⚖️ Recent Changes to Washington’s Workers’ Compensation System

What Injured Workers Need to Know

Washington State lawmakers passed several new laws in 2025 that directly impact workers’ compensation claims. From the right to record medical exams to stronger protections against unfair claim handling, these reforms are reshaping the system.

At Althauser Rayan Abbarno we help injured workers navigate these changes. We offer free consultations and Spanish interpretation (servicios en español) to make sure every worker understands their rights.

📌 Recent Workers’ Compensation Law Changes

🎥 HB 1068 – Recording Compelled Medical Exams

Workers now have the right to audio or video record independent medical exams (IMEs), including psychiatric evaluations.
Workers must not interfere with the exam and must provide a copy of the recording to L&I.
🔗 Bill text – HB 1068 (2023)

Why it matters: A recording creates a reliable record that can protect workers if disputes arise about what happened during the exam.

💼 Expanded Employer Incentives – Stay-at-Work & Preferred Worker Programs

The maximum wage reimbursements for employers increased from $10,000 to $25,000 per claim (effective 2025).
Employers are now more motivated to bring injured workers back in safe, modified roles.
🔗 Bill text – HB 2127 (2025)

Why it matters: Injured employees may see quicker accommodations and smoother transitions back to work.5463

⚖️ SB 5463 – Good Faith & Fair Dealing

Expands the legal requirement of “good faith and fair dealing” to all self-insured employers and third-party administrators.
Penalties for violations: 1–52 times the average weekly wage.
“Three-strike” rule can lead to employer decertification.
🔗 Bill Text – SB 5463 (2025)

Why it matters: Starting in 2026, injured workers will have stronger protections against unfair claim delays, denials, or harassment.

📊Fairer Time-Loss Payments

House Bill 1788, signed into law in April 2025, addresses inequities affecting unmarried workers compared to married counterparts with no kids.

Key changes effective July 1, 2026:

Standardized compensation regardless of marital status; now based solely on number of dependents.
Wage replacement percentages (for temporary or permanent total disability): No. of Children% of Wages (New Law)060 %165 %267 %369 %471 %573 %6 or more75 %
Payments to a legal custodian of a dependent child: 2 % of wages, deducted from the injured worker’s share .
The healthcare contribution element was removed during negotiations due to cost; only the parity portion passed

🔗 Bill Text – HB 1788 (2025)

🧭 What You Should Do if You’re Injured at Work

✅ Document everything – including recording your IME if applicable.
✅ Ask your employer about modified duty under the Stay-at-Work program.
✅ Stay informed about new protections starting in 2026.
✅ Get legal advice early – navigating workers’ comp alone can be overwhelming.

🤝 How Althauser Rayan Abbarno Can Help

Free Consultations: We’ll review your workers’ comp claim at no cost.
Spanish Interpretation: Servicios en español disponibles para todos los trabajadores.
Experienced Advocacy: Our attorneys fight for fair treatment and maximum benefits.

📞 Call us today or visit centralialaw.com to schedule your free consultation.

📢 Final Takeaway

Don’t face the Department of Labor and Industries alone—Althauser Rayan Abbarno is here to guide you every step of the workers’ compensation process.

Changes to Washington’s Workers’ Compensation