Are Seasonal Employees Covered Under Workers’ Compensation?
With the holiday season right around the corner, it is about to be a busy time for Georgia’s retailers. The increase in sales means that many companies will be hiring additional help with inventory, merchandising, transactions, transportation, and other business-related items. While the next few months will be a welcomed boost for the economy, the hustle and bustle of the holiday season can also lead to an increase in on-the-job injuries.
If a temporary or seasonal employee is hurt on the job, are they covered under Georgia’s workers’ compensation laws? Yes, they are covered. While seasonal employees may assume that they are not eligible for the same benefits as the year-round employees, Georgia’s workers’ compensation insurance is intended to cover all employees. That includes full-time, part-time, as well as seasonal workers.
Georgia’s Workers’ Compensation Laws
In general, when an employee suffers a work-related injury or illness, he or she can file a workers’ compensation claim requesting medical benefits and a portion of their lost wages. Those benefits are secured by insurance policies and paid for by the employer. However, each state has its own workers’ compensation rules and standards. In Georgia, the state requires any company or business that regularly hires three or more employees to provide those employees with workers’ compensation coverage. Georgia defines “employee” as any person hired by another person or organization; however, this does not include independent contractors, domestic servants, or seasonal farm workers.
If the state does require a company to carry workers’ compensation, that means that any employee at that company may be eligible for benefits. It does not matter if that employee is full time, part-time, or seasonal; if the company is otherwise required to carry workers’ compensation benefits, any employee can make a claim for those benefits if he or she is injured on the job.
To be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits, you need to have been injured or become ill while performing the job duties that are within the course and scope of your employment. If your injury happens outside of work, or while you are performing an unauthorized task, you may not be eligible. The number of hours per week you work, or the length of time that you have worked with a particular employer does not impact your eligibility. Neither does your age. So, for example, a teenager who has a seasonal job on their winter break from school can receive workers’ compensation as long as he or she meets the other necessary criteria.
Contact An Experienced Workers’ Compensation Attorney
While seasonal workers are only employed for a limited time frame, they are still entitled to feel safe and protected at their workplace. If you have questions about workers’ compensation and your eligibility, contact the Law Offices of Laura Lanzisera. We can help you understand the ins and outs of your coverage and help guide you through this challenging legal process. We focus solely on Georgia workers’ compensation cases, and we offer free consultations.