Workers' comp runs on deadlines, and they're easier to track from the start than to reconstruct later. These are the timeframes that most often matter in a California claim. They're general rules with exceptions, so treat this as a map of what to watch — and confirm the specifics against your own notices or with someone qualified to advise you.
Reporting the injury — about 30 days
Report your injury to your employer within 30 days to protect your right to benefits. Sooner is better, especially for injuries that develop gradually.
The claim decision — about 90 days
After you file the DWC-1, the claims administrator generally has 90 days to accept or deny your claim. If no decision is made in that window, the injury may be presumed covered.
Treatment disputes — UR and IMR
When a treatment request is reviewed and denied through Utilization Review (UR), you can generally ask for Independent Medical Review (IMR). There's a limited window to file that appeal — often around 30 days from the denial — so act quickly and keep the paperwork.
The overall filing window
There's also a broader deadline — a statute of limitations — to formally pursue a claim, generally about one year from the date of injury, with exceptions. If you're anywhere near a deadline, don't wait.
Track these dates in your file:
- The date you reported the injury
- The date you filed the DWC-1
- The 90-day decision deadline that follows
- Any UR denial date and the appeal deadline after it
- Upcoming appointments, evaluations, and hearings
Primary sources
Official California resources — go to these for the authoritative details:
Keep it all in one place.
WorkAid gives you a private, living claim file to track payments, dates, documents, treatment, and communication — all in one place, under your control.
This guide is general information about the California workers' compensation process, not legal or medical advice. Individual claims vary. WorkAid is not a law firm, is not a medical provider, and does not represent you. For decisions about your claim, rely on your own official notices and, where needed, a qualified professional.