Workers’ Compensation Employer Obligations



Workers’ compensation is insurance for employees who are injured or become ill in the workplace. Benefits typically include medical expenses, replacement for lost income, and death benefits when applicable. It’s important to understand what your employer’s obligations are so you can make sure they’re following through with them. If you need help, contact us today to schedule a free consultation. 

Employee Eligibility for Workers’ Compensation Benefits in Washington, D.C. 

To be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits, an employee must be able to show that their injury or illness is work-related. In most cases, this will not be difficult to do. However, there are some exceptions. For example, if an employee is injured while commuting to or from work, they would not be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits.

It is important to note that workers’ compensation is a no-fault system. This means that it does not matter how or why an employee was injured; they will still be eligible for benefits as long as their injury is work-related. 

Employer Obligations for Workers’ Compensation in Washington D.C.

Employers in the District of Columbia are required to provide workers’ compensation insurance for their employees. If a company is operating without workers’ compensation insurance, they may be subject to civil and criminal penalties.

In addition to providing workers’ compensation insurance, there are other employer obligations that both employees and employers should be aware of. 

  1. If an employee is injured or becomes ill while at work, they should notify their employer as soon as possible. The employer will then be responsible for filing a claim with their workers’ compensation insurance provider. Once the claim has been filed, the insurance company will investigate the claim and determine whether or not the employee is eligible for benefits. 
  2. Employers must post notice of these rights in a conspicuous place at the workplace. This notice must include the name and phone number of the insurance carrier. If the employer does not provide workers’ compensation insurance for some reason (for example, if the employer obtained an exemption), they must post a notice stating that they do not provide such coverage. 
  3. All employers are required to provide employees with a list of approved workers’ compensation carriers.
  4. Employers must provide employees with information about filing a claim for benefits under the workers’ compensation law.
  5. All employers must keep records of any injuries or illnesses that occur at their workplace. These records must be made available to the Department of Employment Services upon request.

 Failure to comply with these obligations can result in penalties, including fines and imprisonment. An employer may also be required to pay all medical expenses and lost wages for any employee who is injured or becomes ill as a result of their job. In addition, if the employer is found to be in violation of the law, they may be subject to a civil action brought by the injured employee.

If you have been injured at work, it is essential to notify your employer as soon as possible so that they can file a claim with their workers’ compensation insurance provider. If you need help because your employer isn’t fulfilling their obligations concerning your Washington, D.C. workers’ compensation claim, contact us today to schedule a free consultation.