Los Angeles Workers’ Comp Attorneys Can Help Seasonal Workers Injured on the Job
California has the largest economy of any state in the U.S. There are many reasons for this: the population, the amount of manufacturing in the state, the state’s giant agricultural industry, and tourism. The manufacturing, agricultural, retail, and tourism industries all rely heavily on a temporary or seasonal labor force. This includes migrant workers employed during planting and harvesting seasons, and workers who are employed during peak manufacturing, sales, and tourism times of the year. Seasonal employees often have different rights than regular or year round employees, depending on their status. If you or a family member is a seasonal worker, it is important to understand what your workers’ compensation rights are in California.
If you have any questions about workers’ compensation laws in the Golden State, it is important that you consult a knowledgeable workers’ compensation attorney. Kenton Koszdin Law Office in Van Nuys has over a decade of experience representing Southern California clients in workers’ compensation litigation. For a free case evaluation, call us today at (800) 438-7734. If you’re too injured to come into the office, we will come to your home or hospital room. Se habla español.
Who is Covered By Workers’ Compensation in California?
To be eligible to receive workers’ compensation in our state, you must fit the following criteria:
- You must be an employee. Contract workers aren’t eligible for workers’ compensation benefits. A contract worker is someone like a freelance artist or a private consultant.
- The injury or illness must be work related. If you were injured falling off a ladder while picking fruit, you would be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits. If you were injured in your own car while driving to work on a public road, you would not be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits.
- Your employer must be covered by workers’ compensation insurance. Only 13 U.S. states and the District of Columbia (Washington, D.C.), Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands require employers to cover seasonal workers to the same extent as all other workers. These states are: Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Hawaii, Idaho, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Ohio, and Oregon.
Many seasonal employees don’t realize that they don’t have to be a legal U.S. citizen to be eligible for workers’ compensation. To find out more about how to file a workers’ compensation claim as an illegal alien, consult an experienced attorney familiar with California’s workers’ compensation laws.
What if My Employer Doesn’t Have Workers’ Compensation Insurance?
If an employer was required by law to have workers’ compensation insurance but didn’t, that is a criminal offense punishable by fines and jail time. In addition, an injured employee can file a civil claim against their employer for damages resulting from their work related accident.
Call (800) 438-7734 for a Free Consultation
If you or a loved one is injured while working as a seasonal employee, it’s vital that your case be represented by Los Angeles workers’ compensation attorney Kenton Koszdin. Kenton Koszdin Law Office has successfully handled workers’ compensation cases in Southern California for over a decade. Call us today at (800) 438-7734 for a free consultation.
