Reporting an injury: the notice clock and the claim clock

California law separates notice of injury from the claim form. Both should be treated as dated file events.

Give notice promptly

Labor Code §5400 addresses notice to the employer. DWC explains that a worker should report an injury as soon as possible; late notice can affect a claim under the statute.

Do not collapse notice into filing

A supervisor report may start employer knowledge, while the DWC-1 creates the formal claim record. Save the date, recipient, method, and exact description for each step.

Gradual injuries need a clear date

For a condition developing over time, write down when the worker first knew or reasonably believed it was work-related and explain the basis for that date.

File practice: save the notice, date served, and document that explains the next step. A reference page cannot decide an individual claim.

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Reporting an injury: the notice clock and the claim clock

Give notice promptly

Do not collapse notice into filing

Gradual injuries need a clear date

Sources