What is L&I

L&I is short for the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries. It is a quasi insurance system covering persons hurt on the job. Benefits include medical care, time loss compensation, permanent partial disability, vocational rehab, pensions, and other payments. L&I manages state fund cases and presides over self insured cases.

Who is covered by L&I?

Substantially all injured workers are covered. You may have a claim (be covered) even if you think you don’t. Coverage is mandatory, and your employer is required to pay for it, either before or after you are injured.

• Workers are covered by L&I in Washington State. You may be covered even if your employer says you are not covered.
  Most employers don’t like L&I claims. Some will tell you you’re not covered to discourage you from filing a claim. Don’t believe an employer who is not telling the truth.
• You’re covered even if you work “under the table.”
  Common sense seems to say that if you work under the table, you have no L&I coverage. Common sense is wrong. If you’re a worker, you are covered, even if you work “under the table.”
• You’re covered, even if you are undocumented and not a citizen.
• If you are a worker, you are covered.
• Exceptions: There are exceptions to mandatory coverage for certain types of workers; see RCW 51.12.020.

Types of L&I Insurance

There are two types of L&I insurance. The Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) is in charge of worker’s compensation in Washington State. Most cases are state fund cases, handled by L&I claims managers. Some cases are self insured, handled by agents of the employer.

L&I Index

All L&I topics are on this page, in the left column. Check out this index to find information helpful to your claim.