In striving to operate their businesses as efficiently as possible, many companies rely on temporary employees. They can provide a company with the added staffing it needs during busy times or a big project and help keep things from getting behind when “regular” employees are on an extended leave.
Temporary employees who get their job through a staffing company are employees of that company and not the business they’re working for at any given time. If you’re a temporary employee, there are times when you may be unsure of where to turn for help. For example, what if you’re injured on the job and require medical care and maybe some time off. Do you qualify for workers’ compensation benefits?
Typically, you do. Generally, you would turn to your staffing company and file a workers’ comp claim with its insurer. Depending on the details of the staffing agency’s contract with its client (the business you’re working for), the client may have to share in the liability. However, that’s for them to work out.
What about seasonal workers?
Note that workers’ comp is different for seasonal workers who are hired directly by a business. Many seasonal workers aren’t sure about their workers’ comp rights – or they assume they don’t have them. Under Georgia law, most businesses that have at least three full-time, part-time and/or seasonal employees are required to carry workers’ comp insurance. The employer’s insurer is responsible for a seasonal employee’s workers’ comp.
If you’re having a difficult time getting the workers’ comp benefits you need and you are entitled to receive because you were injured while engaging in work-related activities, it may be wise to seek legal guidance to help protect and assert your rights.