Subjects:

USA, Other Jurisdictions

Workers' compensation laws were enacted to protect employees who suffer work-related disability resulting from injury or disease, by providing monetary compensation and other benefits. This almanac explores the various Federal and state workers' compensation systems and the laws governing these programs.

Although state workers' compensation laws may vary, this almanac sets forth a general discussion of the common characteristics of a state workers' compensation system. It also sets forth an overview of the federal workers' compensation system that governs federal employees pursuant to the Federal Employment Compensation Act (FECA).

In addition, this almanac discusses two industry-specific federal workers' compensation programs: (1) The Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Program, which provides compensation benefits to maritime employees and other related groups; and (2) The Black Lung Benefits Program, which provides compensation benefits to coal miners suffering from a occupational respiratory illness known as "black lung" disease.

The Appendix provides applicable statutes, resource directories, and other pertinent information and data. The Glossary contains definitions of many of the terms used throughout the almanac.