What is the exclusive remedy for an employee injured at work against their employer?

• A. To bring an action against the government for negligence
• B. To claim workers' compensation benefits
• C. To seek personal injury damages from a coworker
• D. To file a lawsuit against the employer for wrongful termination

Answer: (B)

The exclusive remedy for an employee injured at work against their employer is to claim workers' compensation benefits. This system is designed to provide financial assistance and medical care to employees who suffer job-related injuries or illnesses without needing to prove fault on the part of the employer.

Workers' compensation is intended to be a trade-off, offering employees a streamlined process for obtaining benefits while protecting employers from frequent lawsuits that could arise from workplace injuries. By utilizing the workers' compensation system, injured employees generally forfeit their right to sue their employer for additional damages associated with the injury. This exclusivity helps maintain a level of predictability for both parties involved and encourages a safe work environment, as employers are incentivized to prevent workplace accidents to reduce their liability.

In contrast, seeking action against the government, pursuing personal injury damages from a coworker, or filing a lawsuit for wrongful termination falls outside the traditional framework established by workers' compensation laws. These options lack the streamlined benefits and protections that workers' compensation offers, making the latter the correct and exclusive remedy for workplace injuries.