How Do Workers Compensation Laws Operate?
Workers’ compensation laws are designed to allow employees who are injured at work to obtain a fixed amount of compensation, without having to sue their employer in the district court. Workers’ compensation laws create an important “safety net” for employees who are injured at work or injured because of their job. Generally, workers’ compensation laws also provide some protection to employers and co-workers. These laws may limit the amount of money that employees can obtain from their employers. Injured employees may also be barred from suing their co-workers. In this way, the workers’ compensation system is a “no-fault” system, where it doesn’t matter whose fault the injury was. Negligence, whether of the employee, the employer, or a co-worker is not an issue. The injured employee is simply compensated for his or her work-related injuries. Workers’ compensation is an “exclusive remedy” with respect to work-related injuries. The term “exclusive remedy” means that unless an employee can
