Employment Newsletter

Workplace Injuries & Workers Compensation Insurance

Unless a business is located in the state of Texas, the business (or place of employment) may be required to provide workers compensation insurance for injuries and accidents employees may incur while on the job. Texas is the only state in the union that does not require employers to provide such insurance.

General Coverage

Workers compensation insurance covers an employee’s medical expenses and lost wages. It may also provide benefits for dependents of workers who are killed on the job due to work-related accidents or illnesses.

Some Limitations

Every state has its own set of workers compensation laws. Some states have statutes protecting employers by limiting the amount an injured employee may recover from an employer. Some state laws protect fellow employees by eliminating any liability on the part of co-workers for most accidents.

Minimums Required

Every state also has its own statutes mandating the amount of workers compensation insurance an employer must maintain. Each state also has statutes determining the percentage of the employee’s salary the employer must pay if the employee misses work due to a work-related injury or illness.

Self-Insurance

Some states allow employers who meet minimum payroll levels or a sufficient number of employees to forego maintaining workers compensation insurance and be self-insured, meaning they pay any claims out of pocket.

Exemptions

Some states also allow smaller employers, typically with 5 or fewer employees, to be exempt from the requirement of maintaining workers compensation insurance.

In addition, not all states require all employees to be covered by workers compensation insurance. Exempt employees may include business owners, independent contractors, domestic household workers, agricultural workers, maritime or railroad employees, and unpaid volunteers.

© 2025 NextClient.com, Inc. All rights reserved.

• Negligent Hiring Doctrine
  “Negligent hiring” is a legal doctrine that holds employers liable for unlawful acts committed by their employees. The issue arises when an employer hires a person that she knew or should have known could pose an undue risk... Read more.
• The ADA, the FMLA and Workers’ Compensation Law
  When employees become disabled, sick, or injured, there are a number of laws and programs that could potentially affect employers’ responsibilities in their treatment of those employees. The laws which could potentially apply... Read more.
• Binding Arbitration in Employment Agreements
  Arbitration is an alternative to court action. The dispute is submitted to one or more neutral third persons (arbitrators), who consider the evidence and relevant law and issue a decision, just as a court would. The... Read more.
• Respondeat Superior Liability and Internet Use
  Many employers, recognizing the business advantages inherent in its use, regularly provide their employees with access to the Internet. Increased employee access, however, has resulted in increased employer liability. Employee misuse of... Read more.

• California and Governor Newsom Sue Trump in First State Challenge to Tariff Orders Under Emergency Powers
• Trans Veteran Files Defamation Lawsuit Against Right-Wing Influencer Over Fatal Black Hawk Crash in D.C.
• Judge Orders Walmart, Gerber, Beech-Nut, and Others to Face National Lawsuit Over Alleged Heavy Metal Contamination in Baby Foods
• $1.6 Million Settlement Approved in San Jose Police K-9 Excessive Force Case
• Supreme Court Overturns Lower Court’s Ruling That FDA Can’t Block Vape Makers From Selling Flavored Products