Key Takeaways

  • Workers' compensation required for most Kansas employers
  • Covers medical benefits and disability payments
  • No-fault system—employees cannot sue employers
  • Penalties for non-compliance include fines and loss of protections
  • Agricultural exemptions exist for certain farm operations
Last updated: January 2026

Kansas Workers' Compensation

Requirements

Most Kansas employers must carry workers' comp:

  • Employers with employees (with some exemptions)
  • Construction employers
  • Government entities

Exemptions

  • Sole proprietors
  • Some agricultural operations
  • Certain family members

Benefits Provided

Benefit TypeCoverage
MedicalAll necessary treatment, no limit
Temporary DisabilityWeekly payments during recovery
Permanent DisabilityScheduled benefits or lifetime benefits
Death BenefitsTo dependents
Vocational RehabRetraining if needed

Exclusive Remedy

Workers' comp is exclusive remedy:

  • Employees cannot sue employer
  • Exception: Intentional injury

Penalties

Non-compliance results in:

  • Fines
  • Loss of exclusive remedy protection
  • Stop-work orders
  • Criminal penalties

Exam Tip: Kansas workers' comp provides no-fault coverage for workplace injuries. It is the exclusive remedy—employees cannot sue employers except for intentional injuries.

Test Your Knowledge

What does "exclusive remedy" mean in Kansas workers' compensation?

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