Workers’ Compensation Benefits In Florida For Part-Time Employees
There are many different kinds of jobs in West Palm Beach with different work schedules, shifts, and hours of employment. Accidents and injuries can happen at any job site in South Florida or in the course of completing almost any type of work assignment. To be sure, workplace accidents can affect a wide variety of workers, from salaried full-time employees to hourly wage part-time workers. While many workers’ compensation claims do come from full-time workers who get hurt on the job or develop a debilitating occupational disease, our experienced South Florida workers’ compensation attorneys also know that part-time workers can sustain serious and life-threatening injuries in workplace accidents.
If you are a part-time worker and you got hurt on the job, you are likely wondering if you are eligible for workers’ compensation benefits. Generally speaking, part-time workers can be eligible to receive workers’ compensation benefits, but it will be critical to ensure that your employer has coverage and that you meet additional eligibility requirements.
Part-Time Workers Can Be Eligible for Florida Workers’ Compensation Benefits in Florida
Anyone who works only part-time and for an hourly wage can be especially devastated by a workplace injury. For many part-time workers, the income they are earning is in addition to a regular full-time job and is essential to provide for themselves and their families. While there are misconceptions about part-time workers’ eligibility for workers’ compensation, it is essential to know that part-time workers who get hurt on the job can be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits in Florida according to the Florida Workers’ Compensation Act.
In order to receive workers’ compensation benefits as a part-time worker, just like a full-time employee, you must follow the steps to report your injury and to file a claim, and the injury must have happened while you were working. In addition, your employer must be covered.
Determining If Your Employer Has Workers’ Compensation Coverage
Sometimes part-time workers are employed by small businesses in South Florida, or are employed by an individual or family for work such as childcare or cleaning services. In order to be eligible to obtain workers’ compensation benefits as a part-time worker, your employer must have workers’ compensation coverage.
The Florida Division of Workers’ Compensation explains that the following employers must have workers’ compensation coverage:
- Construction employers with 1 or more employee (i.e., all construction employers, in effect);
- Non-construction employers with 4 or more employees;
- Agricultural employers with 6 regular employees or 12 seasonal workers.
Our workers’ compensation lawyers can help you to determine whether your employer is required to have coverage. If Florida law requires your employer to have coverage but the employer does not actually have coverage, we can work with you to ensure that your employer is accountable and to help you seek the compensation you deserve.
Seek Advice from Our Experienced West Palm Beach Workers’ Compensation Lawyers
If you are a part-time worker and got hurt on the job, an experienced West Palm Beach workers’ compensation attorney at our firm can evaluate your case for you today and can help you to file a workers’ compensation claim if you are eligible to seek benefits. Do not hesitate to get in touch with our firm to learn more about the ways we can help you with your workers’ compensation case. Contact the Law Offices of David M. Benenfeld, P.A. for more information about the services we provide to injured part-time workers in South Florida.
Resource:
leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0400-0499/0440/0440.html
