Can Seasonal Employees Receive Workers’ Compensation Benefits?

workers' comp benefits for seasonal employees

Many employers bring on temporary employees during the holiday season to meet increasing shopper demand. While employees can receive a significant amount of hours during this time, they may not always receive benefits. But, what if a seasonal employee is injured on the job? Are they entitled to the same workers’ compensation benefits?

Types of Injuries During the Holiday Season

The same injuries that year-round employees are subject to can also pose a danger to seasonal, holiday employees. These are a few of the most common types of injuries:

Car accidents
Slip and falls
Overexertion
Repetitive stress injuries

Work conditions can be hectic during the holiday season. UPS drivers will have to navigate busy roads. Retail workers may work long hours, frequently carrying heavy items. While injuries are not very common, they are always a possibility, and it is important to understand your legal rights during this time.

What to Do Following a Workplace Injury

If you are involved in a workplace injury, even as a temporary employee, take the following steps to protect your rights:

Receive medical care: The first, and most important, thing to do following an injury is to receive medical care. Be sure to document all medical services you receive.
Notify your employer: Workers’ compensation requires that you notify your employer of your injuries. You can do this by submitting a workers’ compensation report.
Collect documents: Certain documents will be helpful to your case. This includes your medical records and workplace communications.
Determine your need for a lawyer: You may or may not need a lawyer to help with your workers’ compensation case. It can be helpful to discuss your case with a lawyer.

The workers’ compensation process is set up to help employees receive the compensation they need to recover damages. Unfortunately, it is not always as easy as it should be. If your employer or the workers’ compensation representative is making the process difficult, it may be helpful to reach out to a lawyer.

Seasonal employees have the same rights as full-time employees. While you may not qualify for benefits like health insurance or retirement, you should still qualify for workers’ compensation. Workers’ compensation can protect you in the event that you are injured on the job. Don’t let them talk you out of using your benefits, just because you are a seasonal worker.

When to Reach Out to a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer

Even if you are a temporary worker, you should be eligible for workers’ compensation if you were injured on the job. Filing a workers’ compensation claim can ensure that you receive the compensation you need for things like covering medical bills, rehabilitation costs, lost wages, and even future disability.

It is also possible that your employer, or representative, will try to minimize your injuries, in an attempt to reduce your compensation payout. We understand how frustrating this can be, as an injury can prevent you from earning the income you need to pay your bills. Our lawyers will help you calculate the full value of your case, including your current costs, as well as your anticipated ones.

Contact a Hudson County Workers’ Compensation Lawyer to Discuss Your New Jersey Workplace Injury Case

A workplace injury can be devastating, particularly if it prevents you from returning to work for an extended period of time. Although New Jersey Workers’ Compensation laws are supposed to provide you with reimbursement for medical expenses and replacement pay for missed time at work, it is not always easy to get the Workers’ Comp benefits you deserve. That is why you should speak with a knowledgeable Workers’ Compensation lawyer about your situation and get guidance throughout the claims process. The experienced Workers’ Compensation attorneys at Birkhold & Maider, LLC represent clients in Essex County, Hudson County, Mercer County, Union County, and all across New Jersey. Call 973-784-8583 or fill out our online contact form today to schedule a consultation about your work injury case. Our main office is located at 189 Franklin Avenue, Suite 1, Nutley, NJ 07110, and we also have an office in Hamilton, NJ.

The articles on this blog are for informative purposes only and are no substitute for legal advice or an attorney-client relationship. If you are seeking legal advice, please contact our law firm directly.