Which state enacted a workers' compensation law in 1911?

Which state enacted a workers' compensation law in 1911?

• A. California
• B. New York
• C. Illinois
• D. Wisconsin

Answer: (D)

The main idea here is the origin of state workers’ compensation laws in the United States. Wisconsin enacted the first comprehensive workers’ compensation statute in 1911, establishing a no-fault system that required employers to provide benefits to injured workers and setting up a state process to administer those benefits. This milestone created a model that other states would follow in the years that came after. California, New York, and Illinois eventually put their own programs in place, but not in 1911—the year Wisconsin pioneered the modern approach. Understanding this helps you see why Wisconsin is identified as the correct choice.

The main idea here is the origin of state workers’ compensation laws in the United States. Wisconsin enacted the first comprehensive workers’ compensation statute in 1911, establishing a no-fault system that required employers to provide benefits to injured workers and setting up a state process to administer those benefits. This milestone created a model that other states would follow in the years that came after. California, New York, and Illinois eventually put their own programs in place, but not in 1911—the year Wisconsin pioneered the modern approach. Understanding this helps you see why Wisconsin is identified as the correct choice.