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Can part-time employees get workers’ compensation?

On Behalf of | Nov 10, 2021 | Workers' Compensation |

Many residents of Minnesota work part-time. Whether they are still studying, trying to balance work and home or aiming to go full-time, part-time work may be necessary. It’s fair to wonder what can happen if a part-time employee suffers an injury on the job and whether they’re entitled to workers’ compensation.

What is considered part-time work?

Part-time work is considered to be done by employees who work regular jobs for a period of 34 hours or fewer per week. Meanwhile, 35 hours per week or more is considered full-time. Many part-time workers work for anywhere from 15, 20, 25 or 30 hours per week. They are also regular employees on the employer’s payroll.

Can part-time employees get workers’ compensation?

While it’s very common for full-time employees to get access to workers’ compensation benefits if they suffer on-the-job injuries or illnesses, little is mentioned about part-time workers. Employers are required to have workers’ compensation insurance if they have five or more regular employees or even one or more regular employees, depending on the state.

Part-time employees are considered to be regular employees, which means they can file for workers’ compensation if they are injured at work or suffer a work-related illness. The one big difference between part-time and full-time employees who get workers’ comp is that part-time workers will receive considerably less in terms of benefits.

What benefits can part-time workers get from workers’ compensation?

If you are a part-time employee who suffers an injury or illness on the job, you can get the same types of benefits from your employer’s workers’ compensation coverage as your full-time counterparts. You can get medical benefits to cover your medical expenses, medication, hospital stays, physical therapy, surgery, and emergency care.

You can recover temporary total disability benefits if your injury leaves you unable to work. This covers your lost wages.

Temporary partial disability benefits cover lost wages if you’re required to restrict your working hours or duties due to your injury.

Permanent partial disability is available if you are deemed partially disabled by a doctor. You receive the same benefits as from temporary total disability.

Death benefits are available to a deceased worker’s surviving spouse and children.

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