Can I sue my employer instead?

Generally no. No-fault benefits replace the right to sue for a work injury in covered workplaces.

How do I dispute a decision?

Request a Review Division review within the deadline stated on the decision, then appeal to WCAT if still unresolved.

Is free help available?

Yes — BC's Workers' Advisers Office assists workers at no cost.

WorkSafeBC — Workplace Injury Claims & Review

WorkSafeBC

WorkSafeBC administers workplace injury compensation and occupational health and safety in British Columbia. As in other provinces, no-fault benefits replace the right to sue your employer for a work injury. Disputing a decision runs through the Review Division first and only then to the Workers' Compensation Appeal Tribunal — the order is mandatory.

What it does

Decides entitlement to workplace injury and occupational disease benefits
Pays wage loss, health care and permanent disability benefits
Enforces occupational health and safety requirements
Oversees return-to-work and rehabilitation

Matters it hears

Initial entitlement denials
Occupational disease and repetitive strain claims
Wage loss and permanent disability assessments
Mental health and psychological injury claims

Appeals & review

Appeals generally go to Workers' Compensation Appeal Tribunal (WCAT).

Request a review by the Review Division first, within the deadline on the decision, then appeal to WCAT. Skipping the review blocks the appeal.

Appeal and review deadlines are short and strictly applied. Treat the decision date as the start of a clock.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I sue my employer instead?: Generally no. No-fault benefits replace the right to sue for a work injury in covered workplaces.
How do I dispute a decision?: Request a Review Division review within the deadline stated on the decision, then appeal to WCAT if still unresolved.
Is free help available?: Yes — BC's Workers' Advisers Office assists workers at no cost.

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General information about jurisdiction and process, not legal advice. LegalCounselNearMe is not a law firm and is not affiliated with WorkSafeBC. Procedures, forms and fees change — the official site is authoritative.