Filing a workers’ comp claim in Hawaii.
Administered by the Hawaii Disability Compensation Division. Primary form: WC-2 — Employer's Report of Industrial Injury.
The Notice of Claim letter
Our workers’ comp wizard produces a dated, written Notice of Claim letter once its rules are reviewed by a licensed attorney.
Open Notice of Claim wizardHawaii State Board
- Agency
- Hawaii Disability Compensation Division
- Primary claim form
- WC-2 — Employer's Report of Industrial Injury
- Official website
- https://labor.hawaii.gov/dcd/
Deadlines at a glance
2 years from date of injury
Report to your employer first. Put it in writing — email, text, or signed letter. Missing this window can reduce or eliminate benefits.
2 years from date of injury
File WC-2 — Employer's Report of Industrial Injury with the Hawaii Disability Compensation Division before this window closes.
3 days, retroactive after 14 days
Medical benefits typically begin immediately. The waiting period applies to wage-replacement (TTD/TPD) benefits only.
Federal programs that may apply
The Hawaii program covers most private-sector workers. Three federal programs run in parallel for specific worker categories:
- FECA — Federal Employees’ Compensation Act. Covers civilian federal employees. Filed through the US DOL, Office of Workers’ Compensation Programs.
- LHWCA — Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act. Covers maritime workers (longshoremen, shipbuilders, harbor workers) on navigable US waters.
- Jones Act — 46 U.S.C. § 30104. Covers seamen injured in the course of employment. Provides a negligence cause of action and maintenance and cure rights outside the state WC system.
Need help with more than the notice letter?
Disputed claims, denial appeals, permanent disability ratings, and third-party tort claims alongside workers’ comp require sustained documentation. A free account keeps your case and its deadlines in one place.