legal 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.
