Are You Fully Protected As A Seasonal Or Temporary Worker?

A lot of industries rely on seasonal and temporary workers. From holiday hires in bustling retail stores to landscaping crews and waterfront businesses, these workers fill essential roles during peak seasons. Day laborers, too, often step in for short-term projects in construction, agriculture, or warehousing.

But what happens if a seasonal or temporary worker gets injured on the job? Are they covered under Maryland workers’ compensation law? The short answer is yes, but there are unique challenges these workers may face. If you’ve been hurt on the job, you don’t have to face the claims process alone. Connect with a seasoned Baltimore personal injury lawyer.

Unique Risks Seasonal and Temporary Workers Face

Most employees, regardless of whether they are part-time, temporary, or seasonal, are entitled to workers’ compensation benefits if they are injured on the job. These benefits may include coverage for medical treatment, partial wage replacement, and vocational rehabilitation. Even if you are hired for just a few days or weeks, employers are often still required by law to carry workers’ compensation insurance and provide coverage.

While short-term workers are entitled to benefits, they often face a higher risk of injury for several reasons:

• Limited training. Short-term hires may receive rushed or minimal safety instruction before being put to work.
• Inexperienced staff. Workers who are unfamiliar with equipment or processes are more likely to be injured.
• Physically demanding roles. Many temporary jobs involve heavy lifting, repetitive motion, or outdoor work in extreme weather.
• Unfamiliar worksites. Moving from job to job can make it harder to recognize hazards or follow site-specific safety procedures.
• Pressure to perform quickly. Seasonal rushes often push workers to move faster than is safe.

Though these risks are understood, you may encounter pushback when filing for workers’ compensation benefits. For one, an employer may incorrectly claim you are an independent contractor to avoid paying benefits. Or, employers or insurers may question whether your injury happened on the job.

Best Practices Following a Job Injury

Seasonal and temporary workers play a vital role in Maryland’s economy, and the law protects their right to workers’ compensation benefits. To protect your rights after an injury on the job, report the injury immediately, get medical attention, and document the details, such as when, where, and how the injury occurred.

When it comes to shielding yourself from financial loss connected to harm sustained in the workplace, talk to a legal professional early in the recovery process. Attorneys know how to investigate your employment arrangement, gather evidence, and advocate for your benefits. And if you’ve already moved forward with a claim and it was challenged or your compensation has been delayed, speaking with an experienced Baltimore personal injury lawyer is essential.

Could you access financial relief after a workplace accident? Whether you were a seasonal employee or a full-time hire, there are laws in place to protect you if you are injured on the job. Have a conversation with the attorneys at Iamele & Iamele, LLP to learn more. Contact us to book a confidential appointment.