How long do workers' compensation benefits last?

Workers’ compensation benefits in Washington state last as long as the worker’s injury or illness is still preventing them from working. This could be a few weeks or a few years, depending on the severity and complexity of the injury or illness. Generally speaking, injured workers in Washington will be entitled to receive Worker’s Compensation benefits until the worker has reached their Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI). This means they have recovered as much as possible from their injury and the effects of it are now permanent. The worker may still be able to return to work in some capacity, but the benefit payments may stop when the worker has reached MMI. In addition, workers’ compensation benefits may also stop if the injured worker is able to return to work at their pre-injury job or a similar job. If the worker is unable to return to the same job or a similar job, they may be eligible for vocational rehabilitation or retraining. In terms of specific duration of benefits, it will vary depending on the facts of the case and the severity of the injury or illness. For example, workers may be entitled to receive benefits for a period up to ten years, depending on the law at the time of the injury and the exact nature of the injury or illness. In short, workers’ compensation benefits can last anywhere from a few weeks to several years depending on the situation.

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How long do workers' compensation benefits last?

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