1. Get emergency help when necessary
Call 911 or go to an emergency room for a serious or life-threatening injury. Tell the medical provider the injury happened at work. Health comes before paperwork.
2. Report the work injury promptly
Tell a supervisor as soon as possible. If pain or illness developed gradually, report it when you learn or reasonably believe work caused it. California’s DWC warns that waiting more than 30 days may jeopardize benefits in some cases.
3. Request and return the DWC-1 claim form
An employer should provide a workers’ compensation claim form after learning of the injury. Complete the employee section accurately, return it, and keep a dated copy. The filed form begins the formal claim process.
4. Document the injury and treatment
- Names of witnesses and supervisors
- How, when and where the injury occurred
- Every body part and symptom involved
- Medical appointments and work restrictions
- Letters, emails and benefit notices
- Time missed from work and related expenses
5. Ask questions when benefits are delayed
Do not assume silence, delayed treatment or a denial means nothing can be done. A work injury attorney can review the reporting history, claim notices, medical evidence and deadlines, then explain available options.