Workers’ compensation is a government program that provides benefits to workers who are injured on the job or become ill because of their work conditions. Most employers in the United States are required to have workers’ compensation insurance that covers their employees in the event of an injury or illness. Workers’ compensation benefits vary by state as each has different requirements. Typically, the compensation will include partial wage replacement and coverage or reimbursement for medical services.

Claimants seeking workers’ compensation must have evidence that their illness or injury was caused by their work duties or environment. It is important that the worker has medical history documenting their injury, and they need to notify their employer within 30 days of their diagnosis. Claimants must also file a workers’ compensation claim within two years of the injury date. If a worker claims compensation benefits, they cannot sue their employer for other damages. This helps protect both employers and employees because employers have limited liability, but employees will still receive some payment.