Which of the following is an exception to workers' compensation laws?

Workers' compensation laws are designed to provide benefits to employees who are injured in the course of their employment, regardless of fault. However, there are exceptions to these laws where coverage might not apply. One significant exception is injuries resulting from intentional acts by the employer.

When an employer deliberately causes harm to an employee, this act typically falls outside the scope of workers' compensation. This is because such behavior is not considered part of the employer's responsibilities toward the employee, which include providing a safe working environment and appropriate benefits for workplace injuries. In these cases, the injured employee may seek legal recourse outside of the workers' compensation system, often resulting in the potential for higher damages through a personal injury lawsuit.

The other options mention scenarios that do not generally operate as exceptions to workers' compensation laws. For instance, accidents due to negligence are typically covered by workers' compensation, as are injuries that occur in the workplace. Similarly, fired employees may still be entitled to workers' compensation for injuries sustained while employed. Hence, the intentional acts of employers are the clear exception that stands out in the context of workers' compensation law.