New York workers compensation laws were introduced in the 1911 after the tragic Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire, where around 150 workers lost their lives. New York thus became the first state in the United States of America to have laws that protect the rights of employees against occupational injuries, accidents, and illnesses. There are provisions for monetary benefits to cover medical expenses and wage losses resulting from the disability caused by the work-related injuries or diseases. There are also provisions of death benefits in cases where an employee dies because of occupational injuries. The death benefits are paid to the surviving dependent family members of the deceased.