Washington Workers' Comp Covered Injuries: What L&I Covers (2026)

Washington L&I covers injuries and occupational diseases arising out of and in the course of employment.

Coverage Standard

Arising out of employment: Injury caused by work conditions In the course of employment: During work time and work activities Proximate cause: Work was proximate cause of injury All required

Types of Covered Injuries

Industrial Injuries

Sudden traumatic events:

• Slip and fall
• Lifting injuries
• Machinery accidents
• Vehicle crashes during work
• Falling objects
• Burns, cuts, lacerations
• Struck by objects

Occupational Diseases

Diseases arising from work exposure:

• Asbestosis, mesothelioma
• Silicosis
• Chemical exposure diseases
• Respiratory conditions
• Skin diseases
• Hearing loss
• Carpal tunnel syndrome

Gradual development from work conditions

Aggravation of Pre-Existing Conditions

Work aggravates prior condition Must prove: Work proximately caused worsening Compensable: Work-related portion

Cumulative Trauma

Repetitive activities causing gradual injury Examples: Back injuries, rotator cuff tears, hernias

Mental Conditions

Allowed if:

• Arising from industrial injury or occupational disease
• Abnormal working conditions (beyond normal stress)

Not covered: Stress from personnel decisions (discipline, termination, demotion)

PTSD: May be covered if from abnormal workplace event

Injuries NOT Covered

Willful Misconduct

Exclusion: Injury from willful violation of safety regulation Burden: Employer/L&I must prove willful misconduct sole cause

Intoxication

Exclusion: Injury substantially caused by intoxication Presumption: If BAC over legal limit, presumed intoxicated (rebuttable)

Intentional Self-Injury

Exclusion: Suicide or intentional self-harm

Horseplay

Generally not covered: Unless employer participated or condoned

Going and Coming Rule

Commuting not covered Exceptions:

• Employer-provided transportation
• Special errand for employer
• Traveling employee
• Injuries on employer's premises (parking lot sometimes)

Off-Premises Injuries

Generally not covered: Unless serving employer's business

Burden of Proof

Worker: Prove by preponderance that injury arose from employment Medical evidence: Doctor's opinion linking injury to work L&I determination: Based on medical and factual evidence

Presumptions

Certain Occupations

Firefighters, law enforcement: Certain conditions presumed occupational (heart disease, respiratory, infectious) Rebuttable: Employer/L&I can overcome presumption

FAQs

Q: Are stress injuries covered in Washington? A: Mental conditions covered if from abnormal working conditions or arising from industrial injury. Routine work stress not covered.

Q: What about heart attacks at work? A: Covered if unusual workplace exertion or stress proximately caused it.

Q: Are gradual onset injuries covered? A: Yes, as occupational disease if work was proximate cause.

Q: What if I was violating a safety rule? A: Covered unless willful violation was sole proximate cause of injury.

Q: Can I claim for COVID-19? A: Depends on occupational exposure. Healthcare workers and first responders easier to prove.

Related Topics

• Filing a Washington Workers' Comp Claim
• Washington Workers' Comp Benefits
• Washington Workers' Compensation Overview

Last updated: January 5, 2026