Almost all workers can receive workers’ compensation benefits if they suffer an on-the-job injury. Both part-time and full-time employees are generally covered by these valuable benefits as long as their compensable injuries or illnesses happened during the course and scope of their employment.
However, there are certain categories of workers that may not be able to receive benefits depending on the state where they live and work. Workers at risk of not having workers’ compensation coverage include:
Maritime employees: Maritime employees may have a different kind of employee benefits arrangement that is separate from the workers’ compensation system.
Railroad workers: Like maritime employees, railroad workers have their own employee benefits structure that provides coverage when they suffer an on the job illness or injury.
Casual laborers: These workers might include a neighbor who mows your lawn for a small fee, a family friend who comes over to paint your house and other casual laborers like this. They probably will not have any kind of workers’ compensation benefit if they get hurt on the job.
Independent contractors: Contractors are self-employed but may be temporarily working for a company or person under contract. These contractors are generally responsible to provide for their own employee work benefits.
Volunteers: Volunteers are usually not covered by workers’ compensation benefits.
Employees who aren’t covered by workers’ compensation benefits may have other avenues available to them to seek financial compensation to pay for their injuries. Also, even if an employee’s request for workers’ compensation benefits is denied, he or she might still be able to secure benefits by filing a formal appeal.
Source: FindLaw, “Workers’ Comp Benefits Explained,” accessed Jan. 05, 2018
