Workers’ compensation laws provide money for people who are injured on the job (or their families, in the case of a fatality), regardless of who is at fault. The laws were designed to eliminate the need for litigation, meaning that those receiving workers’ compensation usually may not sue their employers, although they may sue third parties involved in the accident (such as the manufacturer of equipment that failed). Injuries that qualify for workers’ compensation include injuries brought on by long-term repetitive strains and exposure to harmful substances as well as sudden injuries. Almost all U.S. workers are covered by workers’ compensation laws, except some federal employees. It is illegal in most states for an employer to retaliate against an employee who files for workers’ compensation.