Workers' compensation exists to provide benefits for U.S. employees. People that have suffered a work related injury might be entitled to receive workers' compensation for the injuries they have endured. The workers' compensation benefits may include payment of medical expenses and compensation for any lost wages. In addition, workers' compensation can be paid to an employee's dependents if they die from a work-related injury or disease.

There is federal workers' compensation act and individual states have their own workers' compensation laws. The Office of Workers' Compensation Program administers the federal workers' compensation act. Any U.S. civilian employee is covered under federal workers' compensation, excluding the people paid from
non-appropriated funds.

Workers' compensation coverage covers all Federal employees regardless of the length of time they have had the job and their position. Any type of injury or disease can be covered by workers' compensation if it was caused by the job during work hours. Workers' compensation does not cover injuries caused by willful misconduct, intent to bring the injury to him/herself, or an injury caused by intoxication.