mployers in the District of Columbia are required to have workers compensation coverage to compensate injured workers for their compensable workers compensation injuries.  Employees that are injured and fall under the District of Columbia Workers Compensation Act are required to give written notice to their employer or an employer's representative within 30 days of the accidental injury.  If a worker suffers an occupational disease, written notice must be given within 30 days that employee is aware of the relationship between the disease and the employment.  If the employee fails to give timely notice as stated above, the employees claim can be barred.  A claim must also be filed with the Office of Workers Compensation - Department of Employment Service within 1 year of the accident.  In some cases, the parties can agree as to the benefits due to the worker for their injuries.  When the parties cannot come to an agreement on what benefits are due, the parties have the right to request an informal conference or formal hearing to resolve the outstanding issues.  If an informal conference is requested, the claims examiner will attempt to resolve the matter with the parties.  If no resolution can be made, a recommendation will made.  Either party can reject the recommendation and request a formal hearing.  As a result of the rejection of the recommendation, a formal hearing will be set in which the formal rules of evidence will be applied.   

Click here to read about the types of benefits that you may claim in a District of Columbia workers' compensation case.