Washington State Workers’ Comp Insurance

The following death benefits are available to beneficiaries in the event of a job-related death in Washington. 

• Up to 200% of average monthly wages contributed to funeral and burial expenses
• Monthly pensions, dependent on the deceased worker’s wages pre-injury, for surviving spouses or dependent children 
• One-time immediate wage payment to a spouse or registered domestic partner 
• Reimbursement for burial and funeral expenses if the claim is late on delivery of funds

Known as Claim Resolution Settlement, Washington workers’ compensation laws allow employee-to-employer settlements to avoid legal repercussions. This means that claims are resolved with a one-time lump sum settlement or weekly, agreed-upon wages toward medical care, everyday expenses, and lost pay. 

To be eligible for a settlement, workers must be 50 or older and have accepted a Labor and Industries claim within 180 days of their injury. Settlements can be structured over several months or in a lump-sum payment. 

Before a settlement is approved, both an employer and an employee must reach an agreement that will be either accepted or denied by the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries. 

Workers have one year from the date of an injury to file a Report of Industrial Injury. Claims must be filed within two years of medical written notice of a work-related disease. 

Workers have three years for negligence claims and two years for intentional injuries to either settle or file a lawsuit against an employer.