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District Of Columbia Workers' Compensation Law

The purpose of Workers' Compensation law is to protect and provide assistance to workers who are injured on the job. The law is designed to provide relief for those who are injured and an incentive to employers to have a safe work place so that fewer injuries will occur. An employee is entitled to benefits without regard to whose fault the accident was but may not sue the employer for additional damages if the injury was the employer's fault.

Unfortunately, not all injuries are covered under District of Columbia law. How you were injured is very important. To obtain benefits you must have sustained one of the following:

  • An Accidental Injury; or
  • An Occupational Disease;

Each of these injuries have specific definitions which you must understand to protect yourself. The benefits that you may claim include:

  • Full payment for medical treatment from the initial doctor of your choice. However, once selected, the injured worker may not change physicians without permission from the insurance carrier.
  • Money while you are unable to work; either totally or partially
  • Money for the permanent disability you have sustained if you have a permanent wage loss as a result of your injury. Scheduled injuries (legs, arms, eyes are an example - but not your head, neck or back) provide an opportunity for monetary compensation for your permanent injuries even if you have not sustained a wage loss.
  • Vocational rehabilitation benefits if you cannot return to your job
  • Reimbursement for prescriptions, mileage, and parking