Are Seasonal Workers Entitled to Workers’ Compensation?

August 11, 2017

Many people obtain extra work during holiday and vacation seasons. High school kids take on summer jobs. Philadelphia is home to several colleges, and many of those students from temple and U Penn and Drexel (and so on) stay in the city during the summer and pick up seasonal gigs. Teachers can also get an extra job when school is out as well. Since many of these employees are new to the workforce and only at a job for a limited amount of time, they may not know their legal rights, including the right to workers’ compensation.

As a seasonal, temporary, or part-time worker, you need to know that you are covered under Pennsylvania’s workers’ compensation law under almost every circumstance. Even if you are only working at the job for two weeks, you are still entitled to the benefits of workers’ compensation. Do not let anyone tell you that you are exempt from such benefits.

Common seasonal worker injuries

Temp workers may not be properly trained, lack experience, or could be unfamiliar with their company’s safety policies. As such, seasonal employees may be more susceptible to work-related injuries such as:

  • Lifeguard-related injuries, such as drowning, being assaulted, or getting a severe sunburn
  • Retail injuries related to stocking, packing, and lifting heavy boxes
  • Car accidents in the course of delivery jobs
  • Sprains and strains from landscaping work or other outdoor maintenance

If you were injured while working a part-time or temporary job, inform your supervisor right away. Tell him or her you got hurt while working and then seek medical attention.

How can workers’ compensation help me if I am injured on the job?

Almost every worker in Philadelphia is covered under workers’ compensation law, even if your employer only has one other employee. First, your employer’s insurance will cover your medical expenses, including hospital and doctor visits, cost of prescription drugs and medical devices (such as crutches), and additional costs such as physical therapy.

Workers’ comp also pays for part of your lost wages if you are unable to work due to your injury.

Unfortunately, actually obtaining your workers’ compensation benefits isn’t always that easy. Sometimes you need the help of a seasoned Philadelphia workers’ compensation lawyer. To learn more about your legal rights, get in touch with Larry Pitt & Associates by completing our contact form or calling 888.PITT.LAW. Our attorneys work with clients throughout Berks, Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery, and Philadelphia Counties.

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