Which form is used to initiate a California workers' compensation claim?

• A. DWC-1
• B. Findings & Award
• C. Letter of Representation
• D. Declaration of Readiness to Proceed

Answer: (A)

The form used to initiate a California workers’ compensation claim is the Employee’s Claim for Workers’ Compensation, commonly known as the DWC-1. This form serves as the official notice to the Division of Workers’ Compensation and to the employer’s workers’ compensation insurer that an injury occurred and a claim exists. It gathers essential information such as the claimant’s contact details, employer information, date and place of injury, description of the injury, medical status, and any requested benefits like medical treatment or temporary disability. Filing the DWC-1 starts the claims process by notifying the insurer and the DWC, triggering investigation, benefit decisions, and the creation of the claim file.

Findings & Award is the document that states what benefits are granted after a hearing or stipulation; it does not start the claim. A Letter of Representation designates an attorney to represent a party in the proceedings, not the act of initiating the claim. A Declaration of Readiness to Proceed is a procedural step indicating the case is ready for a hearing, not the form used to initiate the claim.