The worker’s guide / California
California workers’
compensation guides
Learn how to report a work injury, fill out a claim form, keep your records, and get help with your claim.
Guides
- 01↗
What to do after a work injury
Medical care, reporting the injury to your employer, and starting a claim.
- 02↗
Understand the DWC-1 claim form
Get the official California claim form and learn which section to complete.
- 03↗
Workers’ comp document checklist
A printable list of claim forms, letters, medical notes, and other records to keep.
- 04↗
Understanding workers’ comp letters
What to look for in a letter from your claims administrator and where to ask questions.
- 05↗
Find help with California workers’ comp
Contact California DWC, attend a workshop, or find legal help.
The basics
California workers’ compensation is a system of benefits for work-related injuries and illnesses. It can provide medical care, partial wage replacement and return-to-work support. What applies to your claim depends on your circumstances.
Read the state’s injured worker overview ↗Using Nometi
Track your claim with Nometi
Use Nometi to save claim documents and keep track of deadlines. It’s free for California workers.
Start organizing your claim →Outside California? Join the expansion list.
Written by the Nometi team, a student-run project. General education, not individual legal advice. These guides have not been reviewed by an attorney. Nometi is independent of California DWC. All guides are free to read, without an account.