Summer is finally here! While most people are planning their vacations, dreaming about the seaside and tasty barbecues with friends, some are taking advantage of the numerous opening in seasonal employment. Whether you are a student trying to get some experience or you are looking for a way to earn extra money, seasonal work might be the perfect solution.
What happens if you get injured on the job? Do you have the same rights as year-round employees?
Why Seasonal Workers Are at High Risk of Injuries
Seasonal workers are often more prone to injuries than full-time employees. Because they lack experience, they are more likely to make mistakes that could lead to injuries. Moreover, employers aren't as rigorous with seasonal workers as they are with full-time employees. More often than not, they don't receive the same training and may not be held to the same standards.
Most seasonal workers suffer from repetitive stress injuries as their jobs often require them to pull, push or carry heavy objects.
Are Seasonal Workers Entitled to Compensation Benefits?
According to the law, companies in Missouri must carry workers compensation insurance in case employees get hurt or sick while performing their work duties. The benefits received will help the worker pay for medical bills and treatment and account for the lost wage. The law states that full-time, part-time, and seasonal employees too are entitled to compensation if they get injured on the job.
If you hurt your back while lifting heavy cargo, then you should contact a St. Louis worker injury lawyer and file a claim as you are entitled to receiving benefits.
What Next?
One of the reasons seasonal workers don't get workers compensation isn't because they aren't entitled to it, but because they make numerous mistakes that affect their claim.
The first thing you should do after a work injury is seek medical attention. Failure to do so might enable the insurance company to deny your claim. They might argue that your injuries weren't serious enough if you didn't need medical help and, therefore, they don't require compensation.
Make sure to notify your employer of your injury too and start documenting the process. Having a paper trail of all the steps you took after the accident will maximize your chances of getting your claim approved.
Follow your doctor's recommendations to the letter. Insurance adjusters will be watching, waiting for you to make a mistake that will allow them to suspend the payments.
St. Louis Workers Comp Attorney
It doesn't matter if you are a full time, part time or seasonal employee. If you've got injured on the job, then you have the right to file a claim for workers compensation. A St. Louis workers compensation attorney can help you through this process so that you can focus on recovery instead of worrying about the legal aspects of filing a claim. Give us a call 24/7 at (314) 361-4300 for a FREE case evaluation.
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