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Frequently asked questions about filing online

What is a "New Appeal?"

This is the filing of a new case with the BIIA.

What is a docket number?

This is the number assigned to your appeal by the BIIA. Example of where you will find the docket number:


IN RE: JOHN DOE

CLAIM NO. AB-12345

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DOCKET NO. 15 12345

NOTICE OF RECEIPT OF APPEAL

What kind of documents can I file using the "Correspondence and Pleadings" link?

You can file documents relating to your existing appeal, including letters, petitions for review, motions, declarations, affidavits, briefs, witness confirmations, correspondence, etc.

How should a court reporter file a deposition or transcript?

The court reporter should use the:

How should a court reporter file a deposition exhibit?

On the "Perpetuation Depositions and Signed Certificate" filing option, you will find a submission field for the filing of deposition exhibits.

How do I know my filing is successfully received by the BIIA?

We will send confirmation to the email address you provide. If you do not receive the notification email within 15 minutes check your junk/spam folder. Otherwise, please call us at (360) 753-6823.

Will my document be filed the same day I submit it electronically?

Yes, if it is filed before 5 p.m. on a regular business day. Documents received after 5 p.m. are deemed filed the next business day. If submitted on a Saturday, Sunday, or state holiday, the document would be deemed filed the next business day.

Is there a preferred format for electronically filed documents?

All documents and photographs filed electronically must be in Portable Document Format (PDF).

Should I mail a hard copy after I have filed electronically?

No. It is not necessary to send additional bench or court copies. The BIIA no longer maintains paper files. All appeal files are electronic.

May I electronically file unsigned documents?

Under the authority of GR 30 (for pleadings) and the Uniform Electronic Transactions Act, Chapter 1.80 RCW (for non-attorney signatures on agreements and items signed under penalty of perjury), we will accept documents with electronic signatures in the following formats:

(A)  Attorney Signatures -- An electronic document that requires an attorney's signature shall be signed in the following manner:

s/ John Attorney
State Bar Number 12345
ABC Law Firm
123 South Fifth Avenue
Seattle, WA 98104
Telephone: (206) 123-4567
Fax: (206) 123-4567
E-mail: John.Attorney@lawfirm.com

(B)  Non-attorney signatures on pleadings -- An electronic document that requires a non-attorney's signature and is not signed under penalty of perjury shall be signed in the following manner:

s/ John Citizen
123 South Fifth Avenue
Seattle, WA 98104
Telephone: (206) 123-4567
Fax: (206) 123-4567
E-mail:  John.Citizen@email.com

(C)  Non-attorney signatures on Claim Resolution Settlement Agreements or documents signed under penalty of perjury -- The filer must either:

  • Scan and electronically file the entire document, including the signature page with the signature, and maintain the original signed paper document for the duration of the case, including any period of appeal, plus sixty (60) days thereafter, or
  • Ensure compliance with the Uniform Electronic Transactions Act. Under the UETA, "'Electronic signature' means an electronic sound, symbol, or process attached to or logically associated with a record and executed or adopted by a person with the intent to sign the record." Counsel submitting Claim Resolution Settlement Agreements where the non-attorney worker signs electronically are advised to use an e-sign application with a user ID number such as DocuSign or a history such as Adobe Acrobat Sign, or similar program where signatures can be verified.

Who can I contact with electronic filing questions?

Call us at (360) 753-6823.