Workers Compensation in US States Laws and Regulations

Get information about workers compensation in U.S. states to ensure business compliance

While the implementation and outcomes of workers compensation in U.S. states can vary from state to state, there are some general commonalities that are important for you to know, regardless of which state you live in. State workers compensation provides medical benefits to employees who are injured or disabled on the job. It is an insurance that is paid for by the employer and it is governed by the Federal Employees Compensation Act.

It is your responsibility to find out about the laws and regulations regarding U.S. state workers compensation in your state. When reviewing workers compensation in U.S. states laws and regulations, there are a few areas you should be mindful of:

1. Liability and coverage for workers comp in U.S. states

2. Benefits of workers comp

3. Procedures for workers comp

 

Ensure that you are aware of the facts about workers comp

Each state mandates whether you must carry workers compensation insurance, for which of your employees, and how much coverage you will need. The laws around workers compensation requirements are important for each business to know when you are hiring employees and setting up your business. These laws also govern fines and punishments for not abiding by these standards.
Try: The Illinois Workers' Compensation Commission provides information on workers compensation requirements and who may be exempt from workers compensation insurance. This site also outlines regulations for fines for non-compliance. The Virginia Workers' Compensation Commission also provides information about workers compensation laws regarding who must be covered by workers compensation insurance, who can be exempt and from whom you can purchase workers compensation insurance.

Know what medical benefits exist under workers compensation in the U.S.

Medical benefits, as outlined by each state's code of regulations, defines how to choose a medical doctor, when the medical benefits begin and end, and coverage of any medical equipment such as orthoses or prosthetics. These benefits are usually paid directly from the workers compensation insurance company.
Try: Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry defines the medical care benefit under the Workers Compensation Act and the responsibility of the employer to advise their employees of these benefits. This section also outlines how a physician is chosen. Similarly, the Maryland Workers' Compensation Commission describes the Workers' Compensation law as it relates to medical benefits; scroll down to view.

Discover the timeline to notify your U.S. state workers compensation board about workplace injuries

Each state mandates the appropriate timeline for notifying the U.S. state workers compensation board about injuries. This report is called the First Report of Injury and all employers are required to know when to notify U.S. state workers comp about an injury.
Try: The regulation about the First Report of Injury outlined by the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry is within 48 hours of serious injury or death or within 10 days of a disability or knowledge of the disability. The New York State Workers' Compensation Board requires that report of injury occurs within 10 days and failure to do this results in a fine.

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