A Washington workers comp lawyer can help you collect time-loss pay of 60% to 75% of your wage, based on your dependents. You have 1 year from the accident to file your claim, so do not wait. Call now for a free case review with a Washington workers comp attorney.
How Much Washington Time-Loss Pays
Under Washington workers compensation, the wage check is called time-loss pay. It is 60% to 75% of the wage you were earning.
The rate goes up with your number of dependents. Even at the top rate, the check is smaller than your regular paycheck.
There is a monthly cap too. Your check cannot go over 120% of the state average monthly wage.
The first 3 days are a waiting period. You get paid for those days only if you are still off work on day 7.
| Rule | Washington |
|---|---|
| Time-loss check | 60% to 75% of your wage, by number of dependents |
| Monthly cap | 120% of the state average monthly wage |
| Waiting period | first 3 days, paid if you are still off on day 7 |
Washington Deadlines to Report and File
Tell your employer about the injury right away, in writing if you can. Keep a copy of anything you sign.
Your claim is a separate step. Washington says you must file within 1 year of the accident.
A report from your employer does not count as your claim. Miss that year and you can lose the claim.
The table and counter below turn these deadlines into real dates on your calendar.
| Deadline | Washington |
|---|---|
| File your claim | within 1 year |
| Protest or appeal a decision | 60 days |
Claim Denied or Checks Stopped in Washington
Your first move is a call to us for a free case review. A Washington attorney reads the decision and tells you where you stand.
Washington is a state-fund state. Most claims are run by the Department of Labor and Industries, not a private insurer. Some large employers are self-insured and run their own claims.
Either way, the decision comes in writing. Write down the date you got it and keep the letter. The clock to fight back starts then.
Your checks may have stopped instead. Read what to do when payments stop, or see your options after a denial.
How a Washington Appeal Works
You can send a written protest to the department. You can also appeal straight to the Board of Industrial Insurance Appeals.
The window is short. The protest or appeal must arrive within 60 calendar days of the date you received the decision.
Some decisions have an even shorter window. Your attorney checks the date, picks the right path and files it for you.
What a Washington Workers Comp Lawyer Costs
You pay nothing up front. There is no fee unless you win, and the fee comes only out of money the attorney recovers.
Washington workers comp laws also cap the fee. On a settlement, the lawyer can take no more than 15% of the settlement.
The case review is free as well. For more, see what a workers comp lawyer costs.
Questions injured workers ask
How much does workers comp pay in Washington?
Time-loss pay is 60% to 75% of your wage, based on your dependents. It cannot go over 120% of the state average monthly wage.
How long do I have to file a workers comp claim in Washington?
You must file within 1 year of the accident. Call us now for a free case review so an attorney can get it filed.
Do I get paid for the first few days off work?
The first 3 days are a waiting period. You are paid for them only if you are still off work on day 7.
My Washington claim was denied. What now?
Your first move is a call to us for a free case review. You have 60 days from the date you received the decision to protest or appeal, and the attorney files it.
How much does a workers comp lawyer cost in Washington?
Nothing up front, and no fee unless you win. On a settlement, Washington law caps the fee at 15% of the settlement.
Reviewed 8/19/2026