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In the California workers' compensation system, a Declaration of Readiness to Proceed (DOR) is a formal document used to notify the Workers' Compensation Appeals Board (WCAB) that you are prepared to move forward with a hearing, conference, or trial to resolve specific disputed issues.
A Declaration of Readiness to Proceed (DOR) should be filed only after informal attempts to resolve your dispute have reached an impasse and you require a judge’s intervention to move forward. By filing a DOR, you are formally requesting that the court schedule a hearing or trial because negotiations have stalled. Before submitting the form, you must ensure your case is genuinely "ready"—meaning all necessary discovery, such as required medical reports and diagnostic studies, has been completed. Submitting a DOR prematurely may result in unnecessary delays or cause the judge to order the hearing "off calendar".
To file a valid DOR, the following conditions must be met:
When filing your DOR, you must select the type of conference that matches your case status. Choosing the correct option is essential for processing your request efficiently.
| Conference Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Mandatory Settlement Conference (MSC) | This is a formal meeting intended to resolve disputes before going to trial. It is "mandatory" because all parties must attend to discuss the case, review evidence, and attempt to negotiate a settlement. If the case does not settle, it is typically sent to trial. When you request a MSC conference, the court expects you to be prepared to schedule your trial date. |
| Rating MSC | This is a specific type of MSC focused on the "rating" of medical reports. It is generally used when the parties are looking to have the disability percentage determined based on existing medical documentation.
Be sure to upload the medical report with DEU (Disability Evaluation Unit) to have rating at the day of hearing. |
| Lien Conference | This is held after the main case ("case in chief") has been resolved. It is used to address outstanding debts, such as unpaid medical bills or other liens, that were not settled during the main proceedings. |
| Status Conference | This is used when the parties are not yet ready for trial. It is a collaborative meeting to resolve specific issues that are delaying the case (e.g., obtaining missing medical records or clarifying a disability rate) so that the case can eventually move forward. |
| Priority Conference | This conference is designated for critical "threshold" issues that determine the viability of a case, such as whether an injury is work-related or if the injured party qualifies as an employee. The primary advantage of a Priority Conference is that the court grants these cases expedited status, keeping them on the active calendar until the issue is resolved or referred to trial. |
Important Note: Filing a DOR indicates you are ready to set a trial date. Always ensure you are prepared for that step before submitting your form.
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