Juries and judges had to decide who was at fault and how much, if anything, would be paid. All too often, the injured worker got nothing. It was costly, time consuming and unfair. Today, workers' compensation is fasier and fairer. If you can't work because of a job injury, workers' compensation automatically pays your medical bills and provides money to live on until you can return to work.
Exemptions are few.
People in business for themselves and some unpaid volunteers may not be covered. Maritime workers and federal employees are protected by similar federal laws. Job-related illnesses are covered too. The key is whether the injury or illness is caused by your job. Coverage begins the first minute you're on the job and continues while you are working.