Workplace injury benefits come in many “flavors.” Most California workers are covered by workers compensation, administered by the state. However, federal law provides workplace injury benefits to others.
A narrow definition, subject to many refinements, of these groups includes:
- Jones Act- maritime workers
- Longshore Act- dockworkers
- Defense Base Act – civilian employees working abroad on a U.S. military base or under contract with the U.S. government for public works or national defense
- Federal Employers Liability Act- railroad workers
There are important differences among these laws, including what triggers compensation and available benefits. All workplace injury claims, however, can be resolved through mediation.
