Baltimore Workers’ Compensation Lawyers: Risks for Seasonal Workers
October 10, 2016Go into any major retailer and you will be reminded that the holidays are right around the corner. Halloween and fall-themed decorations are everywhere and there are even Christmas and Hanukkah decorations filling the shelves. For many Americans, this is a time to earn extra income doing seasonal work. Most of these jobs are in the retail and hospitality fields, as a result of the spike in holiday shopping and social events. However, this type of work can come with some risks for work-related injuries. Baltimore Workers’ Compensation lawyers remind seasonal employees that they are entitled to Workers’ Compensation benefits if they get hurt at work.
The following are some of the factors that can increase the risk of injury for seasonal employees:
- Inadequate training: Employers may not provide the same kind of training for a temporary employee as they would a permanent one. Therefore, temps are often unaware of general hazards and safety protocols, including where the closest emergency exits are.
- Crowd control issues: This can be a serious issue for retailers who work on Black Friday. People want what they came for and will resort to pushing, shoving, and other aggressive behavior to get it. Things can get out of control quickly putting workers at risk of injury.
- Workplaces that are shorthanded: Many employees take time off over the holidays, leaving others to take on more work. Injuries can happen when an employee is forced to complete a task with not enough time to do it. Rushing and cutting corners can lead to a wide range of workplace injuries.
- Increased risk of fire hazards: During the holiday season, the lights on the tree, the multiple plugs per socket, and other holiday décor can quickly turn into a fire hazard if not used properly.
The Claims Process for Workers’ Compensation
Temporary workers are twice as likely to be injured on the job as permanent employees, according to ProPublica research. And while this statistic covers all temporary workers, seasonal workers are part of this higher risk group. Fortunately, even seasonal employees may be eligible for Workers’ Compensation if they have been injured on the job. If injured, the employee should report the incident to his or her employer as soon as possible. A Workers’ Compensation lawyer can explain the claims process and review the benefits that may be available, including compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and emotional stress.
Baltimore Workers’ Compensation Lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton Protect the Rights of Seasonal Workers
If you or a loved one has been injured while employed as a temporary, seasonal worker, you may be entitled to financial compensation. The dedicated Baltimore Workers’ Compensation lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton will work closely with you to examine the details surrounding your injury. We will work tirelessly to protect your rights and secure the benefits you deserve. For a free consultation, call us today at 844-556-4LAW (4529) or contact us online.
