Workers' compensation laws protect employees who get hurt on the job or sick from it. The laws establish workers’ comp, a form of insurance that employers pay for. These laws vary from state to state and for federal employees. Benefits Provided by Workers' Compensation In general, workers’ comp provides: Coverage for workers’ medical expenses Compensation for lost wages while a worker is out recovering  Benefits for dependents of workers who died from job-related hazards Private Sector and State or Local Government Employees If you get hurt working for a private company or state or local government, seek help through your state. Your state workers' compensation program can help you file a claim. If your claim is denied, you can appeal. Longshore and Harbor Workers, Coal Miners, Nuclear Weapons Workers, and Federal Employees Federal laws protect longshore and harbor workers, coal miners, nuclear weapons workers employed by the Department of Energy (DOE) or a DOE contractor, and federal employees. Contact the workers' compensation program that applies to you for help filing a claim.