Workers' compensation is a state-mandated insurance program that provides benefits to employees who suffer job-related injuries and illnesses. Each state has its own laws and programs for workers' compensation. The federal government also has a separate workers' comp program, mostly for federal employees. Find the County Office nearest you.

Workers' comp does pay hospital and medical expenses that are necessary to diagnose and treat your injury. But it also provides disability payments while you are unable to work (typically, about two-thirds of your regular salary). As long as your injury is job-related, it's covered. For example, you will be covered if you are injured while traveling on business, doing a work-related errand, or even attending a required business-related social function. 

Workers' compensation covers most work-related injuries—but not all. Generally, workers' comp doesn't cover injuries that happen because an employee is intoxicated or using illegal drugs. Coverage may also be denied in situations involving:
•    self-inflicted injuries (including those caused by a person who starts a fight)
•    injuries suffered while a worker was committing a serious crime
•    injuries suffered while an employee was not on the job, and
•    injuries suffered when an employee's conduct violated company policy.