What does the Great Trade Off illustrate in the workers’ compensation system?

The Great Trade Off in the workers' compensation system illustrates the fundamental principle that employees relinquish their right to sue their employers in exchange for guaranteed compensation for work-related injuries. This arrangement aims to provide a more efficient and predictable means of addressing workplace injuries and illnesses, ensuring that injured employees receive benefits without the need for lengthy litigation.

By agreeing to this trade-off, employees are assured of receiving medical benefits and compensation for lost wages regardless of fault, which provides immediate support in the aftermath of a workplace injury. This system is designed to protect both workers and employers: employees gain access to prompt care and compensation, while employers receive protection from potentially costly lawsuits.

The other options do not accurately reflect the essence of the Great Trade Off. Employers do retain certain rights within the injury claims process; compensation claims typically have set limits, but this is not the primary focus of the trade-off; and the framework is established to ensure that employers do provide coverage rather than eliminate it. Thus, option B correctly encapsulates the core concept of the Great Trade Off within the workers’ compensation system.