Are Tacoma Seasonal Workers Entitled to Workers’ Compensation Benefits?
Employers in different industries usually hire employees to help meet seasonal demand. Usually, this kind of work arrangement can benefit all parties. An employer can cut down costs while a seasonal employee can get extra work between semesters or during the summer. But as with other employees, seasonal workers can sustain injuries at work. If you are one of these workers, you might wonder if you are entitled to worker’s compensation. To ensure you get the benefits you deserve, get information now.
Can You Seek Workers’ Compensation Benefits as a Seasonal Worker?
Seasonal workers in Tacoma are entitled to worker’s compensation benefits. Indeed, because of the nature of their work, their risk of injury is higher than permanent employees. Seasonal workers have less straining than their year-round counterparts. Also, they might work different jobs at once, increasing their risk of both mental and physical fatigue. In addition, a lot of kinds of seasonal work is available in dangerous industries that have unique hazards like agriculture, construction, and fishing. These industries depend on seasonal workers during peak season.
The Benefits You Deserve
Seasonal workers may be entitled to different workers’ comp benefits after suffering from a workplace injury. The kind of benefit available depends on the kind of injury they suffer and its severity. Typically, these benefits are administered through the Department of Labor and Industries (L&O), but some employers may self-insure. The benefits that seasonal workers can receive through workers’ compensation insurance include the following:
- Medical benefits. Seasonal workers can turn to workers’ compensation for payment of their necessary medical treatment related to a work injury.
- Time loss benefits. These benefits offer partial reimbursement for lost income incurred because of time missed from work. They are equivalent to 60% to 75% of the wage earned when the injury occurred. The number of dependents and the marital status of a seasonal worker are factors to be considered.
- Permanent partial disability benefits. These give compensation for a seasonal worker who permanently lost a bodily function. The affected part of the body and the impairment level are considered in determining the payments.
- Loss of earning power. A seasonal worker who returns to work after a work-related injury and only work at a lower pay rate or part-time may deserve monetary benefits for their loss of earning power.
Seasonal workers who sustain an injury at work must notify their employer and L&I right away. Although they must give written notice within a year of suffering from an injury, they should file the required paperwork immediately. This way, they can start getting the benefits they need.
