Geduldig v. Aiello

Worker's compensation provides lost wages and funds for medical costs to workers injured on the job. All 50 states have workers compensation laws. Injuries covered are commonly associated with specific accidents on the job such as falling on stairs or off a ladder. Occupational-related diseases, such as miner's "black lung" disease, are also covered. The injury must arise from employment. That is, a causal connection between work and the injury must be demonstrated. Also, the injury must occur in the course of employment, during working hours, at a work location, and while performing work duties. Employers must purchase worker's compensation insurance for their employees or provide a self-insured program. Employers often pass along the cost of insurance to their customers.

Worker's compensation laws are no-fault laws meaning benefits are paid without regard to the fault or negligence of either the employer or employee. Benefits include medical and indemnity (compensation) payments. Hospital and other medical payments are made with the goal of returning the employee to the job. Indemnity benefits compensate a worker for loss of income. Should the injury result in death, the worker's spouse and any children up to age 18 may receive payments.