What is the primary legal recourse for an injured employee under workers' compensation laws?

The primary legal recourse for an injured employee under workers' compensation laws is to receive workers' compensation benefits from their employer. This system is designed to provide financial assistance and medical benefits to employees who are injured in the course of their employment, without the need to prove fault or negligence on the part of the employer.

Workers' compensation is a no-fault system, meaning that employees do not need to establish that their employer was negligent to receive benefits. Instead, they can receive compensation for medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, and lost wages resulting from their injury. This system not only provides timely support for injured workers but also limits employers' liability since employees generally cannot pursue additional legal action, such as a lawsuit, against their employers for work-related injuries.

This framework ensures that employees can access necessary resources to recover while balancing the interests of employers, who face predictable liabilities and reduced litigation risks.