Overview:

Workers' Compensation laws are regulated by individual states and therefore vary greatly.

California's Workers' Compensation Act provides is one of many states using a comprehensive state compensation program applicable to most employers. The statute requires employers to obtain insurance to cover potential workers' compensation claims and limits the liability of both employer and fellow employees. Worker Compensation laws also provide benefits for dependents of those workers who are killed because of work-related accidents or illnesses.

  Benefits:

Workers compensation benefits are typically paid at maximum of two thirds normal monthly compensation subject to a wage limit set by the governing state. Death benefits are paid as a fixed dollar amount limited by each state.

  
  Other Compensation Plans and Statutes:

The Federal Employment Compensation Act provides workers' compensation for non-military federal employees. Many of its provisions are typical of most worker compensation laws. The act is administered by the Office of Workers' Compensation Programs.

The Federal Employment Liability Act (FELA), while not a workers' compensation statute, provides that railroads engaged in interstate commerce are liable for injuries to their employees if they have been negligent.

The Merchant Marine Act (the Jones Act) provides seamen with the same protection from employer negligence as FELA provides railroad workers.

Congress enacted the Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act (LHWCA) to provide workers' compensation to specified employees of private maritime employers. The Office of Workers' Compensation Programs administers the act.