District of Columbia Workers Comp Guide
The District of Columbia workers comp process has a defined order — report, treat, file, wait — and understanding it before you're in the middle of it makes each step less stressful.
How to File a Claim in District of Columbia
Report the injury to your employer first — this starts the clock on your claim and is separate from the formal filing deadline.
- Report the injury to your employer as soon as possible
- Seek medical treatment and inform the provider it's work-related
- Your employer files a First Report of Injury with their insurer
- File your own claim within District of Columbia's deadline — see below
- Cooperate with the insurer's investigation and any requested exams
Filing Deadline and Waiting Period
District of Columbia's general filing deadline is 1 year from the date of injury, and there's a 3-day waiting period before wage-replacement benefits begin. See the full filing deadline guide for tolling rules and what happens if you miss it.
What Happens After You File
Once your claim is filed, the insurer has a window to accept, deny, or request more information — how long that takes varies, but persistent follow-up rarely hurts.
Do You Need an Attorney in District of Columbia?
Not every District of Columbia claim needs an attorney — straightforward claims with no dispute over compensability often resolve without one. But if your claim is denied, disputed, or involves a permanent injury, the calculus changes. District of Columbia caps attorney contingency fees at 20%.