Facts About Workers Comp Laws

Although workers comp laws vary with each state, the U.S. Department of Labor has strict guidelines regarding its workers' compensation programs. Knowing the facts about the programs may help people understand what workers comp is and how it can potentially affect them and their loved ones.

Coverage

Over three million people in federal and postal jobs receive workers' compensation if they become injured on the job. This compensation is worldwide as well. Those who work in state, local or private government jobs must contact their state worker's comp office if they become injured or hurt. 

Dependents

Dependent children and spouses qualify for worker's comp benefits if a mother or father is killed on the job. They receive 70 percent of those benefits every week. Children are eligible until they reach 18 years old; however, children receive benefits until they reach 23 years old if they attend college full time.

Spouses and children not living in the household at the time of the death must prove dependency before worker's comp gives any benefits to them. Disabled children can be eligible for extra benefits.

Benefits

People who have injuries that do not prevent them from gaining any type of employment in the future receive partial benefits. These benefits can be temporary or permanent. Loss of a limb, eye or some other part of the body is considered partial. Permanent benefits cover injuries that result in the complete loss of limbs, eyes and other parts of the body. People in this case cannot return to work and are permanently disabled.