What is workmen's comp insurance?

Answer 1

Workers' Compensation Insurance is mandatory for all employers to carry and pay for in all states. (Exceptions for self-insured employers are made; this is another whole topic). Employees are NEVER required to pay any part of the premium for this coverage. It is the EMPLOYER that is 'covered' and the purpose is to protect employers from damages awarded in lawsuits that could conceivably put them out of business. Most workers' compensation laws, in each state, went into effect in the early 1800's, during the industrial revolution, when employees were suffering serious injuries and either 1.) receiving NO compensation at all, or 2.) being awarded compensation via the court systems which generally crippled the employers, thereby eliminating jobs and income for entire companies. States realized that provisions needed to be made that would protect the injured workers and their families, but enable employers to continue operating and providing employment and income. Each state has a department, bureau, commission, etc., that regulates the laws pertaining to workers' compensation. Each state also has a 'state fund', which will provide insurance coverage to employers, for a premium. Forty-eight of the states also have competition with private insurers; three states have 'exclusive funds', meaning only the 'state fund' provides WC coverage: Ohio, Washington, and West Virginia. This means that employers MUST purchase their coverage from the state fund or be self-insured. (They must, of course, show due diligence, showing themselves financially able to be self-insured.)