The first workers' compensation act was enacted by the state of Maryland in 1902. By the middle of the twentieth century, there were workers' compensation acts in place in virtually every state and protectorate. However, although all of these programs were initiated with the same basic structure and intent, they have come to diverge significantly over time as additional legislation, lawsuits and legal challenges, and changes in procedures have been initiated in various jurisdictions. Today, workers' compensation law is one of the most active and frequently revised areas of policy in many states. Keeping up with the frequent changes in policy and procedure can be a daunting prospect for injured workers and their families. For this reason, many legal experts recommend contracting the services of a qualified workers compensation lawyer who will be informed about all of the latest changes in the law that could impact the outcome of your case.