Seasonal Work and Workers’ Compensation: What You Need to Know
Working as a seasonal worker can be a great way to earn some extra money during the holidays or in the summer. In fact, every year, millions of Americans take on seasonal jobs. However, if you are injured while on the job, it can be difficult to know what to do. For example, if you’re working at an airport, you might be wondering if you can claim benefits for an injury that occurred while loading luggage.
In this blog post, you’ll learn how California workers’ compensation law applies to seasonal workers. You’ll also learn how to file a claim if you are injured while working seasonally.
Contents
What are the statistics on seasonal work injuries?
Seasonal work is often physical in nature. This means that there is a higher risk of workers sustaining injuries. In fact, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that there are over 50,000 workplace injuries each year that occur during the holiday season alone. According to the National Safety Council, there’s a work-related injury every seven seconds. Given the fact that these employees present a vital component of the economy of many US states, including California, workers need to be covered for occupational accidents.
Common types of seasonal work injuries
There are a few different types of injuries that are common among seasonal workers. These include:
- Slips, trips, and falls
- Overexertion
- Being hit by an object
- Falling from a height
If you sustain any type of injury while working seasonally, it’s important to seek medical attention right away. Once you have been seen by a doctor, you can then begin the process of filing a workers’ compensation claim.
How to file a workers’ compensation claim if you’re injured at a seasonal job?
If you are injured while working seasonally in California, you may be eligible to receive workers’ compensation benefits. These benefits can help to cover the cost of your medical care as well as any lost wages.
In order to file a workers’ compensation claim, you will need to do the following:
- Get a copy of the “Notice of Potential Eligibility” form from your employer. This form must be filled out by your employer and given to you within one day of them being made aware of your injury.
- Fill out the “Claim Form – Employee” and submit it to the Workers’ Compensation Division of the California Department of Industrial Relations.
- If your claim is approved, you will begin receiving benefits within a few weeks.
It’s important to note that you only have 60 days from the date of your injury to file a workers’ compensation claim in California. If you miss this deadline, you will not be able to receive benefits.
Bottom line
Working seasonally is a great way to pay for tuition, claim additional income, or simply stay busy during retirement. However, if you are injured while working, it’s important to know your rights. In California, seasonal workers are eligible for workers’ compensation benefits if they are injured on the job. If you have been injured while working seasonally, be sure to follow the steps outlined above in order to file a claim and receive the benefits you deserve.
If your claim is denied or you face any issue with the insurance company, don’t hesitate to contact a workers’ compensation attorney. An experienced lawyer can help you navigate the claims process and ensure that you receive the benefits you are entitled to. An attorney will also help you document all the evidence in your case and will be there to answer any questions you may have. Hiring an attorney is not a requirement, but it is something you should consider if you are having trouble with your claim.