What is the focus of workers compensation law?

The focus of workers' compensation law is primarily to ensure that employees receive benefits in exchange for relinquishing their right to sue their employer for injury or illness related to their job. This principle is fundamental to the workers' compensation system, as it allows injured employees to receive prompt compensation for medical expenses and lost wages without the burden of proving negligence on the part of the employer.

This system is designed to provide a non-fault remedy, which simplifies the process for injured workers, enabling them to receive benefits quickly and with less stress. The trade-off is that, in return for receiving these benefits, employees cannot sue their employers for additional damages related to their workplace injuries. This aspect is significant in balancing the interests of both employees and employers, fostering a cooperative environment where workers are assured of support in case of injuries, while employers have a clear limit on their potential liabilities.

While providing legal protections against employers or ensuring workplace safety are essential aspects of employment law, they do not specifically encapsulate the core purpose of workers' compensation law. Similarly, standardizing salaries is not related to the objectives of workers' compensation, as this area focuses more on addressing employee injuries and health issues rather than wage equality.