What does the 'exclusive remedy' doctrine mean in workers compensation?

The exclusive remedy doctrine is the trade-off at the heart of workers compensation: in exchange for receiving guaranteed, no-fault benefits, an injured employee generally gives up the right to sue their employer in civil court for the work-related injury. Workers compensation becomes the employee's sole (exclusive) remedy against the employer. This protects employers from potentially large negligence verdicts while ensuring employees get prompt, certain benefits. There are limited exceptions (such as intentional harm by the employer, or claims against negligent third parties). Understanding the exclusive-remedy concept and the grand bargain it represents is commonly tested workers-comp content.