7864. Workers' Compensation Law

Workers' compensation laws in every United States jurisdiction provide benefits to employees who are injured or become ill on the job irrespective of fault, while generally barring such employees from suing their employers and fellow workers (but not others) for their injuries. This course presents an historical perspective on the development of workers' compensation systems in the United States and also examines recent trends in the law. Topics to be considered include: the theory of workers' compensation as social insurance whose purpose is the delivery of compensation and medical treatment to injured workers; the contract of employment (who is an employer, who is an independent contractor and who is a covered employee); when does an injury arise out of and in the course of employment; the differences between accidental injuries and occupational diseases; prior existing conditions and post injury independent causes; compensation for non-fatal injuries and death benefits; recent changes in the delivery of medical treatment and the administration of workers' compensation laws; the rehabilitation of injured workers; and other issues.