Are there any time limits for filing a workers' compensation claim?

Yes, there are time limits for filing a workers’ compensation claim in Washington. Generally, injured workers must file a claim with the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) within one year of their workplace accident or illness. However, some exceptions may allow a longer time limit. For an aggravation of a pre-existing condition, the one-year time limit begins when the worker’s condition has changed for the worse and the workplace incident can be shown to have made at least a slight difference in the worker’s condition. The statute of limitations for a death claim involving a workplace accident is three years from the date of the accident or two years after the date of the death, whichever comes later. Delayed onset injury claims must be filed within two years from the date the worker first noticed the injury or two years from the date the injury became disabling, whichever is later. Finally, if a worker thinks they have been wrongfully denied workers’ compensation benefits, they must file an appeal with the Washington State Board of Industrial Insurance Appeals (BIIA) within 60 days of the denial. Even with these time limits in place, injured workers are still encouraged to report workplace accidents as soon as possible and file a claim to prevent potential delays when seeking benefits.

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Are there any time limits for filing a workers' compensation claim?

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