The dwc 3 form is California’s Attorney Fee Disclosure Statement. Your attorney prepares it, you sign it, and it is filed with the Workers’ Compensation Appeals Board (WCAB). The form explains how your lawyer gets paid in a workers’ comp case. It also lists some of your basic rights before you agree to hire anyone. If you are hurt and talking to a lawyer for the first time, this form is meant to protect you.
What the Dwc 3 Form Is For
The dwc 3 form exists so injured workers are not surprised by legal fees. In California, workers’ comp attorneys typically do not charge by the hour. Instead, the fee usually comes out of the benefits or settlement you receive. As a result, many workers worry about how much they will lose. The form spells out how that process works before you commit.
Most importantly, the form explains that a workers’ comp judge must approve the fee. Your lawyer cannot simply take whatever they want. In most cases, the judge reviews the work done and the result before approving a fee. The form also reminds you that you can ask questions about fees at any time. The California Division of Workers’ Compensation (DWC) publishes the form. You can find it on the official California DWC forms page.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Form number | DWC 3 |
| Form title | Attorney Fee Disclosure Statement |
| Who files | The attorney, signed by the injured worker, filed with the WCAB |
| Where filed | Workers’ Compensation Appeals Board (WCAB) |
| Fee | No dollar amount listed on the form; confirm any filing cost with the DWC |
| Agency | California Division of Workers’ Compensation (DWC) |
| Official PDF | https://www.dir.ca.gov/dwc/forms/dwc3.pdf |
Who Files the Dwc 3 Form and When
The attorney is responsible for the dwc 3 form. However, it is not valid without your signature. Your lawyer should hand it to you early, usually at or near your first meeting. Read it before you sign. Take your time, even if you are in pain or feel rushed. A good attorney will gladly explain anything you don’t understand.
Once you and the attorney both sign, the attorney files it with the WCAB. Typically, a copy also goes to the other side in your case, such as the insurance company. You should keep your own copy as well. For example, you may want to check it later if questions come up about the fee at settlement.
If you do not have a lawyer, you will not need this form. Many workers handle simpler claims on their own. If that is you, start with our guide on how to file a California workers comp claim.
How to Fill It Out and Where to Send It
The dwc 3 form is short. Your attorney usually fills in the case details, such as names and the claim information. Your main job is to read the disclosures carefully and sign. The statement covers how fees are set, who approves them, and your right to ask questions. It may also mention other costs that could come up in your case.
Common problems can slow things down. In most cases, these are simple mistakes:
- Missing the injured worker’s signature or date.
- Using an outdated version of the form.
- Incomplete case or party information.
- Filing it late or not filing it at all.
Attorneys typically file through the WCAB’s filing system, which in California is usually electronic. Some filings may still be made on paper. Either way, the filing is the attorney’s task, not yours. To see the current version yourself, download the official DWC 3 PDF from the California DWC. Comparing it to what your lawyer gave you is a smart, calm step.
What Happens After You File
Usually, nothing dramatic happens after the dwc 3 form is filed. It becomes part of your case record at the WCAB. Your case then moves forward as normal. Later, when your case settles or a judge makes an award, the fee question comes back. At that point, the judge reviews and approves the attorney fee.
If you have questions about your claim, you can contact the California DWC. Their Information and Assistance officers help injured workers for free. Learn more about how the system is set up on our California workers comp board page. You can also review California workers comp requirements to understand what your employer must provide.
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Is the Dwc 3 Form Something to Worry About?
No. The dwc 3 form is there for your protection. It does not cost you benefits by itself. It does not lock you into a lawyer forever. Instead, it puts the fee rules in writing so you can make an informed choice. That is a good thing when you are already dealing with an injury and money stress.
That said, every case is different. Fee amounts depend on your case and the judge’s review. Any settlement or fee example you hear is illustrative only. Always confirm exact figures and deadlines with the California DWC and a licensed attorney before acting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to pay anything to sign the dwc 3 form?
No up-front payment is required to sign it. The form explains how fees are handled, which is typically from your benefits or settlement. A workers’ comp judge must approve the fee.
Can I change lawyers after signing the dwc 3 form?
Generally, yes. Signing the disclosure does not take away your right to choose a different attorney. If you switch, the judge may later decide how any fee is divided, so confirm the details with the WCAB or a licensed attorney.
What if my lawyer never gave me a dwc 3 form?
Ask your attorney for a copy right away. You can also check your case file with the WCAB. If you still have concerns, contact the California DWC Information and Assistance unit for free help.
Dwc 3 form: Quick Recap
If you remember one thing about dwc 3 form, make it this: the rule is set by the state (or the federal program), not by the insurer, and the official source is linked above. Every figure on this page about dwc 3 form should be confirmed with the agency before you act on it.
Questions about dwc 3 form that this page does not answer are usually answered for free by the state workers’ comp agency’s information line — and, for a disputed claim, by a licensed attorney in a first consultation.
See your state’s exact numbers
What you are owed depends on your state’s benefit caps and deadlines. Start with your state’s settlement and claim guides for the exact figures.
Sources & How to Verify
The figures on this page come from official government and industry sources. Workers’ comp benefit caps, deadlines, and rules change, so always confirm the exact figure with your state’s workers’ comp board or a licensed attorney before acting. Settlement estimates are illustrative, and every case is different.
- Your state workers’ comp board, division, or commission: the official source for your state’s exact caps, deadlines, and forms — search “[your state] workers compensation board”
- U.S. Department of Labor (OWCP): dol.gov — federal workers’ compensation overview
- NCCI: ncci.com — workers’ comp rating and benefit data
- Social Security Administration: ssa.gov — benefit-cap and SSDI offset data
- Insurance Information Institute: iii.org — neutral workers’ comp background
Content last reviewed October 2026. If you notice an outdated figure, please contact us.
Related Guides
- California Workers Comp Board
- How to File a California Workers Comp Claim
- California Workers Comp Requirements
- Workers Comp Settlements by State (All 50)
- Workers Comp Claims by State (All 50)
- More in This Category
- Settlements by Injury
- Benefits Explained
- Workers Comp Glossary
Informational only — not legal, medical, or financial advice. Workers Comp Explained is an independent educational resource, not a law firm, insurer, or medical or financial advisor, and this page does not provide legal, medical, or financial advice. Workers’ compensation benefits, deadlines, and rules vary by state and change over time, and settlement estimates are illustrative only. Always confirm the exact figure and any deadline with your state’s workers’ compensation board and a licensed attorney before you act.