Kentucky Workers' Compensation Laws

Kentucky Department of Workers' Claims

657 Chamberlin Avenue
Frankfort, KY 40601
502-564-5550

What is Workers' Compensation?

The basic purpose of the Workers’ Compensation is to provide wage replacement benefits and medical treatment for employees who have been injured or become ill due to a work-related injury or illness. It prevents the employer from bearing the costs of injuries that occur during normal business operations.

Kentucky Employers's Mutual Insurance

Kentucky Employers’ Mutual Insurance (KEMI) was created in 1995 and is the largest provider of workers’ compensation insurance in Kentucky. It is the state provider and provides coverage to more than 23,000 policyholders in all 120 counties of the state. KEMI is a mutual insurance company owned by its policyholders. All workers’ compensation insurance companies in Kentucky, including KEMI, are regulated by the Department of Insurance and the Department of Workers’ Claims.

How does workers' comp help my business?

Your business benefits by not being liable for injuries that occur as a part of normal business operations. This applies whether the injury was the fault of the business or was caused by negligent actions of the employee.

Kentucky Department of Workers' Claims (DWC)

The DWC is a state department committed to improving customer service and reducing costs to our customers in the Commonwealth of Kentucky. The Department of Workers' Claims is the agency primarily charged with the administration of the Kentucky program and has exclusive jurisdiction over workers' compensation claims.

How does workers' comp help my employee?

Employees benefit from workers' comp coverage by having lost wages covered while they are hurt or sick and not able to work. It also pays for medical costs they might incur as a result of the sickness or injury.

Kentucky Insurance Directives Regarding Covid-19

No current legal directives on workers compensation insurance in Kentucky.

State Orders Regarding Insurance Claims Related to Coronavirus

An employee removed from work by a physician due to occupational exposure to COVID-19 is entitled to temporary total disability payments during the period of removal, even if the employer ultimately denies liability for the claim. To be considered “occupational,” there must be a causal connection between the conditions under which the work is performed and COVID-19, which can be seen to follow as a natural incident to the work as a result of the exposure occasioned by the nature of the employment. TTD payments made pursuant to this order shall be payable from the first day the employee is removed from work. It is presumed that the removal of the following workers from work by a physician is due to occupational exposure to COVID-19: 1) healthcare entity employees; 2) first responders (e.g., law enforcement, ems, fire department); 3) correctional officers; 4) military; 5) active national guard; 6) domestic violence shelter employee; 7) child advocacy workers; 8) rape crisis center staff; 9) postal workers; 10) Department for Community Based Services workers; 11) grocery workers; and 12) child care workers.

Mandatory law in effect from 04/09/2020 until further notice.