If you’re dealing with a California workers’ compensation claim, keeping track of your case can feel overwhelming. That’s where EAMS Case Search comes in. This digital tool from the Division of Workers’ Compensation (DWC) makes it easier for injured workers, attorneys, employers, and insurance professionals to track claims, monitor filings, and stay on top of hearings—all from your computer or mobile device.
In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about EAMS, how to search for cases, and tips for making the most of this essential platform.
What Is EAMS?
EAMS, or Electronic Adjudication Management System, is California’s online case management platform designed to simplify the workers’ compensation process. Launched in 2008 by the Department of Industrial Relations (DIR), EAMS replaced cumbersome paper processes, allowing users to file documents, track case progress, and access essential case information electronically.
EAMS is used by:
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Injured workers
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Attorneys and legal representatives
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Employers involved in claims
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Claims administrators and insurance companies
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Judges and DWC staff
By centralizing case information, EAMS makes the workers’ compensation process faster, more transparent, and easier to navigate.
Who Can Use EAMS Case Search?
EAMS Case Search is available to a variety of users, depending on their role in a claim:
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Injured workers checking the status of their claims
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Attorneys managing client cases, deadlines, and filings
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Employers monitoring disputes involving their employees
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Claims administrators and insurers verifying documents and compliance
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Authorized representatives acting on behalf of a party
Keep in mind, some case information is private and only accessible to registered users with secure login credentials. For general lookups, the public search portal provides limited but useful details.
How to Perform an EAMS Case Search
Here’s a step-by-step guide to finding case information through EAMS:
1. Use the Public Search Portal
The DWC provides a public search tool for basic case information. You can search using:
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Case Number (ADJ Number) – the most precise method
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Party Name – employee or employer
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Date of Injury
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Court Location
2. Search with a Case Number
If you have the ADJ number from your Application for Adjudication, enter it directly. This will take you straight to your case details without confusion.
3. Search by Name and Date of Injury
No case number? Enter the injured worker’s full name and the date of injury. Accuracy matters here—the system requires exact spelling and details to pull the right case.
4. Submitting Documents via OCR Forms
If you’re managing filings, use EAMS-compatible OCR forms. These ensure your documents are correctly processed by the system and linked to the right case.
What Information Can You Find in an EAMS Case Search?
Through EAMS, users can access a variety of useful case details:
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Case Status – Active, closed, or pending
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DWC District Office handling the claim
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Party Names – Applicant, employer, insurance carrier
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Hearing Dates – If scheduled
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Assigned Judge or Case Coordinator
Sensitive information, such as medical records or settlement details, is only available to authorized users.
EAMS vs. Other DWC Tools
It’s easy to confuse EAMS with other online services:
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WCAB Online Services (Case Viewer) – Provides detailed access for registered parties
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eForm Filers – Used for submitting documents electronically
Think of EAMS Case Search as your go-to tool for tracking and monitoring, not for filing or document submission.
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Common Issues and How to Avoid Them
Even with a user-friendly platform, issues can arise:
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Name Mismatch – Even a minor spelling error can prevent results. Double-check names against official documents.
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Multiple Cases – Some workers have multiple claims. Always cross-reference the date of injury and case numbers.
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Limited Public Access – Sensitive details aren’t available publicly for privacy reasons.
Why EAMS Case Search Matters
Using EAMS Case Search has several advantages:
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Real-Time Updates – Know the status of your claim instantly
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Convenience – No need to visit the office in person
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Better Case Management – Helps attorneys, employers, and insurers stay organized
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Transparency – Everyone involved can monitor filings and hearings
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Efficiency – Digitization speeds up dispute resolution
For injured workers or legal professionals, EAMS makes navigating California’s workers’ compensation system far easier.
Privacy and Security Tips
EAMS is secure, but users should still take precautions:
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Don’t share case numbers with unauthorized parties
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Log out after each session, especially on shared devices
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Use secure browsers and connections to protect sensitive information
Remember, sensitive documents such as medical records and financial details are only accessible to verified users.
Who Should Be Using EAMS Case Search?
Here’s a quick overview:
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Injured Workers – Keep tabs on your claim and upcoming hearings
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Attorneys – Manage multiple client cases efficiently
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Employers – Stay informed about ongoing disputes
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Claims Adjusters and Insurers – Track deadlines and obligations
Basically, if you’re involved in a California workers’ comp claim, EAMS Case Search is an essential tool.
Best Practices for a Smooth EAMS Experience
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Double-Check Names and Dates – Accurate information prevents errors
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Use OCR-Compatible Forms – Avoid document processing issues
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Stay Organized – Track case numbers and important dates separately
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Monitor Updates Regularly – Cases can change quickly
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Engage with Authorized Users Only – Protect sensitive data
Final Thoughts
California’s EAMS Case Search has transformed how workers’ compensation claims are handled. By offering real-time access, improved transparency, and digital convenience, it allows injured workers, attorneys, employers, and insurers to manage cases more effectively.
Whether you’re checking the status of a claim, monitoring hearings, or ensuring compliance, understanding and using EAMS can save you time, reduce errors, and make the workers’ compensation process much more manageable.
