Claim Suppression

Has your employer prevented you from filing a claim for your workplace injury?

If so, you have rights under Washington state law.

You have the right to file a workers’ compensation claim for medical care and other benefits to help you recover from a workplace injury.

• Your employer cannot prevent or try to prevent you from filing the claim.
• You have 1 year from the date you were injured to file a workers’ compensation claim.

If your employer prevents or tries to prevent you from filing a claim, it’s called claim suppression.

Here are some examples:

• Discouraging you from reporting injuries.
• Offering to pay your medical bills to prevent you from filing a workers’ compensation claim.
• Telling you to report your workplace injury as an off-the-job injury.

However your employer is allowed to provide first aid to you at your work-site or recommend you seek medical help.

Your employer also is allowed to:

• Protest your claim.
• Question whether your injury is valid.
• Contact your claim manager and doctor.

File a claim suppression complaint

Questions? Call 1-866-324-3310 or email: csiiidcomplaints@Lni.wa.gov

RCW 51.28.025 – Duty of employer to report injury or disease – Contents of report – Claim suppression – Penalty.

An employer found to have engaged in claim suppression shall be subject to a penalty of at least $250.00, not to exceed $2,500.00, for each offense.