Workers who are permanently maimed, disfigured, or lose a limb due to workplace dangers or accidents are typically paid by employers to compensate for the damage done to their bodies and future lost wages due to impairment. This is called workers’ compensation. How much money you receive varies dramatically from state to state. Congress allows each state to determine their own workers compensation laws, and there are no minimums imposed.
This leads to major discrepancies, raising questions on fairness and justice. Controversial, complicated situations have arose from the discrepancies. For example, the loss of an arm earns an average of $169,878 in the United States. In Nevada, the payout is $859,634. This starkly contrasts with the payout in Alabama which is only $48,840. If you want to help prevent workplace injuries to yourself or your peers, consider taking the National Safety Council’s SafeAtWork Pledge. By doing so, you agree to never compromise your own safety or the safety of others to get a job done.
