What is a key feature of workers' compensation laws?

The key feature of workers' compensation laws is that they restrict employees from suing their employers for job-related injuries. This legal framework is designed to provide a no-fault system for compensating employees who suffer work-related injuries or illnesses. Under workers' compensation, injured employees typically receive benefits such as medical expenses and wage replacement, which are provided regardless of who was at fault for the injury.

This system helps ensure that employees receive timely and guaranteed compensation for their injuries, while simultaneously protecting employers from extensive lawsuits that could arise from employee injuries. The trade-off is that in exchange for these guaranteed benefits, employees relinquish their right to pursue litigation against their employers for most workplace injuries. This creates a more stable and predictable environment for both employees and employers.

The other options, while relevant to discussions about workplace rights and responsibilities, do not accurately reflect this foundational aspect of workers' compensation laws. For instance, the notion of allowing employees to sue employers freely contradicts the very essence of the workers' compensation system, which aims to limit such lawsuits.