Workers' compensation laws make sure you have medical care and cash benefits if you are injured in connection with your job. The laws also ensure cash benefits in the event you are killed in connection with your job. In most States, these laws are mandatory for all employers covered by the law. In the few remaining States, an employer may elect not to come under the system. In such cases, the employer is not permitted to use the defenses against workers' claims that he or she would have had under common law, such as the negligence of the injured worker or fellow employees.
Employers meet the cost of workers' compensation by insurance.
Some States have a third choice. In a few States, all employers are required to insure with the State. No State's law covers all jobs. Some cover only kinds of work that are considered dangerous. Some cover only employers who have more than a specified number of employees.