How to Prove Your Workers' Compensation Claim After a Workplace Injury

When you’re injured at work, the road to getting compensation can be filled with obstacles.  

Washington’s workers’ compensation system aims to provide financial protection for employees injured during the course of their jobs.  

However, proving your claim requires a thoughtful approach and plenty of documentation, among other things. If your claim is denied, the impact on your finances and well-being could be significant.  

Hiring an experienced attorney not only saves you time and frustration but can help you establish a winning claim from the start. 

At Armstrong Law Offices, P.S., we’ve spent over two decades advocating for workers in Kent, Seattle, Tacoma, Renton, and across Washington.  

Led by Attorney James Armstrong—a proud veteran and former U.S. Marine—we bring dedication and integrity to every case.  

Why Proving Your Workers' Compensation Claim Is Important  

When a workplace injury occurs, workers' compensation benefits can cover medical expenses, wage replacement, and treatment-related costs.  

However, many claims are denied due to insufficient evidence, missed deadlines, or disputes about whether the injury was work-related.  

To safeguard your claim, you must put together a clear and compelling case. Attorney Armstrong helps clients gather the documents and evidence they need to prove their claims and receive the compensation they're entitled to. 

How to Prove Your Workers' Compensation Claim  

Do this to strengthen your case and give your claim a solid foundation: 

Report the Injury Immediately 

The first thing you should do after a workplace injury is report it to your employer as soon as possible. Some injuries may seem minor but can result in long-term issues. An official record of the injury is the foundation of your claim.  

Your employer should provide you with the paperwork to document the incident and file a claim. If they fail to do so, involve legal counsel right away to protect your rights.  

Seek Medical Attention  

Seeking medical care immediately after the accident serves two purposes. First, it prioritizes your health. Second, it creates a medical record that specifies the extent of your injuries.  

The treating physician's documentation proves the cause and severity of your injury. To strengthen your claim, make sure the doctor knows this is a work-related incident. Make sure your healthcare provider knows exactly how the injury occurred.  

Document Everything  

Proving your claim relies heavily on strong evidence. Keep detailed documentation of the following: 

• Accident reports  

• Medical records  

• Witness statements  

• Photos or videos of the injury and accident site  

• Communication with your employer related to the incident  

Even small details can make a big difference. For example, if the working conditions were unsafe, photos of the scene could support your claim.  

Understand Deadlines 

Failing to meet deadlines is a common reason workers’ compensation claims are denied. In Washington, workers are required to report their injuries to their employer within one year of the incident. For occupational diseases, workers must submit their claim within two years of a medical provider's opinion that their condition is work related.  

Being aware of these deadlines and filing all documents promptly is important for keeping your claim active.  

Work with an Attorney  

Working with an experienced workers' comp attorney familiar with the laws gives you an advantage. While you focus on healing, they can handle the legal aspects—gathering evidence, communicating with insurance companies, and building your case.  

At Armstrong Law Offices, P.S., we provide personalized attention and guidance to build a strong claim that can withstand challenges from your employer or their insurer.  

Workers' Compensation Laws in Washington 

Workers in Washington have one of the most employee-focused workers' compensation systems in the nation. The Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) manages most claims and covers medical expenses, vocational training, and wage replacement if you cannot return to work immediately.  

Some key laws and regulations in Washington include: 

• No fault system – Washington operates under a "no-fault" system whereby you’re entitled to benefits regardless of who caused the injury.  

• Close medical supervision – Only L&I-approved healthcare providers can manage your care during a workers’ compensation claim, so choosing the right doctor is critical.  

• Permanent disability claims – If your workplace injury results in permanent disability, you may be eligible for additional compensation for long-term losses.  

These laws can be complicated, but they protect employees across the state. To know your rights or the benefits you’re entitled to, seek legal advice promptly.  

Common Challenges When Proving a Claim  

Even if your injury and its cause seem straightforward, you may encounter resistance when filing your claim. These issues include: 

• Employers disputing the injury’s cause  

• Insufficient medical evidence  

• Allegations of pre-existing conditions  

• Misfiled or incomplete paperwork  

Dealing with these obstacles on your own can be challenging without the support of a trusted legal team. 

Workers’ Compensation Attorney in Kent, Washington  

At Armstrong Law Offices, P.S., we serve clients with the same dedication that Attorney James Armstrong brought to serving the country as a U.S. Marine. With a law degree and more than 20 years of experience, he supports injured workers in Kent, Seattle, Tacoma, Renton, and across Washington.

You deserve an attorney with strength, integrity, and compassion. We will advocate for you if your workplace injury has taken you out of the workforce. Call today to start building your case