What is the one-year rule for workers' comp claims?
Under California Labor Code Section 5405, you generally have one year from the date of injury — or from your last payment of disability benefits, or your last date of provided medical treatment — to file a workers' compensation claim. This one-year period is called the statute of limitations. Many workers hear about this deadline, assume they've blown past it, and give up entirely.
But the "date of injury" isn't always as simple as it sounds. For a specific injury, like a fall or a machine accident, the date is usually clear. For injuries that develop over time — repetitive strain, hearing loss, exposure to chemicals — the date of injury is legally defined differently, and that difference often means workers have more time than they think. This is why it's worth having someone look at your specific timeline instead of assuming the door is closed.
*This article is general information about California workers' compensation, not legal advice about your situation. Every case is different.*
Yazdchi Law, P.C. — Eman Yazdchi, responsible attorney. Office: Palmdale, California. Attorney advertising.