California: workers' comp deadlines
How quickly you must tell your employer about a work injury, and the deadline to file a workers' compensation claim.
| Deadline to tell your employer | 30 days |
|---|---|
| Deadline to file a claim | 1 year from injury or last benefit provided |
| Claim law | Cal. Lab. Code § 5405 |
| Deadline for a death claim | 1 year after death (some exceptions) |
Your employer must give you a claim form (DWC-1) within 1 working day of learning of the injury.
General information only, not legal, insurance or financial advice. Not affiliated with any government agency. Exceptions can apply. Confirm with the state agency, the court or a licensed professional in California.
Also for California: Workers' comp benefits in California · Paid leave programs in California
How we checked this
Claim deadlines come from a law-firm compendium that cites each statute. Notice deadlines were compared across two 50-state tables; where they differed we used the statute. Last checked: November 12, 2026. Laws change; confirm with the state agency or a licensed professional before acting.
Cross-checked sources agree Checked on official source confirmed on a government, court or legislature site From a statute-cited table one detailed source Under review sources disagree; read the note and the law.