Workers' Compensation Acts
LawLegal Definition of Workers' Compensation Acts
series of federal and state laws providing for the compensation of workers for losses suffered as a result of work-related injuries. The original federal law, the Federal Employees' Compensation Act, 5 U.S.C. § 8101 et seq. (1916), required that federal employees receive certain medical benefits and other compensation. This act was followed by the Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act, 33 U.S.C. § 901 et seq. (1927), which provided similar benefits to maritime workers, and the Black Lung Benefits Reform Act, 30 U.S.C. § 902 (1977), which provided benefits to coal miners. Many states have enacted similar legislation to serve state employees; other disabled workers are entitled to benefits provided under Title II of the Social Security Act. Workers' compensation plans usually provide payments for medical treatment, temporary and permanent incapacity, and, in a few cases, retraining and rehabilitation. Such payments are made regardless of negligence.
Comments on Workers' Compensation Acts
What made you want to look up Workers' Compensation Acts? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Test Your Vocabulary
Slippery Words Quiz—Changing with the Times
- What is an earlier meaning of nice?
Can you spell these 10 commonly misspelled words?
TAKE THE QUIZ
A daily challenge for crossword fanatics.
TAKE THE QUIZLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridgedWords at Play
Ask the Editors
Word Games
- Slippery Words Quiz—Changing with the Times
Do you know these earlier meanings of words?
Take the quiz - Words of Snow and Ice Quiz
A selection of words from the chillier parts of t...
Take the quiz - Spell It
Can you spell these 10 commonly misspelled words?
Take the quiz - Word Winder's CrossWinder Play the game
Share Workers' Compensation Acts