Workers' compensation is a state-mandated insurance program that provides benefits to employees who are injured or become ill because of their job. It covers medical expenses, lost wages, and rehabilitation — regardless of who was at fault. In exchange, employees generally give up the right to sue their employer for the injury.
Most states require you to notify your employer within a specific timeframe (often 30–90 days) after an injury or diagnosis. Delayed reporting is one of the most common reasons claims are denied.
It's not just for falls and machinery injuries. Repetitive stress injuries (carpal tunnel), occupational illnesses (lung disease from chemical exposure), mental health conditions from work trauma, and even COVID-19 in some states are potentially covered.
Workers' comp pays for all reasonable and necessary medical treatment related to your injury, plus a portion of your lost wages (typically 60–70% of your average weekly wage). Some states also provide vocational rehabilitation.
Retaliating against an employee for filing a workers' compensation claim is illegal in every state. If you're fired, demoted, or harassed after filing, you may have a separate retaliation claim.
If your claim is denied, don't give up. Many initially denied claims are overturned on appeal. The appeals process varies by state but typically involves a hearing before an administrative judge. A workers' comp lawyer can significantly improve your chances.
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