctor confirms it’s work-related)
Missing these deadlines can result in a complete loss of benefits.
Final Thoughts
Documenting your workplace injury thoroughly is the key to a successful L&I claim. If your employer disputes your claim, or if L&I denies benefits, legal help can make all the difference. Call Emery | Reddy today for a Free Case Review.
