Electronic Adjudication Management System (EAMS)

What EAMS is

EAMS is the Division of Workers' Compensation's case management system for cases before the WCAB. It holds each case's file, parties, documents and hearing calendar, and it carries the ADJ number that identifies a case. The DWC describes it as a computer-based case management system and offers a public case search.

How filing works

The DWC's EAMS page describes two ways to file. Smaller filers use e-forms, the fillable electronic forms for applications, declarations of readiness and other documents. Large-volume filers use JET File, a bulk electronic filing service the DWC launched in 2011, usually through a vendor. The DWC's rules for its case files start with the definitions in 8 CCR 10205, and a document served by mail, fax or email extends the time to respond (8 CCR 10605). The EAMS and JET filing guide explains both filing paths.

Why it matters to an applicant firm

Hearing notices, judge assignments and filed documents can show up on EAMS before they reach the file by mail. Firms that check EAMS on a schedule catch new hearings, objections and lien filings sooner. The catch is that someone has to look: the public search does not push changes to the firm. Firms keep a dated record of each lookup, especially in the weeks before a hearing.