What Should I Do Immediately After a Workplace Injury in California?

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Get Safe and Seek Medical Attention First

The moments after a workplace injury can feel disorienting. Your first priority is physical safety—move away from any ongoing hazard if you can do so without making your injury worse.

Once you are safe, get medical care. If the situation is a genuine emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. For non-emergency injuries, your employer's workers' compensation insurance carrier typically has a Medical Provider Network (MPN)—a list of approved doctors you may be required to use for treatment. According to the California Division of Workers' Compensation Injured Worker Guidebook, you generally must treat within your employer's MPN after the initial emergency period, though important exceptions exist, including if you pre-designated your personal physician before the injury occurred.

Pre-designation is a specific process with its own requirements. Not every worker qualifies, and the rules around it are fact-specific. Understanding whether pre-designation applies to your situation is something worth clarifying early.

Report the Injury to Your Employer

California law requires injured workers to notify their employer of a workplace injury. Reporting promptly matters—delays can complicate your claim, and in some circumstances, waiting too long to report can affect your eligibility for benefits.

The DWC Injured Worker Guides make clear that you should notify a supervisor, manager, or human resources representative as soon as reasonably possible. Put your report in writing whenever you can—an email or written note creates a record of when and how you reported.

Your employer is then required to provide you with a Workers' Compensation Claim Form (DWC-1) within one working day of learning about your injury. If they do not provide it, you have the right to request it.

Keep in mind that reporting to your employer is separate from filing a formal claim. Both steps matter.

Complete and Submit the DWC-1 Claim Form

The DWC-1 is the official document that formally opens your workers' compensation claim in California. It is a two-part form: you complete the employee section, and your employer completes the employer section before forwarding it to their insurance carrier.

When filling out your portion, describe your injury as completely and accurately as you can. Vague descriptions can create problems later. According to the Injured Worker Guidebook, once your employer receives the completed form, the insurer generally has 90 days to accept or deny your claim. During that period, you may be entitled to up to $10,000 in medical treatment while the claim is under review—though this figure and the conditions attached to it can vary based on your specific circumstances.

Keep a copy of the completed DWC-1 for your own records before you submit it. Do not rely solely on your employer or their insurer to maintain documentation on your behalf.

Document Everything and Understand Your Deadlines

Thorough documentation can be one of the most important things you do after a workplace injury. Start a dedicated folder—physical or digital—and collect everything related to your injury and claim.

Practical documentation checklist:

• Written record of how, when, and where the injury occurred
• Names and contact information of any witnesses
• Photographs of the injury site and any equipment involved
• Copies of all medical records, bills, and treatment notes
• A log of all time missed from work due to the injury
• Copies of all correspondence with your employer and their insurer
• Your completed DWC-1 form and any written acknowledgment of receipt
• Records of any out-of-pocket expenses related to the injury

Deadlines in California workers' compensation are not one-size-fits-all. The statute of limitations for filing a workers' compensation claim can differ depending on the type of injury, when you discovered it, and other case-specific factors. Cumulative trauma injuries—those that develop gradually over time—may involve different deadline calculations than a single acute incident. Occupational disease claims can raise additional timing questions.

The DWC Injured Worker Guides provide general information about the claims process, but they cannot account for every individual situation. Missing a deadline can have serious consequences for your ability to recover benefits.

This article is general educational information about California workers' compensation and is not legal advice. Every workplace injury claim involves facts that can significantly change how the law applies. If you have been injured at work, speaking with a qualified California workers' compensation attorney can help you understand the options and deadlines specific to your situation.