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Workers' Compensation: Kansas

Workers' Compensation requirements for other states

Federal law and guidance on this subject should be reviewed together with this section.

Author: Nicole Farley, Fisher Phillips.

Summary

  • All Kansas employers are required to post the Kansas Workers' Compensation Poster in the workplace. See Notice Requirements.
  • Most Kansas employers are required to obtain workers' compensation coverage and can obtain such coverage through private insurance carriers, self-insurance, or through a group funded state pool. See Covered Employers.
  • Likewise, most Kansas employees are eligible for workers' compensation insurance benefits, with some notable exceptions. See Covered Employees.
  • Kansas has some unique exceptions for certain injuries that are not considered compensable. See Compensable Injuries.
  • Kansas employers must comply with state law insofar as reporting accidents to the Division of Workers' Compensation. See Claims Procedure.
  • When disputes arise between covered employees and their employers or workers' compensation insurance carriers, aggrieved parties may seek redress from the Kansas Department of Labor, Division of Workers' Compensation's Judicial Unit. See Administrative Hearings and Court Procedures.
  • In some situations, employers may choose to object to an employee's claim for workers' compensation benefits. In that event, the employer can make several different arguments to the state workers' compensation board. See Employer Defenses to Workers' Compensation Claims.
  • Covered employees with compensable injuries are eligible for benefits to cover medical care, but they must comply with the employer's or insurance carriers' directives in some situations. See Medical Benefits and Communication with Healthcare Providers.
  • In addition to funds for medical care to address compensable injuries, workers' compensation insurance provides for other benefits. See Other Benefits.
  • Kansas state law provides for a specific formula to calculate the amount of benefits due to eligible employees for compensable injuries. See Calculation of Benefits.