Written by James Chae — Co-Founder, Expert Sapiens
Reviewed March 2026
HR & Employment
Definition
A state-mandated insurance program that provides wage replacement and medical benefits to employees injured in the course of employment, in exchange for relinquishing the right to sue the employer.
Workers' compensation is a state-administered insurance system that provides medical treatment coverage, partial wage replacement, and disability benefits to employees who are injured or become ill as a result of their work. In exchange for these guaranteed benefits, employees generally waive their right to sue the employer for negligence — a compromise known as the 'exclusive remedy' doctrine. This no-fault system means employees can receive benefits regardless of whether the employer or employee was at fault for the injury.
Most states require employers to carry workers' compensation insurance if they have at least one employee, though the threshold varies (some states allow sole proprietors to opt out, others require coverage for any number of employees). Coverage can be obtained through state-run funds, private insurance carriers, or self-insurance for large employers. Independent contractors are generally not covered, which is one reason worker misclassification creates workers' compensation liability — a contractor who is later found to be an employee can bring a claim.
Benefits typically include payment for all medical expenses related to the injury, temporary disability benefits (usually 60% to 70% of the employee's average weekly wage) while the worker is unable to work, permanent disability benefits if the injury results in lasting impairment, and death benefits for the worker's dependents. Employees must report injuries promptly, and employers have strict timelines for reporting injuries to their insurer and the state.
Workers' compensation claims can be disputed by employers and insurers — challenging whether the injury occurred at work, the extent of disability, or the appropriateness of treatment. These disputes are adjudicated by state workers' compensation boards or courts, and injured employees have the right to be represented by an attorney in these proceedings.
Failing to carry required workers' compensation insurance is not a paperwork oversight — it is a serious legal violation that can result in fines, criminal charges in some states, personal liability for the employer for the full cost of the employee's injury and lost wages, and mandatory shutdown of the business. Even employers who carry coverage can face significant complications if claims are mishandled, benefits are improperly denied, or safety practices are inadequate.
An HR professional can help you understand your state's specific workers' compensation requirements, implement return-to-work programs that reduce claim costs, and train managers on proper injury reporting procedures. An employment attorney can assist if a claim is disputed or if your business is facing a workers' compensation audit or violation proceeding.
Written by James Chae — Co-Founder, Expert Sapiens
Reviewed March 2026