Workers’ Compensation For Seasonal Employees

Every holiday season, Florida retailers look to hire seasonal labor to help cope with the spike in tourism and shopping traffic. While these jobs are usually temporary, this does not mean that these employees are not entitled to the same general protections as permanent employees during their time with a particular company. If you are injured at work, whether your job is temporary or not, you will usually have the right to file for workers’ compensation benefits.

Investigate Your Rights

It is important that you be aware of the requirements in the industry you will work in during the season. For the most part, Florida businesses are required to carry workers’ compensation insurance, though the exact requirements will vary from industry to industry. For example, an employer in the construction industry must carry coverage if they have 1 or more employees, including owners – but a ‘non-construction’ employer only requires coverage if they have 4 or more employees. This would apply to retailers or most tourism-related entities.

As long as you are hired as an employee, and not an independent contractor, you will generally have access to workers’ compensation coverage if your industry provides it. Independent contractors trade workers’ compensation benefits and job titles for increased freedom in how, where, and when they do their jobs, so they are not usually able to file workers’ compensation claims for injuries unless in very specific circumstances.

Act Fast To Report

Depending on the industry in which you will be working, it is possible to sustain a myriad of different injuries on the job in many different ways. If you do get hurt at work, it is crucial to let your employer know of the injury within 30 days of its happening (or within 30 days from the date a doctor characterized it as a work injury), or you will lose the chance to file for workers’ compensation coverage. This is true even if you are no longer employed once you discover the injury; in most situations, coverage would still apply.

The one slight difference between a seasonal employee and a full-time employee is that the specific nature of the workers’ compensation benefits you can receive may vary, particularly depending on your industry. Sometimes, employers must purchase additional coverage for seasonal employees that may not be as comprehensive, or they may have a tiered system by which those with the most seniority may be entitled to more. Every case is different, and it is generally a good idea to seek out legal help before moving forward with a claim.

Call An Orlando Workers’ Compensation Attorney

Seasonal work can be a great way for a person to make extra money during the holidays, but it is not without its potential hazards. An Orlando workers’ compensation attorney from the Hornsby Law Group can help you understand your options if you have been hurt on the job. Contact our office today at (407) 499-8887 for a free consultation.