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Labor & employment
Hawaii · Workers’ compensation

Filing a workers’ comp claim in Hawaii.

Administered by the Hawaii Disability Compensation Division. Primary form: WC-2 — Employer's Report of Industrial Injury.

Reporting deadline
2 years from date of injury
Filing deadline
2 years from date of injury
Waiting period
3 days, retroactive after 14 days

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Hawaii State Board

Agency
Hawaii Disability Compensation Division
Primary claim form
WC-2 — Employer's Report of Industrial Injury

Deadlines at a glance

Reporting deadline

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.

Filing deadline

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.

Waiting period for income benefits

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. SynthCounsel’s Case Pass gives you unlimited documents, deadline tracking, and AI-assisted brief building for 12 months.

Workers’ comp guides for other states

This is general information, not legal advice. Workers’ compensation rules change frequently. Confirm the current form, deadlines, and benefits framework with the Hawaii Disability Compensation Division or a licensed Hawaii attorney before filing.