When you get injured at work, everything changes in seconds, your body hurts, your income stops, and suddenly, you’re expected to know how the California workers’ comp system works.
Spoiler alert: most injured workers don’t even know what a DWC-1 form is until it’s too late.
What Is the DWC-1 Form and Why It Matters So Much
The DWC-1 form is a simple one-page document that officially notifies your employer that you got injured on the job. It’s the first and most critical step in starting your workers’ compensation claim in California.
Without it, the insurance company can easily deny your case, delay your benefits, or argue that you never reported your injury.
In other words: no DWC-1, no protection.
According to Pacific Workers attorney Yuvanna M. Diaz, guest on Work Comp Talk Podcast, once you report an injury, your employer must give you the DWC-1 within one business day. But as she explains: “not all employers know what to do, and even when they do, not all of them actually do it.”
That’s why we say: don’t wait for your boss to act. Act for yourself.
Step One: Get the DWC-1 Form
If your employer doesn’t hand it to you, you can:
Download it online by searching “DWC-1 form California”
Request it from the Division of Workers’ Compensation (DWC)
Contact an Information & Assistance Officer (I&A) for help
Or, if you hire a firm like Pacific Workers, they can file it for you and get your case started immediately
The point is: you have options.
Step Two: Fill It Out Carefully
This is where many injured workers make mistakes that come back to haunt them.
The DWC-1 asks you to describe how you were injured and which body parts were affected.
Sounds simple, right? But here’s what usually happens:
“People only list the part that hurts the most,” explains Yuvanna. “They’ll say ‘shoulder injury’ and leave it at that, but maybe they also hit their elbow, hip, or knee. Later, when the pain spreads, the insurance says: ‘You didn’t list that on the form.”
That’s why being specific matters.
✅ Don’t just say “left side injury.”
Instead, write: left shoulder, left hip, left knee, left ankle.
If there’s not enough space, attach an extra sheet, but make sure everything is written down.
Step Three: Keep Proof
Once you hand in your form, get a copy. Always.
Employers don’t always give one back, sometimes “by mistake,” sometimes not.
Without a copy, you can’t prove what was reported or how it was described.
If your boss refuses to sign or ignores your submission, email the form to them and keep that message as proof. Even a simple text saying “Here’s my DWC-1” can protect you later.
As Carmen, the host, put it: “We always talk about creating a paper trail, and this is exactly why.”
You may also like: How Long Do You have to File a Workers' Comp Claim?
What Happens If You Don’t File It?
Not filing a DWC-1 can cost you everything.
Your medical bills may go unpaid.
Your employer might deny even knowing about your injury.
You might lose your right to benefits like Temporary Disability (TD), Permanent Disability (PD), and medical treatment coverage.
It also delays your case, even for months, because without that form, the insurance company has nothing official to act on.
When in Doubt, Get Legal Help
Some employers try to convince injured workers not to file the DWC-1 form. They’ll say things like, “Don’t worry, I’ll cover your bills,” or even hint that reporting the injury could cost you your job.
The truth? That’s a dangerous trap.
At first, it may seem like they’re helping, but once the medical bills pile up, those promises usually disappear. And by then, your claim could already be in trouble.
If you find yourself in that situation, don’t wait. Talk to a workers’ comp attorney as soon as possible.
An experienced lawyer can file the DWC-1 on your behalf, safeguard your rights, and make sure your medical care and wage benefits stay protected from day one.
Readers are also interested in this: When & How You Should File a DWC-1 Form?
Key Takeaways
File your DWC-1 ASAP: ideally within 24 hours of your injury.
Be specific about every body part and exactly how the accident happened.
Keep a copy and create a paper trail; an email or text proof counts.
Don’t believe false promises from employers who tell you not to report it.
Seek help if you’re unsure: a small mistake can have big consequences.
Final Thoughts
No one expects to get injured at work. But if it happens, the DWC-1 form is your lifeline, your proof, your protection, and your first step toward recovery.
If your employer won’t help you, you can still take control.
Don’t let missing paperwork be the reason your claim gets denied.
👉 Learn more about your rights and how to file your DWC-1 correctly by visiting PacificWorkers.com or calling 800-606-6999 for help.
About the Author
Bilal Kassem President and Co-founder
Bilal Kassem is the co-founder of Pacific Workers and a nominee for Applicant Attorney of the Year. With a deep-rooted passion for helping injured workers, Bilal leads with empathy and empowers his team to deliver world-class service from the very first interaction.
With over two decades of experience in California workers’ compensation law, Bilal has guided thousands of injured workers through the complexities of their claims. His extensive courtroom experience and hands-on approach to client advocacy have made him a trusted voice in the field — especially when it comes to educating workers about critical steps like filing the DWC-1 form and protecting their rights from day one.