Workers' Compensation Explained: A 2025 Guide for US Employers

January 26, 20257 min readBy Insurial Team

Workers' compensation insurance is a crucial pillar of employee protection, offering essential support to employees who are injured or become ill due to their work.

What is Workers' Compensation Insurance?

Workers' compensation is no-fault insurance that provides medical benefits and wage benefits to employees who suffer work-related injuries or illnesses.

Legal Requirements by State

Requirements vary significantly by state:

  • Almost all states require coverage (Texas is the exception)
  • Some states require coverage from the first employee
  • Industries like construction may have stricter rules

What's Covered

  • Medical expenses
  • Lost wages (disability benefits)
  • Vocational rehabilitation
  • Death benefits

Premium Calculation

Premiums are calculated using: (Payroll / 100) x Classification Rate x Experience Modifier. Average monthly cost in 2025 is approximately $45.

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Further reading

January 30, 2024

Workers' Compensation: How Safety Programs Reduce Costs

Effective workplace safety programs can significantly reduce workers' compensation costs. Learn about proven strategies and their implementation.

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Workers' Compensation Explained: A 2025 Guide for US Employers - Insurial