Workers’ Compensation

The University of Washington’s workers’ compensation program is STATE insured. The Washington State Department of Labor and Industries (L&I) manages all of the workers’ compensation claims. University of Washington faculty, staff, and volunteers are insured for injuries or illnesses that occur at work (see Administrative Policy Statement 14.1). Employees who are injured at work or who believe that their illness is related to their jobs, should file a Labor & Industries claim through their treating physician.

The UW Risk Management - Workers’ Compensation Team is here to:

Assist employees with the workers’ compensation claim process.
Assist supervisors with the workers’ compensation claim process.
Facilitate the early return-to-work of employees with restrictions.
Process claim forms and information to expedite benefits when appropriate.
Work with L&I to manage claims and costs.
Manage the sick leave buyback program.
Maintain confidentiality in compliance with RCW 51.28.070.
Serve as a liaison between the university, L&I, the employee, the employee’s department, the vocational counselor and the medical provider(s).

Workers' Compensation in the 2004 UW Annual Report

The Workers’ Compensation program’s efforts to reduce insurance costs is highlighted on page 21 of the 2004 UW Annual Report.

Workers’ Compensation Contacts:

Mailing Address:
22 Gerberding Hall, Box 351276
Seattle, WA 98195-1276
Fax: (206) 543-3773

Linda Chihara
Program Coordinator (Workers' Compensation)
(206) 543-0183
lchihara@u.washington.edu

Vacant
Sr. Claims Specialist
(206) 616-7510

Elena Williams
Claims Specialist
(206) 616-3329
elenaw2@u.washington.edu

Shari Spung
Assistant Director, Claims Services
(206) 616-3455
sspung@u.washington.edu

Workers’ Compensation

If you are an injured employee, click here

If you are the supervisor/manager of an injured employee, click here

If you are a Payroll Coordinator, click here

If you are an UW Human Resources Representative, click here

Frequently Asked Questions, click here

Workers' Compensation in the 2004 UW Annual Report

Workers’ Compensation Contacts: