group of men in orange suit standing near building during daytime

A quarter of the total workforce in the US is made up of part-time workers, and most of them are more likely to be in industries with higher injury rates, like retail and hospitality. Sadly, they often experience barriers to accessing workers’ compensation benefits. Each state has laws and regulations for workers’ compensation, and part-time workers must first meet these requirements to be eligible.

Understanding workers’ compensation can be tricky, especially if you’re a part-timer. If you’ve been in an accident at work that’s had a huge impact on your life, it’s a good idea to think about hiring a workers’ compensation lawyer. According to the attorneys at Mitchell Law Corporation, your employer will probably have a team of lawyers to protect the company’s interests and minimize what they have to pay you. Without a lawyer, you might end up with much less than you deserve.

The money you get from a settlement can be crucial for supporting your family, so it’s important to fight for as much as you’re entitled to. Since part-time workers often have less experience, less training, and more unpredictable schedules, they’re more likely to get injured on the job.

Eligibility Criteria for Part-Time Workers

Donald P. Day, a workers’ compensation lawyer in Naples, says that each state has its own rules about whether part-time workers can get workers’ compensation. Make sure you know what the rules are in your area. 

To qualify for workers’ compensation benefits as a part-time employee, you must meet specific eligibility criteria set by your employer and state laws. These criteria may include: 

  1. Being classified as an employee rather than an independent contractor.
  2. Notifying your employer of any work-related injuries within a specified timeframe.
  3. Seeking medical treatment from approved healthcare providers.
  4. You must have been injured while performing work duties or as a result of your job. 

Some states may have minimum hourly requirements or specific rules for seasonal or temporary employees.

Coverage and Protections Under Workers’ Compensation Laws

Workers compensation laws play a role in safeguarding employees who suffer injuries while on the job. These laws typically include coverage for expenses, rehabilitation costs, and lost wages incurred due to work-related injuries or illnesses. If you work part-time, you are entitled to the same benefits and protections as full-time employees under these laws. This ensures that if you are injured during your part-time employment, you can seek compensation without facing any discrimination or exclusion based on your employment status.

Moreover, workers compensation laws offer protection against termination or retaliation for pursuing benefits following a work-related injury. To help their employees in specific circumstances, employers are required by law to have workers compensation insurance in place. This insurance provides assistance and access to medical care to support your recovery and eventual return to work. Being aware of your rights and the available coverage as a part-time worker can prove invaluable should you ever need to file for workers compensation benefits.

Filing a Workers’ Compensation Claim as a Part-Time Employee

When injured on the job as a part-time employee, you can receive the necessary support and benefits by initiating a workers’ compensation claim. As a part-time worker, you’re entitled to file a workers’ compensation claim just like full-time employees. 

Here’s how the process works:

  1. Notify your employer about the injury as soon as possible. 
  2. Make sure to fill out the necessary forms accurately and provide details about the incident, including when, where, and how it occurred. 
  3. Seeking medical attention can have your injury documented and used as evidence for your claim.
  4. Your employer should then submit the claim to their workers’ compensation insurance provider. 
  5. Keep track of all communication and documentation related to your claim to ensure a smooth process. 

As a part-time employee, you have rights under workers’ compensation laws, and filing a claim is an important step towards receiving the benefits you’re entitled to.

Benefits Available to Part-Time Workers

Benefit eligibility for part-time workers under workers’ compensation varies based on factors such as hours worked and the nature of the injury. Part-time employees may be entitled to some benefits if they sustain a work-related injury or illness. These benefits typically include coverage for medical expenses related to the injury, such as doctor visits, hospital stays, surgeries, medications, and rehabilitation services. In some cases, part-time workers may also receive compensation for lost wages during the recovery period.

Part-time employees may be eligible for vocational rehabilitation services to help them return to work if they’re unable to perform their previous job duties. This may include job training, career counseling, and assistance with job placement. Do note that the specific benefits available to part-time workers will depend on the laws of the state where the injury occurred and the individual circumstances of the case. 

Legal Rights and Recourse for Part-Time Employees

There are avenues available for recourse in cases of workplace injuries or disputes. If you sustain an injury while working part-time, you have the right to seek workers’ compensation benefits. You must submit a workers’ compensation claim and notify your employer of any workplace injuries right away in order to be eligible for these benefits.

Should there be a disagreement with your employer about your part-time employment status or any other matter pertaining to your job, you are entitled to pursue legal action. You can consult with an employment lawyer who specializes in labor laws to understand your rights and options. You can also reach out to your state’s labor department or relevant government agency to file a complaint or seek guidance on resolving the issue.

Conclusion

Workers’ compensation laws protect and give you rights if you are a part-time worker who gets hurt on the job. You’ll be entitled to the same benefits and protections under workers’ compensation laws as full-time employees. To have access to its benefits, file a claim immediately if needed.

Part-time workers can get the benefits they need to recover from injuries they got at work if they have the right information and help.