The Importance of Reporting Workplace Injuries Promptly in Washington
If you have been injured on the job, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. You may also be able to pursue a claim against a non-employer third-party. The Vancouver workplace injury attorneys at Schauermann Thayer can help you explore your legal options.
In order to help preserve any potential claims you may have or benefits you may be entitled to, it is crucial to report any workplace injury as soon as possible. This helps to ensure proper investigation and documentation takes place.
Reporting Requirements
Washington laws require you to report your workplace injury to your employer. According to Washington law, “Whenever any accident occurs to any worker it shall be the duty of such worker or someone in his or her behalf to forthwith report such accident to his or her employer, superintendent, or supervisor in charge of the work” when the following apply:
- You have received treatment from a physician or a licensed advanced registered nurse practitioner
- You have been hospitalized
- You have been disabled from work
- A loved one has died from their job-related injury
In turn, your employer generally has an obligation to report your injury “at once” to the Department of Labor and Industries. The law states that an employer cannot engage in any activities that could be considered “claim suppression.” You have an obligation to report the injury, and your employer cannot get in the way. You must report the incident or injury in order to file a claim for worker’s compensation.
Why You Want to Report Your Workplace Injury Quickly
There are reasons why you would want to report your injury promptly, besides protecting your entitlement to workers’ compensation benefits. The Occupational Hazard and Safety Administration (OSHA) may decide to perform its own investigation of the incident to determine whether your employer complied with safety regulations. If the investigation reveals that your employer broke the rules, they may be fined or cited and could be required to take corrective actions. Reporting workplace incidents helps to protect other employees and prevent future incidents and injuries. Many OSHA investigations are public record and therefore also inform the public and prospective employees.
The Department of Labor and Industries may also conduct its own investigation of the incident and your injuries and determine what action may be appropriate.
Reporting your injury is crucial to preserve any potential claims you may have. The documentation and investigation may help you pursue your damages and benefits and secure important evidence such as witness statements. Many times, injured workers are unable to do any meaningful investigation themselves due to their injuries and may struggle to recall details as time passes. Reporting incidents involving worksite injuries as soon as they happen creates a written record that can easily be referred back to.
If you have been injured on the job, you can seek legal help by contacting us. You can schedule a free initial consultation by visiting our website or by calling us today at (360) 818-2725.
