What Does ‘Fixed’ Mean Under Washington Workers’ Compensation Law?

Glossary Check

Is it possible to "fix" an injured worker? According to workers' compensation law in the State of Washington -- as Simply Research subscribers know -- in a manner of speaking, yes.

Here's how it works, as explained in Aldridge v. Department of Labor and Industries, No. 40637-7-III (Wash. Ct. App. 11/20/25, unpublished).

Proper and Necessary

Injured workers have the right to apply for compensation benefits. Once the Department accepts a worker’s claim, the worker is entitled to necessary and proper medical treatment for conditions the injury caused. When all the proper and necessary medical treatment has been provided and the worker has reached maximum medical improvement, meaning their condition is “fixed” and “stable,” the Department ceases paying for the worker’s treatment.

Termination of Treatment

A report stating the date of stabilization should be submitted to the Department once the worker’s condition is stabilized and treatment is no longer required. Such a report is necessary to initiate the closure of the claim. The Department further considers whether there is a permanent disability after the worker’s condition becomes fixed.

Therefore, when the worker’s condition is stabilized and no further medical treatment is required, then the condition is “fixed,” the claim can be closed, and the disability award can be determined.

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