Workers’ compensation insurance laws and requirements for employers vary from state to state, but private employers can generally choose whether to carry workers' compensation insurance coverage. A workers' compensation insurance policy provides lost wages and medical benefits to employees injured on the job—and death benefits for the spouse and dependents (children) of a worker who dies in a work-related accident.

Under workers’ compensation laws in many states employers who subscribe to workers’ compensation insurance receive a significant legal protection—they cannot be sued by an injured employee (or the estate of a deceased employee) unless the employer was grossly negligent (more negligent than simple, ordinary negligence).

In other words, if an employer has workers’ compensation insurance, that is usually the exclusive remedy for an injured employee (known as the exclusive remedy provision in the statute), and the insurance coverage bars an injured employee from suing the employer (known as the workers’ compensation bar).

An employer who does not purchase or subscribe to workers’ compensation insurance is known as a nonsubscriber. Workers’ compensation laws are usually located in a state’s statutes.

In Ohio, workers' compensation insurance is mandatory for most employers, and the state operates under a no-fault system. This means that employers are required to carry workers' compensation insurance to provide benefits to employees who suffer work-related injuries or illnesses, regardless of who is at fault for the injury. The Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation (BWC) administers the workers' compensation system, and it is funded by employer premiums. Employers who fail to comply with the requirement to carry workers' compensation insurance may face legal penalties. The workers' compensation system in Ohio is indeed the exclusive remedy for injured workers, which generally prohibits them from suing their employers for work-related injuries. However, there are exceptions where an employee can sue the employer outside of the workers' compensation system, such as in cases of intentional torts committed by the employer. It's important for employers to understand their obligations under Ohio law to avoid penalties and ensure their employees are protected.