Workers' Compensation Basics
Workers' Compensation Basics
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Workers' Compensation Law Basics
Here's what you need to know about the workers' comp system, including how workers' comp works, who must carry workers' comp insurance, which employees are covered by the workers' comp system, and what types of benefits are available.
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What Is Workers' Compensation?
When a worker becomes injured, rather than sue their employer, they can file a claim for compensation against the employer's workers' comp insurance company.
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Filing a Workers' Compensation Lawsuit
If you have a workplace injury or occupational disease, your only remedy is likely through the workers’ compensation system. You cannot file a direct lawsuit against your employer in most cases.
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Am I Entitled to Workers' Compensation Benefits?
To qualify for workers' compensation benefits, you must be an employee of a company with workers’ comp insurance and you must have been injured at work or as a result of job-related duties.
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What Injuries Aren't Covered by Workers' Comp?
State law governs workers’ compensation systems, and thus what injuries are covered by workers’ compensation differs from state to state.
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What Jobs Aren't Covered by Workers' Compensation?
Certain types of workers and jobs aren't covered by workers’ compensation laws. The main categories of workers that are not covered by traditional workers’ compensation are business owners, volunteers, independent contractors, federal employees, railroad employees, and longshoremen.
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When Do Workers' Comp Benefits Start?
The good news about workers’ compensation benefits is that at least some benefits start immediately.
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How Much Are Weekly Workers' Compensation Benefits?
Weekly benefits for workers’ compensation claims are typically only paid to workers with workplace injuries that are severe enough to prevent the worker from returning to work, either temporarily or permanently.
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How Much Do You Get in a Workers' Compensation Settlement?
If you've been injured as a result of your work, you should be able to collect workers compensation benefits. Here's how the settlements are determined.
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Do I Have to Pay Taxes on Workers' Comp Benefits?
Workers' compensation benefits are not normally considered taxable income at the state or federal level.
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How to Find a Workers' Comp Lawyer and What You Can Expect
Here's how to find an experienced workers' comp who will handle your case well.
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How Much Will I Have to Pay a Workers' Compensation Lawyer?
Attorneys who handle workers' compensation cases usually receive a fixed percentage of the benefits that a sick or injured worker is awarded.
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Who Actually Pays for Workers' Compensation Benefits?
Workers’ compensation benefits are paid for, in one way or another, by the employers of the state.
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Does Your Employer Have to Hire You for Light Duty After a Workers' Comp Claim?
In most states, when a worker is able to return to light duty while treating for a work injury, the employer must provide light-duty work if it is available.
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If You Have a Workers' Comp Injury, Can You Choose Your Own Doctor?
Your ability to choose your own doctor for treatment related to a work-related injury covered by workers' compensation depends on the state where your claim is filed.
State-Specific Information for Workers Compensation
MoreState-Specific Information for Workers Compensation
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California: Appealing a Denied Claim or a Decision by the Workers' Comp Appeals Board
Understand what steps should be taken when appealing a workers' compensation denial in the state of California.
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Illinois Workers' Comp: Injured Workers' Rights to Permanent Disability Payments
If you suffered a work injury in Illinois and have not recovered completely from the injury or illness, you may be eligible for permanent disability benefits through the Illinois workers’ compensation system.
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Idaho Workers' Compensation Claims: Eligibility, Filing, and Appeals
Workers' compensation in Idaho is a mandatory insurance program designed to compensate injured workers for medical care and lost wages. Those involved in workplace injuries or who suffer from occupational diseases are eligible for benefits.
