ABA Family Legal Guide

Law and the Workplace

On the Job

Workers' Compensation

Are all employees covered by workers' compensation?

Most employees are covered. Some state laws exempt certain categories of workers, such as casual employees, agricultural employees, domestic employees, and independent contractors. Moreover, a few states require coverage only if an employer has a minimum number of employees. For example, in Alabama, coverage is compulsory only if an employer has at least three employees.