EAMS Case Search: Mastering California’s Workers’ Compensation Lookup Tool in 2025

Navigating California’s workers’ compensation process can be complex. Whether you’re an injured worker, legal professional, or employer, understanding how to access case data is crucial. That’s where the EAMS case search system steps in—a digital solution designed to streamline access to workers’ compensation information while maintaining privacy and legal compliance.

This comprehensive guide breaks down every aspect of using the EAMS search system in 2025. From understanding case numbers to interpreting legal obligations and using the system efficiently, this article is your one-stop resource.

What Is the EAMS Case Search System?

The EAMS search is part of California’s Electronic Adjudication Management System (EAMS), a platform developed by the Division of Workers’ Compensation (DWC). Launched in August 2008, EAMS replaced the paper-based Electronic Data Exchange System (EDES), which had been in use since 1994.

EAMS was developed to resolve the inefficiencies of paper filings, delayed updates, and fragmented case information. By digitizing and centralizing adjudication records, EAMS transformed how California manages workers’ compensation cases.

The EAMS search is the public-facing portion of this system. It allows users to search, track, and monitor public details about workers’ compensation cases filed in the state of California.

Why Is the EAMS Search Important?

1. Transparency for Injured Workers

Injured workers often feel lost when navigating the workers’ comp process. The EAMS case search tool gives them visibility into their case status, scheduled hearings, and important filings.

2. Efficiency for Legal Professionals

Law firms and attorneys handling high volumes of cases benefit from the EAMS interface, which allows them to submit and track filings without the burden of physical documentation.

3. Clarity for Employers and Insurers

Employers and claims administrators can monitor disputes, upcoming hearings, and case progression, helping them manage risks and resources effectively.

DWC and WCAB: The Powerhouses Behind EAMS

Two key agencies maintain and operate the EAMS platform:

Division of Workers’ Compensation (DWC)

DWC uses EAMS for internal case processing and as a digital repository. The system allows DWC staff to manage hearings, document filings, and case schedules in real time.

Workers’ Compensation Appeals Board (WCAB)

WCAB oversees the judicial portion of the system. Judges use EAMS to conduct hearings, issue rulings, and maintain legal compliance.

The system is used not only by these state agencies but also by more than 400 external users, including law firms, third-party administrators, and employers.

Benefits of EAMS Search

The EAMS case search tool offers benefits to all stakeholders:

Injured Workers

• View case status 24/7
  
• Track hearing dates and filings
  
• Access important case information remotely
  

Attorneys and Legal Representatives

• Reduce administrative overhead
  
• File documents electronically via e-forms or JET File
  
• Monitor client cases in real-time
  

Employers and Claims Administrators

• Enhance risk management strategies
  
• Allocate resources efficiently
  
• Receive up-to-date data on claims and litigation
  

Step-by-Step Guide to Using EAMS Case Search

Step 1: Visit the Official EAMS Portal

Start by visiting the DWC’s official website. Look for the “EAMS Public Information Case Search Tool.” This newer portal shows both active and archived cases.

Note: The system updates every night, so data reflects the previous day’s entries. It does not show real-time data.

Step 2: Fill Out Requestor Information

California law requires users to submit identifying details before accessing the system:

• Full name (first and last)
  
• Email address
  
• Uniform Assigned Name (UAN), if applicable
  
• Reason for accessing the case data
  

This process complies with Labor Code Section 138.7, which protects sensitive information.

Step 3: Enter Search Criteria

You can search by a variety of filters:

• Case Number (Recommended – include the ADJ prefix)
  
• Injured Worker’s Name (First and Last)
  
• Employer Name
  
• Hearing Details
  
• Case Events
  

Advanced filters include injury date ranges, lien filing dates, and hearing periods. You can display up to 1,000 results per search.

Step 4: Review Your Results

Once your search is complete, the system will display detailed results, including:

• Case Information: Case number, injury date, judge, status
  
• Hearing Schedule: Date, time, hearing type, judge, and venue
  
• Participants: Attorneys, employers, workers (limited personal info)
  
• Case Events: Filings, motions, settlements, etc.
  

Tip: The system times out after 15 minutes. Save your results or act quickly to avoid having to re-enter data.

Understanding EAMS Case Numbers

Case numbers are essential for navigating EAMS effectively. These identifiers allow quick and accurate access to the correct claim file.

ADJ Prefix Explained

Most cases start with the prefix ADJ, short for Adjudication Unit. This indicates that the case involves formal court proceedings within WCAB.

Other prefixes include:

• INT – Integrated Cases
  
• DEU – Disability Evaluation Unit
  
• RSU – Retraining and Return to Work
  
• UEF – Uninsured Employers Benefit Trust Fund
  
• SIF – Subsequent Injuries Benefit Trust Fund
  

Legacy vs. EAMS Case Numbers

Before EAMS, cases used a legacy format:
[Three-letter venue code] + [Seven-digit number]
Example: OAK0123456

EAMS format looks like:
ADJ1234567

To convert legacy numbers:

• Use the conversion tool on the DWC site
  
• Do not add the ADJ prefix to a legacy number
  
• Letters are not case sensitive
  

What Information Is Available in an EAMS Case Search?

1. Case Details

• Case number
  
• Date of injury
  
• Judge’s name
  
• Archived or active status
  
• DEU indicator
  
• Parties involved
  
• Venue (case location)
  

2. Hearing Information

• Upcoming hearing dates
  
• Hearing type (MSC, Trial, Status Conference)
  
• Assigned judge and location
  
• Associated driver cases (consolidated cases)
  

3. Participant Information

• Names and roles of attorneys, employers, and claimants
  
• Confidential fields like home addresses and SSNs are protected
  
• Worker addresses are not visible to protect privacy
  

4. Case Events

• Initial application filing
  
• Motion filings
  
• Settlement documents
  
• Dismissals or closure
  Events only show for the last six months, except for application and closure filings.
  

Legal and Privacy Guidelines for Using EAMS Search

Labor Code Section 138.7: What It Covers

This law ensures personal privacy and responsible use of public records. It requires users to:

• Disclose their identity
  
• Provide a legitimate reason for accessing information
  
• Keep data confidential
  

Violations can result in penalties, including revocation of access and potential legal action.

Public vs. Confidential Information

Public Information	Confidential Information
Case numbers	Injured workers’ addresses
Injury dates	Social Security Numbers
Assigned judges	Medical evaluations
Employer names	Legal notes and memos

Tips for Using the EAMS Portal Efficiently

• Always include the ADJ prefix when searching by case number
  
• Use date filters to narrow your search
  
• Save search results quickly to avoid session timeouts
  
• If searching legacy cases, use the full venue code and number
  
• Recheck results the following day if data was recently filed
  

Future of EAMS Case Search

As technology evolves, the EAMS search system continues to improve. Expected updates may include:

• Mobile-friendly interfaces
  
• Real-time data syncing
  
• Expanded external user roles
  
• Better integration with other DWC systems
  

Despite potential changes, the foundational principles of secure, efficient, and transparent case access will remain constant.

Conclusion

The EAMS case search tool is a powerful digital platform that modernizes how California manages its workers’ compensation claims. Whether you’re an injured worker, attorney, or employer, understanding how to use the system gives you access to vital case data when you need it most.

From searching by case number to understanding the nuances of legal privacy, using EAMS responsibly helps protect rights and streamline the adjudication process.

In 2025 and beyond, this digital gateway will continue to be a cornerstone of California’s commitment to efficiency, transparency, and fairness in the workplace injury system.