Retaliation for Filing Workers' Comp in District of Columbia
Whether an employer in District of Columbia can fire or punish you for filing a workers' comp claim, and what you can do.
Short answer: It is unlawful for an employer to fire or otherwise discriminate against an employee for claiming or trying to claim workers' compensation, or for testifying in a workers' compensation proceeding. D.C. Code § 32-1542
| Retaliation for filing | It is unlawful for an employer to fire or otherwise discriminate against an employee for claiming or trying to claim workers' compensation, or for testifying in a workers' compensation proceeding. An employee who is discriminated against must be restored to the job and paid for lost wages (unless no longer qualified to do the work), and the employer faces a penalty of $100 to $1,000. The employer, not its insurer, is responsible. Re-verified 2026-10-27. Source: D.C. Code § 32-1542 |
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| Appealing a denial | If a claim is denied or benefits stop, the worker can request an informal conference with an OWC claims examiner (a recommendation is issued within 30 days of the conference) or go directly to a formal hearing by filing an Application for Formal Hearing with the DOES Administrative Hearings Division. A party unhappy with the resulting compensation order may file an application for review with the Compensation Review Board within 30 days of the order; otherwise the order becomes final after 30 days. Board decisions may then be appealed to the D.C. Court of Appeals. Re-verified 2026-10-27. |
Where to get help in District of Columbia
More District of Columbia workers' compensation
- Filing a Workers' Comp Claim in District of Columbia
- How Much Workers' Comp Pays in District of Columbia
- Workers' Comp Settlements in District of Columbia
- Suing Over a Work Injury in District of Columbia
- Appealing a Denied Workers' Comp Claim in District of Columbia
- All District of Columbia workers' compensation rules
FAQ
Can you be fired for filing workers' comp in District of Columbia?
It is unlawful for an employer to fire or otherwise discriminate against an employee for claiming or trying to claim workers' compensation, or for testifying in a workers' compensation proceeding. An employee who is discriminated against must be restored to the job and paid for lost wages (unless no longer qualified to do the work), and the employer faces a penalty of $100 to $1,000. The employer, not its insurer, is responsible.
How do you appeal a denied workers' comp claim in District of Columbia?
If a claim is denied or benefits stop, the worker can request an informal conference with an OWC claims examiner (a recommendation is issued within 30 days of the conference) or go directly to a formal hearing by filing an Application for Formal Hearing with the DOES Administrative Hearings Division. A party unhappy with the resulting compensation order may file an application for review with the Compensation Review Board within 30 days of the order; otherwise the order becomes final after 30 days. Board decisions may then be appealed to the D.C. Court of Appeals.
General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.