California Workers' Compensation
Hurt on the Job? Know Your Rights in California.
California law may entitle injured workers to medical care, wage replacement, and more. This site offers clear, general information about injuries, accidents, and workers' compensation — in plain language, in English and Spanish.
- General Information
- Hablamos Español
- Not a Law Firm
Making a false or fraudulent workers' compensation claim is a felony subject to up to five years in prison or a fine of up to $50,000 or double the value of the fraud, whichever is greater, or by both imprisonment and fine.
General Information
Clear, plain-language guides about California workers' comp.
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Your information is never sold.
Bilingual Support
English and Spanish.
An Independent Resource
We are not a law firm, and we don't refer people to attorneys or doctors.
Your Rights
Know Your Rights as an Injured Worker in California
Workers' compensation exists to protect you. Many injured workers are never told everything they may be entitled to.
Medical Care
Treatment for your work injury is paid for by your employer's workers' comp insurance.
A Claim Form
Your employer must give you a claim form (DWC-1) within one working day of learning about your injury.
Early Treatment
While your claim is being reviewed, you may be entitled to up to $10,000 in medical treatment.
Wage Replacement
If you can't work, you may receive temporary disability payments — generally about two-thirds of your average weekly pay, within state limits.
Protection From Retaliation
California law prohibits employers from punishing or firing you for filing a claim.
The Right to Your Own Attorney
You are free to contact a licensed California attorney of your choice at any time. The State Bar of California lists certified lawyer referral services at calbar.ca.gov.
What To Do Next
Hurt at Work? Take These Steps
- 1
Get Medical Help
If it's an emergency, call 911. Otherwise, tell your supervisor you need medical care.
- 2
Report It in Writing
Tell your employer as soon as possible. You generally must report within 30 days.
- 3
Get the Claim Form (DWC-1)
Fill out your part, sign it, keep a copy, and return it to your employer.
- 4
Keep Records
Save photos, doctor notes, witness names, pay stubs, and letters from the insurance company.
- 5
Be Careful What You Sign
Before giving a recorded statement or signing a settlement, understand your options.
- 6
You Can Talk to an Attorney
You are free to contact a licensed California attorney of your choice at any time. The State Bar of California lists certified lawyer referral services at calbar.ca.gov.
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Benefits
Workers' Comp Benefits in California
Medical Treatment
Doctor visits, tests, therapy, medication, and surgery related to your injury.
Temporary Disability
Payments while you're unable to work during recovery.
Permanent Disability
Benefits if your injury leaves lasting limitations.
Job Retraining
A Supplemental Job Displacement voucher (up to $6,000 for injuries on or after 2013) if you can't return to your job.
Death Benefits
Support for families who lost a loved one to a work injury or illness.
Every case is different. For advice about your situation, contact a licensed California attorney of your choice.
Denied or Delayed
Claim Denied? Treatment Cut Off? You Still Have Options.
Denials happen often — and a denial is not always the final word. If the insurance company doesn't deny your claim within 90 days after you file it, it is generally presumed accepted. There are also processes to challenge denied treatment and disputed medical opinions.
- Your claim was denied or ignored
- Your treatment or medication was denied
- Your payments stopped or are late
- You disagree with a doctor's report
- You're being pushed back to work too soon
- You were disciplined or let go after reporting your injury
Industries
Information for Workers in Every Industry
Common Work Injuries
Injuries We Hear About Every Day
- Back & Spine
- Neck & Shoulder
- Knee
- Carpal Tunnel & Repetitive Strain
- Head & Brain
- Broken Bones
- Burns
- Falls from Heights
- Slip and Falls
- Lifting Injuries
- Vehicle Accidents on the Job
- Hearing Loss
- Work-Related Stress & Psychological Injury
- Occupational Illness
Your Health First
Getting Medical Care After a Work Injury
In an emergency, call 911. Report your injury to your employer right away; California generally requires you to report a work injury within 30 days. Your employer must give you a claim form (DWC-1) within one working day after learning of the injury. Your employer's workers' compensation insurance generally covers medical treatment for a work injury. Ask your employer or its insurer how to get treatment under your claim.
Don't Wait — Deadlines Matter
You generally must report a work injury to your employer within 30 days, and you generally have one year to file a workers' compensation claim. If your injury developed over time, the deadline may depend on when you first knew it was work-related. If you're unsure, a licensed California attorney of your choice or a Division of Workers' Compensation Information & Assistance officer can help you understand which deadlines apply to you.
Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Injury AI Network
Explore the Injury AI Network
WorkersCompensation.io is part of a family of informational resources for people across California.
Clear Answers, When You Need Them.
Explore the guides above to understand your rights, benefits, and deadlines in California. For advice about your situation, contact a licensed California attorney of your choice.