Workers’ Compensation
A worker is entitled to compensation when he or she incurs an occupation-related injury, accident, or disease. This can be in the form of money or medical benefits. Workers’ compensation acts as a form of protection for workers and their dependants (e.g., children and spouses) from the risks and hardships that result from the circumstances of their employment. The first state law for workers’ compensation was established in Wisconsin in 1911, and by 1948 all of the states had some form of the law(s). Originally, these laws were called “workmans’ compensation,” but the name was changed to be more gender-neutral. Today, most employers carry workers’ compensation. Those that do not may face harsh penalties.
Perhaps contrary to general perception, workers’ compensation is a beneficial arrangement for both employee and employer. Employees have the benefit of the insurance in exchange for the employers’ immunity from legal actions that could otherwise be brought against them in a court of law. The primary theme of workers’ compensation laws is to facilitate efficiency in the work environment by getting the injured employee back in operation as soon as possible. Also, providing the necessary medical care helps to ensure that he or she does not become impoverished and a burden to the system.
In the United States, over 16,000 workplace injuries occur everyday. A secure and dependable working situation has become a common standard in the United States. About 98% of American employees – which total to over 192 million individuals – are covered by workers’ compensation. Having a general sense of these laws and access to the appropriate level of legal representation should problems arise, is important for every worker.
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