Workers' Compensation Benefits FAQ

Questions:

• What is workers' compensation?
• Does workers' compensation cover just my medical bills?
• Are all on-the-job injuries covered by workers' compensation?
• Does workers' compensation cover only injuries or does it also cover long-term problems and illnesses?
• Do I have to be injured at my workplace to be covered by workers' compensation?
• Are all employees covered by workers' compensation?
• Can I be treated by my own doctor and, if not, can I trust a doctor provided by my employer?
• Can I ever sue my employer in court over a work-related injury?

Answer:

Are all employees covered by workers' compensation?

No. First of all, not all employers are required to have workers' compensation coverage. State laws vary, but an employer's responsibility to provide coverage usually depends on how many employees it has, what type of business it is, and what type of work the employees are doing. Second, every state excludes certain types of workers. Although these exclusions vary, they often include farm workers, domestic employees, and seasonal or casual workers. For more information, see Nolo's article Are You Eligible for Workers' Compensation Benefits?