Indiana Labor and Employment Law Key Terms

Learn the Indiana labor and employment law key terms that affect your HR strategies

By Michele Vrouvas

Indiana state government passes laws that regulate the formation and operation of businesses within the state. For example, Indiana companies subscribe to the doctrine of "at will" employment but, under some circumstances, might be required to document good cause for terminating a worker. Or you may need guidance on whether an employee has a valid claim against you for wrongful discharge. Regardless of the circumstances, executives who run Indiana companies should acquaint themselves with key terms and concepts related to Indiana labor and employment law.

At will employment

At will employment refers to the doctrine that employees maintain their positions at the will of their employers who may terminate them for almost any reason.
Try: Lawyers clarifies at will employment in Indiana by explaining how courts may sometimes rule that an employment contract does or does not overcome the presumption of at will employment.

Unemployment insurance benefits

Unemployment insurance benefits are paid to qualified workers who have lost their jobs for reasons not related to suspected criminal activity.
Try: The Indiana Department of Workforce Development responds to the most frequently asked questions about unemployment insurance benefits. Find out how to apply for the benefits and the issues that may affect the state's benefits calculation.

Worker's compensation

Worker's compensation is a special kind of insurance businesses maintain so that they may provide medical and other services to employees injured while performing their jobs.
Try: Klezmer Maudlin provides an easy to understand overview of Indiana worker's compensation law. It explains exactly what benefits injured workers are entitled to and whether an employee's fault in causing the accident has bearing on an employee's right to the benefits.

Wrongful discharge

Companies in most states are prohibited from wrongful discharge, which is the termination of an employee for reasons barred by state law.
Try: Get a lucid explanation of Indiana's wrongful discharge law at the Haskin, Lauter & LaRue website. In particular, find out which reasons for discharge are protected by federal law.

Indiana Occupational Safety and Health Administration (IOSHA)

The Indiana Occupational Safety and Health Administration (IOSHA) creates and maintains standards for the regulation of workplace safety.
Try: The U.S. Department of Labor provides additional information on IOSHA.

Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC)

The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) works at the federal level to regulate workers' complaints of discrimination and sexual harassment against employers.
Try: The Indiana firm of Hollingsworth, Sever, Storey, Zivitz gives a comprehensive overview of the employee claims that the EEOC is likely to oversee.