California Workers' Compensation Guide
What to Do After a Work Injury in California
Workplace injuries can be traumatic and highly disruptive. Not only are you dealing with the injuries you sustained, but navigating the workers' compensation system in California also poses its own stresses and challenges.
Although suffering an injury at work or even opening a workers' compensation claim can seem daunting and isolating, you are far from alone. California employers in the private industry reported 344,500 workplace injuries and illnesses in 2024. That's nearly 3 injuries per 100 full-time workers, above the national average, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. It's exactly why California's workers' compensation system exists.
Importantly, the hours and days after a work injury are when most of the evidence in a workers' comp claim gets created or lost. Here are a few ways to avoid common mistakes after a work injury.
The checklist below walks you through what to do in the first hours, days, and weeks after a work injury.
Right away: the first few hours
Get medical care
Your health comes first. For an emergency, go to the ER or call 911, then deal with paperwork. For anything less urgent, tell your supervisor you need to see a doctor.
Report the injury to your supervisor
Do it as soon as possible, and in writing if possible. According to California law, you have up to 30 days, but late reporting is one of the easiest ways to compromise your claim and eligibility for benefits. Filing deadlines explained →
The first few days: protect your evidence
Memories fade and scenes get cleaned up. In the first days, gather what you can:
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Photos: the place it happened, any equipment or hazard involved, and your visible injuries.
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Witnesses: names and phone numbers of anyone who saw it or saw you right after.
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Copies of everything: the claim form, doctor notes, work restrictions, pay stubs, and any messages with your employer or the insurance adjuster.
Ask for the claim form. Your employer must give you a workers' comp claim form (DWC-1) within one working day of learning about your injury. Filling it out and returning it officially starts your claim, and once you do, up to $10,000 in medical treatment generally must be authorized while the claim is being investigated.
How to file a Workers' Compensation Claim →The first few weeks: stay on track
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Follow your treatment plan. Go to every appointment your doctors set and referrals they provide.
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Follow your work restrictions, at all times.
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If your employer offers modified or light duty, ask for it in writing and compare it to your doctor's restrictions. If the work exceeds your restrictions, tell your doctor and your employer.
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Watch your mail. Benefit notices, delay letters, and appointment notices have deadlines attached.
If your injury built up over time
Not every work injury happens in a single moment. Back damage from years of lifting, carpal tunnel from repetitive work, and hearing loss are all cumulative trauma injuries, and they're covered by California workers' comp.
Mistakes that cost injured workers their benefits
Waiting to report the injury or telling a coworker instead of a supervisor.
Not seeing a doctor or seeking medical treatment.
Missing appointments or stopping treatment early.
Posting photos or updates on social media that can be taken out of context.
Signing documents without reading them.
Quitting your job before the claim is filed and documented.
This isn't a complete list, but these are some of the most common issues injured workers run into.
When to talk to a workers' comp attorney
Many claims go smoothly. Consider talking to an attorney if:
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Your claim is delayed or denied.
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The insurer refuses or delays treatment your doctor recommends.
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Your employer is pressuring you not to file, or you've been disciplined since reporting.
After a work injury in Pasadena and the San Gabriel Valley
The first steps look different depending on your job. Our city guides cover the injuries we see most in each local industry: healthcare workers, warehouse and delivery workers, restaurant and office workers, retail and grocery workers, and entertainment and production workers.
Frequently asked questions
What's the first thing I should do after getting hurt at work?
How soon do I have to report a work injury in California?
Who pays for the doctor before my claim is accepted?
Should I give the adjuster a recorded statement?
Can I be fired for reporting a work injury?
Does my immigration status matter?
Just hurt at work and not sure what's next?
Our Pasadena workers' compensation attorneys will walk you through it. Free consultation.