If you got hurt while working in California, filling out a DWC-1 form is one of the first steps to getting help. This form starts your workers’ compensation claim. It tells your employer and their insurance company that you were injured and may need medical treatment or time off work. It’s important to know what this form does, how to fill it out, and when to turn it in.
What Is the DWC-1 Form?
The DWC-1 form is short for “Employee’s Claim for Workers’ Compensation Benefits.” When you get injured on the job or start feeling pain or illness from something work-related, this form begins the official process of your workers’ comp claim. You give it to your employer so they can report it to their insurance company.
Filing the DWC-1 lets you ask for benefits like:
- Medical treatment
- Temporary disability payments (if you can’t work for a while)
- Permanent disability benefits (if your injury causes lasting problems)
This form doesn’t sue your employer. It just starts your claim for benefits under California’s no-fault workers’ compensation system.
When Should You Report Your Injury?
You should tell your employer about your injury as soon as possible. If it’s an accident, report it the same day if you can. If it’s a problem that grew over time—like back pain or carpal tunnel—you should report it as soon as you think it came from work.
You only have 30 days from when you knew (or should have known) about the injury to tell your employer. If you wait too long, you might lose the right to benefits.
Once you report the injury, your employer has one working day to give you the DWC-1 form.
How to Fill Out the DWC-1 Form
The DWC-1 is a simple one-page form. It has two main parts:
Employee section – You’ll fill in:
- Your name and contact info
- The date and place of the injury
- A description of what happened
- All the body parts that are hurt
Be specific. If you hurt your shoulder and neck, write both down. If you only list one and need treatment for the other later, it could slow things down.
Employer section – Once you give the form to your employer, they complete their part and send it to their insurance carrier.
Your employer must return a signed copy of the completed form to you within 24 hours.
Keep a copy of the form for yourself. It’s proof that you filed a claim.
What Happens After You Turn in the DWC-1?
After your employer sends the form to their insurance company, the company has 90 days to decide whether to accept or deny your claim.
During that time, you can still get medical care, but the insurance company only has to pay up to $10,000 for treatment until a decision is made.
If they don’t deny your claim within 90 days, it’s considered accepted by law.
Also, within 14 days of getting your claim, the insurance company must send you a letter explaining the status of your claim and what happens next.
Different Types of Work Injuries
Not all injuries are the same. Some are obvious and happen in a single moment. Others build up over time.
- Specific injuries happen at a certain time and place. For example, if you fall off a ladder at work and break your leg, that’s a specific injury.
- Cumulative trauma injuries come from doing the same motions over and over. These could include:
- Carpal tunnel from typing or using tools
- Back pain from heavy lifting
- Knee or shoulder problems from repeated bending or reaching
There are also illnesses that can count as work-related, like:
- Breathing problems from exposure to dust or chemicals
- Stress-related or psychiatric conditions
- High blood pressure made worse by job stress
No matter what kind of injury or illness you have, it’s important to report it and fill out a DWC-1 as soon as you can.
Why Filing the Form Matters
Without the DWC-1, there’s no official record of your claim. That can make it harder to get benefits or prove your injury later.
Some people think they don’t need to file if their injury seems small or if their employer promises to “take care of it.” That can backfire. If your pain gets worse later or you need more treatment, you might not be covered.
Filing the form protects your rights. It doesn’t mean you’re suing anyone. It just makes sure you can get the help you need if your injury affects your work or health.
What If Your Claim Gets Denied?
If the insurance company denies your claim, you still have options. You can file something called an “Application for Adjudication of Claim” with the Workers’ Compensation Appeals Board. This brings your case before a judge.
You might also want to get legal help to understand your rights and figure out your next steps. The workers’ compensation system has rules and deadlines that can be confusing if you’re trying to handle it alone.
Need Help With a Work Injury Claim in Los Angeles?
Filing a DWC-1 form is just the first step. If you’ve been hurt on the job, it’s important to make sure your claim is handled the right way. Whether you’re dealing with a denied claim, waiting for a decision, or not sure how to report your injury, getting help from an experienced workers’ compensation attorney can make a big difference.
If you’re in Los Angeles and need help with a work-related injury, call (323) 954-1800. Our team is ready to answer your questions and help you figure out the next step in your claim.