Workers Compensation in Delaware
State-specific overview · Employment Law
Delaware requires employers with one or more employees to carry workers' compensation; employees must report injuries within 30 days of occurrence.
How Delaware treats Workers Compensation
Delaware law mandates workers' compensation insurance for all employers with at least one employee, with limited exemptions for sole proprietors and partners. Employees must notify their employer of a work-related injury within 30 days, though failure to do so does not bar a claim if the employer had actual knowledge. Benefits cover medical expenses, temporary disability at two-thirds of average weekly wages, and permanent partial or total disability awards. Claims are administered by the Delaware Department of Labor's Division of Workers' Compensation.
The general definition of Workers Compensation
Insurance that provides medical benefits and wage replacement to employees injured during work.
Workers compensation is a form of insurance that employers are required to carry to protect employees who are injured or become ill as a result of their job. When an employee is hurt at work, workers compensation covers medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, and a portion of lost wages while the employee recovers. In exchange, the employee generally gives up the right to sue the employer for the injury. The system is designed to provide quick, predictable benefits without the need for a lawsuit. Benefits vary by state and depend on the severity of the injury.
Read the full Workers Compensation entry →This page is a plain-English reference and is not legal advice. State laws change frequently. For specific situations consult a licensed attorney in Delaware.