Benefits generally include payment of medical bills, payment for a portion of lost wages, and compensation if your injury is permanent. Benefits are usually paid by the employer’s insurance company. Many businesses are required by law to carry workers’ compensation insurance.
The workers’ compensation system is a trade-off. You can’t sue your employer, even if they were at fault. And you generally cannot recover for your pain and suffering. On the other hand, employees get compensation, regardless of fault in most cases, without having to go through a lengthy court battle. There are some situations in which you can file a lawsuit against a third party. For example, if you were injured on someone else’s property, you might be able to sue the property owner. If you were injured by a defective product, such as a machine, you may be able to sue the manufacturer.