Many parents of teens who work after school and on the weekends or during school breaks and summer vacation don’t think about needing workers’ compensation. However, it’s important for parents and teens to understand their rights if they suffer a work-related injury or illness.
All Ohio employers with at least one employee are required to carry workers’ compensation insurance for them. Employees are eligible for workers’ compensation regardless of their age and whether they work part time, full time or on a temporary or seasonal basis. Minors are allowed to file for workers’ comp benefits themselves.
Why teens are more likely to be injured than older workers
Teen injuries in the workplace aren’t uncommon. Younger workers are often less cautious than older ones. Teens who are in their first jobs are often willing to do whatever their bosses and more senior co-workers ask.
Too often, teens don’t get the same level of safety training as full-time employees do (even though they should). Therefore, they don’t always take all of the appropriate safety measures or even get the necessary personal protective equipment (PPE).
Why teens too often don’t know their rights
Unfortunately, many employers don’t talk to their young workers about workers’ comp – even if they’re injured. Worse, some may give them misinformation – intentionally or not. For example, they may tell them that if they were somehow responsible for their injury, they don’t qualify. With a few exceptions, that’s not accurate.
Further, employers can’t retaliate against employees who file a valid workers’ comp claim. That means they can’t fire them or reduce their hours (unless it’s necessary because of their injuries).
If your teen is having difficulty with their employer or workers’ comp insurer either in filing a claim or in getting approval of their claim, it may be wise to get legal guidance. This can help them protect their rights and get the benefits they deserve, including medical treatment and partial reimbursement for lost wages.