(a) Every employer and every employee, unless otherwise specifically provided in this chapter, shall be subject to the provisions of this chapter and shall be bound thereby. However, nothing in this chapter shall be construed to conflict with any valid act of Congress governing the liability of employers for injuries received by their employees.
(b) This chapter shall apply only to claims for injuries and death based upon accidents which occur from and after December 2, 1948.
(c) The Workers' Compensation Law in effect prior to December 2, 1948, shall govern all rights in respect to claims for injuries and death based upon accidents occurring prior to the effective date of this chapter.