Complete all required paperwork.
	Your paperwork will depend on the type of injury or occupational disease you are claiming. Read it carefully, respond promptly, and keep copies of everything. Always put your claim number on your paperwork and have it handy when you call L&I or your self-insured employer.
Questions workers have: What is the deadline for filing a claim with L&I for an on-the-job injury? L&I or your self-insured employer must receive your claim application within one year of your injury date to file a claim. We must receive it within two years from the date of your doctor's diagnosis for occupational disease claims. What information goes on the accident report? Information about your injury, employer, wages, diagnosis, treatment and other background information. (Note: The report is called the Report of Industrial Injury or Occupational Disease. If your employer is self-insured, it is called the Self Insurer Accident Report (SIF-2). Your doctor may complete the Physicians Initial Report. If your injury limits your ability to work, your doctor will also complete an Activity Prescription Form (F242‑385‑000).) If you're an apprentice, you should look at What to Do If Injured as an Apprentice on the job or during training. What L&I paperwork can I expect in the mail? A Claim Arrival Card. A First Payment Letter. A copy of an information pamphlet, Getting Back to Work: It's Your Job and Your Future (F200‑001‑000). A copy of Workers' Guide to Industrial Insurance Benefits (F242‑104‑000). Legal documents called Notices of Decision. Correspondence asking for more information, if needed. If you are receiving time‑loss compensation, you will also receive a Worker Verification Form (F242‑052‑000). What paperwork can I expect to receive from my self‑insured employer? Designated copy of the Self Insurer Accident Report (SIF-2) (pink copy). Current copy of L&I's pamphlet A Guide to Industrial Insurance Benefits for Employees of Self-Insured Businesses (F207‑085‑000). The name, address, and phone number of the person or organization handling your claim. How long will it take to find out if my claim has been accepted? Your doctor has five days to send the report to L&I or your self-insured employer. L&I's or your self-insured employer's processing time will vary, depending on the type of claim. If you are eligible for wage-replacement benefits, and no further information is needed, L&I or your self-insured employer sends the first benefit check within 14 days of receiving the report. Updating information: How do I let L&I or my self-insured employer know if my address, doctor, or other information changes? Please let us know right away, so your claim isn't delayed. Address changes at L&I must be made in writing via fax or mail and include your claim number and authorizing signature. You can also update your information in the Claim & Account Center. If your employer is self‑insured, send a written notification to both L&I and your employer or their third-party administrator (TPA). For doctor changes, use the Change of Attending Physician (F245‑037‑000) form. What if I live or move out of state? Your rights, benefits and responsibilities for your claim will remain the same. Washington laws will always apply to your claim regardless of where you live. Many doctors and providers don't accept workers' compensation cases. Find a Doctor in your area. All health care providers who treat you must have a provider account with Washington L&I in order to be paid. This includes pharmacies, hospitals, therapists, doctors, clinics and all other providers. Out of state providers may need to use the L&I Web site to get needed forms to file your claim as well as billing forms for their services. A Washington worker can file a claim in Washington even if the injury occurs out of state. You may file claims in both Washington State and in the state or country in which you were injured but any benefits you receive from another state will be credited against any benefits to which you may be eligible from L&I. Notify L&I if you filed a claim in another state or country.
Did you know? Clearly filling out the accident report form and explaining your injury will reduce delays and help ensure you get all the benefits to which you are entitled.