Home » Blog » Workers’ Comp

Vigilant Blog

News, trends and analysis in employment law, HR, safety & workers' comp

Showing posts for: Workers’ Comp

Apr 22 2026
Vigilant NewsWashingtonWorkers’ Comp

We’re Hiring – Workers’ Compensation Claims Manager

We are seeking an experienced, full-time Washington Workers’ Compensation Claims Manager to join our team. This role is responsible for providing strategic advice and counsel in the management of claims for employers enrolled in our Washington Workers’ Compensation programs. If you enjoy this work, you know it can look very different depending on where you…

Read More
Feb 13 2026
Safety and HealthWashingtonWorkers’ Comp

L&I rates are up—but your future costs don’t have to be

L&I’s 4.9% rate increase for 2026 highlights what employers already know: some workers’ comp costs are out of your hands. But the idea that “workers’ comp is just a tax you can’t avoid” is a myth. You actually have several high-impact tools within your control—tools that can directly reduce your premiums. Here are five controllable…

Read More
Dec 08 2025
Safety and HealthWashingtonWorkers’ Comp

L&I transitions reimbursement applications to online submission

Beginning January 1, 2026, the Washington Department of Labor and Industries (L&I) is phasing out acceptance of Stay at Work and Preferred Worker wage and expense requests submitted by fax or mail for injured workers. Instead, these wage and expense applications should be submitted online through your “My L&I” account page. L&I has stated that…

Read More
Jun 10 2025
Safety and HealthWashingtonWorkers’ Comp

Retro Group Assessments: Are You at Risk and How to Stay in the Refund Zone

Retro group assessments can turn expected refunds into unexpected costs. We’re breaking down why they happen, how to spot warning signs, and what you can do to stay in the refund zone. Why do Assessments Happen? Assessments don’t just happen out of the blue. They’re triggered when a Retro group’s claims and losses exceed what…

Read More
May 19 2025
Q&AWashingtonWorkers’ Comp

Q&A: Can compensable claims occur before or after work

Question: Our employee fell in the parking lot on their way to work, prior to clocking in for their shift. Would the injury be considered a compensable workers’ comp claim if the worker had not yet started their shift? Answer: Probably not, but small details could change the answer. To be a compensable workers’ comp claim, the…

Read More
Mar 20 2025
WashingtonWorkers’ Comp

Vigilant Claims Review? How does it work?

Q&A: What is a Vigilant claims review anyway? Curious what a Vigilant claims review is all about and what it can reveal? Great! Are you a Washington manufacturing or agribusiness looking to better understand your workers’ comp performance and uncover opportunities for improvement? If so, you’re in the right place. Let’s explore the claims review…

Read More
Feb 04 2025
WashingtonWorkers’ Comp

Association and Retro Group Renewal

Confused by all the renewal notices at the start of the year? Many employers in Retro programs mistakenly believe that renewing their association membership locks them into their current Retro group. Let’s clear that up—and show you how this misunderstanding could cost you. Association Membership Renewals Explained Renewing your association membership keeps you connected to…

Read More
Jan 24 2025
Leave LawsWorkers’ Comp

DOL explains intersection of FMLA and paid family leave programs

The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) recently published an opinion letter that says the federal Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) rules on “substitution” of paid leave don’t apply when an employee is receiving pay under a state or local paid family leave program. FMLA leave is unpaid, but the FMLA regulations allow employers to…

Read More
Dec 09 2024
Harassment & DiscriminationHiringSafety and Health

Pre-existing conditions do not invalidate a claim

Building on our recent article about the basic elements of claim validation in the Washington workers’ compensation system, let’s explore a subject that can be particularly frustrating for employers: pre-existing conditions. Understanding Pre-Existing Conditions in Workers’ Comp Pre-existing conditions can complicate the assessment of workers’ comp claims by worsening the severity of an injury or…

Read More
Dec 06 2024
Safety and HealthWashingtonWorkers’ Comp

Turning Rising Workers’ Comp Costs Into Big Savings

What if one of your company’s biggest challenges could become a triumph? That’s exactly what happened with a Washington engineering and fabrication company.  Facing escalating workers’ comp costs, they turned what seemed like an overwhelming problem into a meaningful success. Here’s how. The Problem: Escalating Costs   » In early 2019, the company’s EMF (Experience…

Read More
Nov 25 2024
Safety and HealthWashingtonWorkers’ Comp

L&I launches new light duty complaint resolution process

The Washington Department of Labor and Industries (L&I) recently launched a new Light Duty Complaint Resolution Office, for the purpose of resolving disputes over transitional and permanent job assignments for both state fund and self-insured workers’ comp claims. This is an important (and potentially problematic) development for employers because injured workers and their attorneys now…

Read More
Nov 13 2024
Wage and HourWorkers’ Comp

Q&A: No easy road to convert employee into independent contractor

Question: A long-term skilled employee is retiring but we anticipate still needing her expertise, so she has agreed to work for us on an as-needed hourly basis as an independent contractor. What should we be thinking about as she makes this transition to independent contractor status? Answer: Stop the presses, it’s going to be very…

Read More

Washington State

Vigilant Workers' Compensation Services

Reduce annual premium
Prevent workplace safety risks
Get full-service claims management
Contact us
Browse By Category
Browse By Topic
Filter By State
Get Our Newsletter
Sign Up Today
Connect With Us
Linkedin

Don’t Navigate Employment Issues On Your Own

Learn how Vigilant membership can help with your complex employment situations.
Get in Touch Today
Scroll to Top