Groups Excluded from Workers' Compensation Statutes
Employees for the federal government are covered by federal compensation plans administered by the Office of Workers' Compensation Programs (OWCP). The Federal Employment Compensation Act provides compensation for federal employees not in the military. This act provides compensation for injuries sustained during employment. Compensation includes medical expenses, job re-training, part of lost wages and compensation for family members of employees who are killed.
Some states Workers' Compensation programs exclude certain groups of workers. These groups include farm workers, railroad employees, Maritime workers, and volunteers. Other states do not require employers to have Workers' Compensation unless they have a minimum number of employees.
Some of these groups may be covered by separate compensation plans. For example the Federal Employment Liability Act covers injuries for railroad employees. The Merchant Marine act provides protection for seamen. The Long shore and Harbor Compensation Act covers some maritime employees and the Black Lung Benefits Act provides compensation to miners. A personal injury attorney specializing in Workers' Compensation can help determine if your case is covered and what group should be contacted.
