Protest & Appeal Claims

Employers' right to protest and appeal an L&I decision about a claim

A protest is also known as a "request for reconsideration."

Employers, workers and attending doctors all have essentially the same rights of protest and appeal.

Protest to L&I

L&I must receive your written protest within 60 calendar days of the date you received the decision (within 15 days for vocational benefits). If L&I doesn't receive your protest in time the decision is final and you lose your right to be heard (RCW 51.52.060 [www.leg.wa.gov]).

Your protest must:

• Be in writing (a telephone call does not constitute a protest).
  • Protest online at the Claim & Account Center.
    or
  • Write a letter (Instructions for Protesting an L&I Decision).
• Clearly state:
  • What you are protesting.
  • Why you disagree with the decision.

Appeal to the Board

You have the right to appeal L&I's decision to the Board of Industrial Insurance Appeals.

• Read L&I's instructions to Appeal L&I's Decision.
• Go to the Board of Industrial Insurance Appeals (www.BIIA.wa.gov) Web site.