If you’ve been involved in a workplace injury claim in California—or you’re just curious about the status of a case—you may have heard of EAMS. I remember the first time I tried to check a case; the process looked complicated at first, but once I understood the steps, it became straightforward. This guide will walk you through what EAMS is, how it works, and how you can look up case details without feeling overwhelmed.
What is EAMS?
EAMS stands for Electronic Adjudication Management System. It’s a computerized system used by California’s Division of Workers’ Compensation (DWC) and the Workers’ Compensation Appeals Board (WCAB) to manage and track workers’ compensation cases.
Think of it as an online filing cabinet for case records—except it’s highly organized, searchable, and updated nightly to keep all data accurate.
EAMS centralizes case files, including active and archived records, hearing schedules, legal documents, party information, and case histories. The system supports electronic filing (e-filing), which reduces paper use, increases efficiency, and speeds up case processing.
Launched in August 2008 with full implementation by June 2011, EAMS transformed workers’ compensation case management in California, making it easier for all parties to access up-to-date case data.
Why Use EAMS Case Lookup?
You might need EAMS case lookup if:
- You’re a worker with an active compensation claim.
- You’re an employer checking case progress.
- You’re a legal representative gathering case details or preparing for hearings.
- You’re researching past decisions, hearing schedules, or settlement conferences.
Having access to accurate, timely information helps with scheduling, informed decision-making, and avoiding missed deadlines that can impact your case.
Who Can Use EAMS?
The EAMS Public Search tool is open to anyone, but the information you can see depends on your user status:
- Public Users: Can look up case numbers, see basic case info, hearing dates, and case status.
- Registered Users: (attorneys, claims administrators, judges) have more access, including documents, filings, and full case histories.
Registration & Login
To become a registered user and access detailed case information, you must:
- Create an account on the DWC website.
- Provide personal details and verify your identity.
- State your reason for access and agree to comply with privacy and legal requirements.
This registration process helps protect sensitive data and complies with Labor Code Section 138.7 (explained below).
What You Need Before Searching
Before starting your search, it’s helpful to have:
- Case number: Typically in the format ADJ1234567.
- Party name: Worker, employer, or attorney involved.
- Date of injury: Optional but useful for filtering.
- Location or district office: Codes like SAC (Sacramento), OAK (Oakland), BAK (Bakersfield), SJO (San Jose), RIV (Riverside), LA (Los Angeles), SDO (San Diego).
Having these details saves time and helps avoid pulling up the wrong case.
Step-by-Step: How to Search a Case
Step 1: Access the EAMS Public Search
Go to the official California DWC EAMS Public Search page:
https://www.dir.ca.gov/dwc/eams.htm
Step 2: Choose Your Search Type
Search by:
- Case number (e.g., ADJ1234567)
- Party name (worker, employer, or attorney)
- Date of birth (optional)
Step 3: Enter Your Details
Fill in the fields with the information you have.
Step 4: Refine Your Search (Optional)
Use filters to narrow results, such as:
- Injury period
- Hearing dates
- Lien filing dates
Step 5: Submit and Review
Click Search and review the list of matching cases.
Step 6: View Case Details
Click a case number to see:
- Filing date
- Hearing schedules (dates, times, locations, types)
- Case status (open, closed, pending)
- Parties involved
- Assigned judge and district office
Understanding EAMS Case Numbers
Each EAMS case number starts with the prefix ADJ (for Adjudication), followed by a unique series of digits.
Example case numbers:
- ADJ1234567
- ADJ7654321
- ADJ3746457 (SAC 0318786) — includes district office code and additional reference
These unique identifiers help accurately track and locate specific cases.
Additional Features and Security
EAMS offers:
- Electronic filing (e-filing): Submit documents and forms online.
- Notifications: Registered users receive alerts about upcoming hearings or new filings.
- Secure access: Uses password protection, multi-factor authentication, and encryption to safeguard data.
- Session timeouts: After 15 minutes of inactivity, sessions end to protect information.
The system is updated nightly, so data is always current but may be one day behind real-time.
Common Issues and How to Fix Them
From my experience, here are some common problems and solutions:
- No results found: Double-check spellings or try alternative name formats.
- Too many results: Use filters like date of injury or district office to narrow the search.
- Slow site loading: Try during off-peak hours or check your internet connection.
- Site errors: Clear your browser cache or try a different browser.
- Session timeout: Save your work regularly to avoid losing data.
Privacy and Legal Considerations
Workers’ compensation cases contain sensitive personal and medical information. California law protects this data under Labor Code Section 138.7, which requires:
- Requestors to identify themselves with name and contact details.
- A stated reason for accessing information.
- Prohibition on sharing data with unauthorized persons.
- Confidentiality of injured workers’ residence addresses and Social Security Numbers.
Violations of these rules can result in legal penalties. Always respect privacy and avoid disclosing case details without proper authorization.
Public vs. Restricted Data
- Public Information: Case number, hearing dates, case status, participants’ names (except confidential details).
- Restricted Data: Full case files, detailed documents, and sensitive personal information require permission or registration.
Related Resources
- Workers’ Compensation Insurance Coverage:
To verify if an employer has workers’ comp insurance, use the Workers’ Compensation Coverage Inquiry tool by the Workers’ Compensation Insurance Rating Bureau of California (WCIRB).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is an EAMS case number?
It’s a unique ID starting with “ADJ” used to track cases in the EAMS system.
Who can access detailed case info?
Registered users such as attorneys and claims administrators have greater access than the public.
How often is EAMS data updated?
Data refreshes nightly, so it is usually current up to the previous day.
What if I don’t have the case number?
You can search by party name or date of birth, but results may be broader.
How do I protect my privacy when using EAMS?
Follow legal guidelines, do not share sensitive info, and log out when finished.
Final Thoughts
The EAMS case lookup system might seem intimidating at first, but once you get the hang of it, it’s a very useful tool. Whether you’re a worker, employer, or legal professional, knowing how to find accurate case details can save time, reduce stress, and keep you better prepared.
Personally, learning to navigate EAMS made managing workers’ compensation cases far less overwhelming. With practice, it becomes second nature—and a valuable resource in your case management toolkit.
If you need help or have questions, consider consulting legal professionals familiar with workers’ compensation law to guide you through the process.
