When employees are injured while carrying out their job duties, they can receive benefits through workers’ compensation. In most cases, workers’ comp is the “exclusive remedy” for injured employees, meaning they can't sue their employers in court (although there are exceptions allowing injured workers to sue in some circumstances).
The procedure for filing a workers’ comp claim varies from state to state. However, all states require employees to give their employers notice of their injuries by a certain deadline, usually within 30 days or less of the accident or injury. Several states also require employees to file a formal workers’ compensation claim before they can receive benefits. Employees who fail to meet their state’s notice and claim requirements may lose their right to collect benefits.
Follow the links below for more information about the filing process and the rules in certain states.
How to Get Workers' Compensation for an Injury at Work in 2022
Understanding the workers’ comp system and your right to benefits after a work-related injury.
How to File a Workers' Compensation Claim
To get workers' comp benefits for an on-the-job injury or illness, you need to follow your state's rules for reporting the injury and filing a claim. Learn how the process works and where to get more information and help.
10 Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Workers' Comp Claim
What you need to know about filing for workers' compensation benefits, getting medical treatment, keeping records, and more.
Workers' Compensation: How to Report a Work Injury to Your Employer
If you fail to report your injury on time, your workers' comp claim might be denied.
How to Prepare for Your Workers' Compensation Hearing
A workers' comp hearing determines whether you will receive benefits. Learn how to prepare for a workers' comp hearing in order to get the benefits you deserve.
Worker's Compensation Time Limits
Each state has different time limits for filing workers’ comp claims and reporting work-related injuries or illness to employers. If you miss the deadlines, you could lose your chance to get benefits.
Workers' Comp: What Happens at a Mediation or Settlement Conference?
You're more likely to get a fair settlement offer if you're well-prepared for mediation.
Reopening a Closed Workers' Compensation Case
States have different rules for when and why you can ask for more benefits after you’ve already received a workers’ comp settlement or award.
What to Expect at Your Workers' Compensation Hearing
Learn what happens before, during, and after a workers' comp hearing.
Workplace Injury: When You Can Sue Outside of Workers' Compensation
Workers' compensation insurance may not be your only recourse for a workplace injury.
Denied Workers' Compensation Claims
Learn about the common reasons that workers’ comp claims are denied—and what you can do about it.
How Can I Find Out if My Employer Has Workers’ Compensation Insurance?
Learn how to find your employer’s insurer and what you can do if it doesn’t meet California’s legal requirements for workers’ comp insurance.
How to Get Workers' Compensation Benefits for a Slip-and-Fall Injury
Some workers’ comp claims for slip-and-fall-injuries are relatively straightforward, but many require a lengthy appeals process.
Workers' Compensation Benefits for Depression, Anxiety, PTSD, and Other Mental Health Issues
The law gives you the right to seek workers' comp for mental health issues in certain circumstances. But there are many hurdles to overcome in proving your claim.
Workers' Compensation and Car Accidents
Learn if and when workers' compensation will cover your car accident injuries and if you have any compensation or legal options.
Will I get paid for permanent scars through workers’ comp?
States have different rules for compensating employees who've been left with scars or other disfigurement as a result of work-related injuries.
Can I Get Workers' Comp Benefits for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder?
You should expect an uphill battle when filing for workers' comp based on PTSD, but first responders may have an easier time getting benefits in some states.
Black Lung Cases in Workers' Compensation
Learn what black lung disease is, how to get screening and a diagnosis, and how to file a claim for benefits under state workers’ comp or federal law.
What Injuries or Illnesses Are Not Covered By Workers' Comp?
While most work injuries are covered by workers' comp, there are a handful of exceptions.
Injuries and Illnesses Covered by Workers' Compensation
Employees who are injured or become ill in connection with their work may be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits. In order to be covered by workers’ comp, injuries don’t have to result from sudden accidents like falling off a ladder or losing a finger to equipment malfunction.
Can my employer cut my hours after I file a workers' comp claim?
It’s illegal in most states, including California, to retaliate against employees for filing a workers’ comp claim.
Can I file a workers’ comp claim after I quit?
It’s possible to qualify for workers’ comp benefits if you were injured before you left your job—even if you didn’t file a claim until later—as long as you meet certain requirements.
Can I Be Laid Off While On Workers' Comp Leave?
Learn about the rules for when employers can and can't lay off or fire injured employees who've filed workers' comp claims.
Workers' Comp Insurance: Employer Obligations
Learn about your legal options if you’ve been injured at work and your employer doesn’t carry workers’ comp insurance.