Workers' Comp Settlements in District of Columbia
Whether a workers' comp claim can be settled in District of Columbia, who must approve the settlement, and how long benefits can last.
Short answer: Yes. Lump-sum settlements agreed to in writing by the parties may be approved by the Mayor (through the Department of Employment Services' workers' compensation program) if the settlement is found to be in the injured worker's best interest. D.C. Code § 32-1508(8)
| Settlements | Yes. Lump-sum settlements agreed to in writing by the parties may be approved by the Mayor (through the Department of Employment Services' workers' compensation program) if the settlement is found to be in the injured worker's best interest. Where both sides are represented by lawyers, the settlement must be approved. An approved settlement is a complete and final disposition of the case, fully discharges the employer's liability, and is treated as a final binding compensation order. The statute assigns approval to 'the Mayor'. The Department of Employment Services' Office of Workers' Compensation FAQ states that its workers' compensation program approves lump-sum settlements (https://does.dc.gov/sites/default/files/dc/sites/does/page_content/attachments/OWC_FAQs.pdf). Re-verified 2026-10-27. Source: D.C. Code § 32-1508(8) |
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| How long benefits last | Permanent total and temporary total disability benefits are paid for as long as the disability continues, with no fixed week limit. Temporary partial disability benefits cannot be paid for more than 5 years. Permanent partial disability for scheduled body parts is paid for the number of weeks set in the statute's schedule. Re-verified 2026-10-27. |
| Lawyer fees in comp cases | In DC workers' comp cases an attorney's fee must be approved by the Mayor (through the Office of Workers' Compensation) or the court, and no fee may be approved above 20% of the actual benefit secured. When the employer or carrier declines to pay within 30 days of notice and the worker later succeeds with an attorney, the approved fee is paid directly by the employer or carrier to the worker's attorney. DOES also posts an OWC Attorney Fees Schedule: https://does.dc.gov/page/owc-attorney-fees-schedule Re-verified 2026-10-27. Source: D.C. Code 32-1530 |
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
- Retaliation for Filing Workers' Comp 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
How do workers' comp settlements work in District of Columbia?
Yes. Lump-sum settlements agreed to in writing by the parties may be approved by the Mayor (through the Department of Employment Services' workers' compensation program) if the settlement is found to be in the injured worker's best interest. Where both sides are represented by lawyers, the settlement must be approved. An approved settlement is a complete and final disposition of the case, fully discharges the employer's liability, and is treated as a final binding compensation order.
How long can you receive workers' comp in District of Columbia?
Permanent total and temporary total disability benefits are paid for as long as the disability continues, with no fixed week limit. Temporary partial disability benefits cannot be paid for more than 5 years. Permanent partial disability for scheduled body parts is paid for the number of weeks set in the statute's schedule.
How much can a workers' comp lawyer charge in District of Columbia?
In DC workers' comp cases an attorney's fee must be approved by the Mayor (through the Office of Workers' Compensation) or the court, and no fee may be approved above 20% of the actual benefit secured. When the employer or carrier declines to pay within 30 days of notice and the worker later succeeds with an attorney, the approved fee is paid directly by the employer or carrier to the worker's attorney.
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.