District Of Columbia Workers Compensation

If you have been injured on the job in Washington, D.C., workers' compensation laws may entitle you to certain benefits. These benefits can include payment of medical bills, money while you're unable to work, vocational rehabilitation, permanent partial disability benefits or total disability benefits. Your Washington, D.C., employer's workers' compensation insurance is responsible for paying these benefits.

Who Is Covered by Washington, D.C., Workers' Compensation Insurance?

In Washington, D.C., workers' compensation coverage begins on your first day of employment, regardless of whether you are a part-time or full-time employee. You may still be eligible for Washington, D.C., workers' compensation benefits even if you were an independent contractor or a cash employee.

What Types of Injuries Does Washington, D.C., Workers' Compensation Cover?

Injuries typically covered by Washington, D.C., workers' comp include:

• Traumatic physical injuries
• Repeated trauma injuries
• Mental injuries
• Occupational disease

What Types of Washington, D.C., Workers' Compensation Benefits Can You Receive?

Washington, D.C., workers' compensation laws can be complicated. A Washington, D.C., workers' compensation attorney can explain to you the application process and help you receive the benefits to which you are entitled.

Although your benefits may vary depending on what state or federal law applies, workers injured on the job--regardless of whether your employer was at fault--may be entitled to benefits that include:

• Medical care
• Disability income
• Vocational rehabilitation
• Partial disability benefits

If you receive Washington, D.C., workers' compensation following an injury, you cannot sue your Washington, D.C., employer for additional compensation in connection with your injury. You may, however, be able to file a lawsuit against others involved in your injury. For example, if you were injured in an automobile accident while working and the other driver was at fault, you might be able to sue the other driver. Or if your injury was the result of a defective machine, you might be able to sue the machine manufacturer. A Washington, D.C., workers' compensation lawyer can advise you of your legal options.

How Do You File for Washington, D.C., Workers' Compensation Benefits?

If you're injured while at work or develop a job-related occupational disease in Washington, D.C., you should promptly seek medical treatment. Make sure to tell the doctor that your injury occurred on the job or in connection with your job.

Notify your employer of the injury or disease as soon as possible. In Washington, D.C., you have to notify your employer of your work-related injury or disease in writing within 30 days.

Your Washington, D.C., workers' compensation claim will be filed with the Washington, D.C., Department of Employment Services.

Once you've sought medical treatment for your injury or disease, you should consider contacting a Washington, D.C., workers' comp lawyer to help guide you through the process of applying for Washington, D.C., workers' compensation.

Workers' Compensation for Federal Employees & Others

Federal government employees working in Washington, D.C., as well as Washington, D.C., residents who worked on nuclear weapons, are maritime workers or are coal miners would be covered under one of several federal workers' compensation programs.

• The Federal Employees' Compensation Act covers federal employees and postal workers for job-related injuries and diseases
• The Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program Act covers U.S. Department of Energy employees, predecessor agencies, contractors and subcontractors who are ill as a result of working with nuclear weapons
• The Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act and related acts, including the Defense Base Act covers maritime workers
• The Black Lung Benefits Act provides compensation to miners totally disabled by black lung disease as well as their survivors

Additional Washington, D.C., Workers' Compensation Resources

Information about an employees rights & obligations under Washington, D.C., workers' compensation law

Washington, D.C., workers' compensation claim form

The U.S. Department of Labor's Workers' Compensation information page for federal government employees

The U.S. Department of Labor's summary of major labor laws

The Occupational Safety & Health Administration's summary of workers' rights