Plain-English help for injured workers — how to report your injury, file your claim, get medical care, and collect every benefit you're entitled to. And what to do if your claim is denied.
Pick the topic that matches where you are right now. Each guide is short, accurate, and written for workers — not lawyers.
The 30-day deadline, who to tell, and how to put it in writing.
Read the guide →What the form does, how to fill it out, and what happens next.
Read the guide →Choosing a doctor, the MPN, and how treatment gets approved.
Read the guide →Wage-replacement checks while you recover — and how much.
Read the guide →What happens when an injury leaves lasting effects.
Read the guide →Why claims get denied and how to appeal to the WCAB.
Read the guide →The medical-legal exam that often sets your case value.
Read the guide →Stips vs. Compromise & Release — what each means for you.
Read the guide →The avoidable missteps that sink otherwise valid claims.
Read the guide →Tell your employer in writing within 30 days and ask for the DWC-1 claim form.
Start medical care in the provider network. Your costs are covered for a work injury.
Temporary disability replaces about two-thirds of your wages while you recover.
A final rating, a settlement, or an appeal closes your case — on your terms.
Most injured workers never claim everything they're entitled to. Here's what may be on the table.
All authorized treatment for the injury, plus mileage to appointments.
Tax-free wage replacement while you're unable to work and recovering.
Paid if your injury leaves a lasting impairment after you've healed.
A voucher to retrain if you can't return to your old job.
No legalese. We explain deadlines, benefits, and the process the way a knowledgeable friend would.
Every guide is built around California's system — Labor Code rules, the DWC, MPNs, QME/AME, and the WCAB.
The guides, the FAQ, and both benefit calculators cost you nothing.
Want advice on your own claim? We can connect you with a licensed workers' comp attorney, free.
Tell us what happened and we'll point you to the right guide — and connect you with a free attorney consultation if you want one.
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