Workers' Compensation for Employees
The Effects of Depression on Workers’ Compensation
Welcome to HIWA

HIWA was formed to give voice to the many people and groups who feel they and the injured workers they support are being abused and victimized by a growing political agenda that has lost concern and compassion for the real victims of industrial injury, the workers.

Welcome to Hawaii Injured Worker's Online
Where to Start
SEEK MEDICAL ATTENTION

If you have suffered a serious injury, go to the emergency room or see a doctor right away.

NOTIFY YOUR EMPLOYER

It's up to your employer to file a claim with the insurance company. They cannot do that until you notify them of your injury and fill out an accident report.

FILE A CLAIM DIRECTLY - DO NOT DELAY

If your employer denied your claim or refuses to file with the insurance company, you can still file a claim directly with the Workers' Compensation Administration

KEEP A RECORD OF INJURIES AND TREATMENT

Keep a journal or detailed record of any injuries sustained, days of missed work and any medical treatments received following your injury.

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How Physical Injury Affects Mental Health

Discover the vital link between physical injuries and mental health.
Learn why treating both is crucial for faster recovery. Explore the key factors.

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Emergency Food Assistance Programs
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Aloha

Welcome To Hawaii Injured Worker's Association Online

Officially organized on November 4, 2004 as Hawaii Injured Workers Association when over 50 concerned citizens of the state met, drafted and approved a charter. The now Hawai'i Injured Workers Association (HIWA) was formed on the example of parallel organizations across the U.S. and Canada. Like its many sister organizations, HIWA was formed to give voice to the many people and groups who feel they and the injured workers they support are being abused and victimized by a growing political agenda that has lost concern and compassion for the real victims of industrial injury, the workers.

About HIWA

Waiting In Pain

A Civil Beat Investigation: In Hawaii’s workers’ comp system, people with long-lasting injuries are often forced to battle doctors hand-picked by insurance companies to get treatment and disability payments.

Chapter 1
Insurance ‘Hell’ Leaves Many Injured Workers Broken
In Hawaii’s workers' comp system, people with long-lasting injuries are often forced to battle doctors hand-picked by insurance companies to get treatment.
Chapter 2
This Woman Lost 10 Years Battling A System Where Insurers Call The Shots
Hobbled by pain from work injuries, Vanessa Sylva had to overcome medical reports by insurance doctors that challenged her need for surgeries.
Chapter 3
Spying On Injured Workers Often Adds To Their Pain
Surveillance is accepted practice in workers' comp cases. It can lead to a cutoff of benefits, but things are not always as they appear.
Chapter 4
Whose Side Is This Workers’ Comp Doctor On?
Chris Brigham has exerted major influence on how Hawaii's insurers treat injured workers claims. Critics say he has mostly made it easier to slash benefits.

The Basics

How do I file a Work Comp claim?

How do I file a Work Comp claim?

If you believe you were injured at work or suffer from an illness because of your job, tell your employer as soon as possible.

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From whom can I obtain medical treatment?

From whom can I obtain medical treatment?

You may obtain medical treatment from a physician of your choice. However, you may be under the care of only one attending physician. Your attending physician may refer you to other specialist(s) with the approval of your employer's insurance carrier.

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Know your worker rights!

Know your rights!

Worker's Compensation, sometimes referred to as "Workman's Compensation" or "Worker's Comp", is the name given to a system of laws meant to protect injured workers.

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What should I do if injured at work?

What should I do if injured at work?

If you are injured at work, immediately report the accident to your employer and seek medical treatment from an employer authorized doctor. Read on for further information.

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Aloha The Law Offices of Douglas Thomas Moore, LLC,

You made this year's Giving Tuesday unforgettable! Thanks to more than 1,300 generous donors, we raised more than $165,000 to ensure the Maui Strong Fund continues to deliver vital resources to the people and places impacted by the Maui wildfires.

Every dollar you contributed helps us bring more families home, provide crucial mental health services, and support other unmet needs as communities continue on their path to recovery. 

Your kindness reminds us of the power of community.  Together, we’re providing hope, supporting families, and making a lasting impact.

wysoht4i92lkra5qb0qz681u53b4gednd39ujbgwMahalo for your aloha and support,

Keanu Lau Hee
Senior Director, Maui Recovery
Hawai‘i Community Foundation

 

5 Things Every Injured Worker Should Know About Workers' Comp

Unfortunately, there is no handbook for workers who have been injured on the job. No playbook that tells you who to call, what to do, or which questions to ask. And, given that each workers’ comp claim is different, it’s difficult to compare your work injury to that of a friend or family members.

Being injured on the job can be a scary. The more prepared you are, the better off you and your workers’ comp claim will be. We’ve compiled a short list of the important things you should know after you’ve been injured on the job.


Workers' Injury Law & Advocacy Group Award

Dr. Scott McCaffrey was recently honored in Santa Barbera at the 2024 Annual convention.

Please Donate Today

HIWA is a 501(c) (3) non-profit organization

Email:  info@hiwahawaii.org

Our Non-Profit Status

On 12/12/2012 HIWA was granted its non-profit status by the IRS, effective as of 11/30/2011
ER ID No. 45-4038392

Next HIWA Meeting

HIWA Board Meeting Schedule 2024

How To Submit Testimony