Are you a temporary worker in Florida? If so, it’s important to know your rights when it comes to workers compensation. While working for a staffing agency or client company may seem straightforward, there are complexities that can arise if you suffer an injury on the job.
In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about workers comp for temporary workers in Florida. Plus, we’ll give you tips on how to navigate the process with the help of an experienced Tampa workers’ compensation lawyer. So let’s dive in!
Staffing Agencies Are Required to Maintain Workers’ Compensation Insurance
If you’re a temporary worker in Florida, it’s important to know that staffing agencies are required by law to maintain workers’ compensation insurance. This means that if you suffer an injury while on the job, you may be entitled to benefits such as medical expenses and lost wages.
Workers comp insurance provides coverage for any work-related injuries or illnesses that occur during employment. So whether your injury is caused by a slip and fall accident or repetitive motion strain, you should still be covered under the policy.
It’s worth noting that not all states require staffing agencies to provide workers comp insurance for their employees. However, in Florida, it is mandatory for all employers with four or more employees (including temporary workers) to carry this type of insurance.
By having workers comp coverage through the staffing agency, you can ensure that your medical bills will be paid if anything happens on the job. Plus, if there are any disputes about your claim or benefits, you’ll have legal recourse through an experienced Tampa workers’ compensation lawyer.
You Should File Your Injury Report With the Staffing Company and the Client Company
If you are a temporary worker in Florida and suffer an on-the-job injury, it is important to report it as soon as possible. The first step is to notify your staffing agency or employer immediately. They will need to file a workers’ compensation claim with their insurance carrier.
In addition, you should also report the injury to the client company where you were working at the time of the accident. This step can help protect your rights and ensure that all parties involved are aware of the situation.
Failing to report an injury could result in delayed medical treatment or even denial of benefits by the insurance provider. It’s crucial that you document any injuries sustained while on assignment, regardless of how minor they may seem at first.
When reporting your injury, make sure to provide detailed information about what happened and when it occurred. You should also keep copies of all documentation related to your injury, including medical records and bills.
Remember that both your staffing agency and client company have a responsibility for ensuring workplace safety for all employees – including temporary workers. By reporting any injuries promptly, you’re helping them fulfill this obligation while protecting yourself from potential harm or complications down the road.
In Some Cases, the Two Employers May Try to Pass Liability to Each Other
When a temporary worker gets injured on the job, things can quickly become complicated. One of those complications arises when there are two employers involved: the staffing agency and the client company.
The staffing agency may argue that it is not responsible for paying workers’ compensation benefits because it was not present at the worksite when the accident occurred. The client company may claim that it should not be held liable because it did not directly hire or supervise the injured worker.
Staffing agencies are required by law to carry workers’ comp insurance and provide coverage for their temporary employees while they work at client companies. Meanwhile, client companies must ensure that all workers performing tasks on their behalf have adequate protection from injuries suffered in accidents.
If you’re a temporary worker who has been hurt on the job and feel like you’re getting caught between two employers trying to avoid responsibility, contact an experienced Tampa workers compensation lawyer right away.
You Still Don’t Have the Option to Sue the Client Company
As a temporary worker in Florida, it’s important to understand that even if you’re injured on the job during an assignment to a client company, you still don’t have the option to sue them. This is because of something called workers’ compensation immunity.
Workers’ compensation immunity means that an employer who carries workers’ comp insurance is immune from being sued by their employees for injuries they sustain on the job. In this case, both your staffing agency and client company are considered employers under Florida law.
Even if your injury was caused by negligence or unsafe conditions at the client company, you can only seek benefits through workers’ comp. This may seem unfair, but it’s an important protection for employers who provide this type of insurance coverage.
Eligibility to Sue Appears If the Employer Does Not Have Workers Comp Coverage
The only situation when the workers comp immunity does not apply is when the employer, in breach of their legal obligation, does not carry workers compensation coverage. It’s important to note that even if you are eligible to sue your employer for damages, it’s still essential that you file a workers’ compensation claim first. This will create the proper paperwork trail to prove your eligibility to sue.
If your temporary employer doesn’t have workers’ comp coverage and you’ve suffered an injury on the job, it’s best to consult with an experienced Tampa workers’ compensation lawyer who can guide you through the process of seeking legal recourse against your former employer.
Let an Experienced Tampa Workers Compensation Lawyer Guide You through the Process
As a temporary worker in Florida, it’s important to understand your rights and options when it comes to workers’ compensation. While the process can be complicated and confusing, you don’t have to face it alone.
By working with an experienced Tampa workers compensation lawyer, you can ensure you receive the benefits you deserve. Whether you’re dealing with a difficult employer or struggling to navigate the legal system on your own, a knowledgeable attorney can provide essential guidance and support.
At the end of the day, your health and well-being should always come first. With help from a trusted legal professional, you can focus on healing from your injuries while someone else handles the legal details.
At Florida Lawyers 360 we offer every new client a free case review. You will have the chance to present your case to an experienced lawyer and understand your legal options as a temporary worker. Call us today!
