The flaws in the workers compensation system shows it is fatal to those who have suffered work related injuries.  The loss of a finger, toe, leg or eye are capped out at a certain number, regardless of the trade you worked. http://projects.propublica.org/graphics/workers-compensation-benefits-by-limb#.

One state has even capped benefits to some disabled workers to merely $220.00 per week.  http://www.propublica.org/getinvolved/item/help-propublica-investigate-workers-comp