Workers’ compensation is a no fault, state-mandated insurance program. It is designed to protect employees who are hurt on the job or contract an illness due to environmental factors where they work.
Because the program is managed by the states rather than at the federal level, the specifics of workers' comp law will change depending on where you live.
Most employers are required to carry workers’ comp, but there are some exceptions from state to state. You can usually find your state’s laws spelled out online at the state’s Department of Labor website.
Since workers’ comp is a no-fault program it protects both employers and employees. Any employee who is injured on the job will usually receive medical care coverage and a percentage of their wages, regardless of who is responsible for the injury — the employee, the employer, a coworker, or a third party vendor.
In return for receiving workers’ comp the employee doesn't have the right to sue their employer; although in some extreme cases where there's gross negligence on the part of an employer there might be grounds for a lawsuit.
If you have questions about an injury that happened on the job, it can help to talk to an attorney who is well versed in your state’s workers’ comp laws.
Call us today at 816-842-7100 to speak with an attorney that will fight to get you the compensation you deserve. Or you can click here to email us and schedule your free consultation.