Holiday Season Hiring: What Happens If You’re Injured as a Short-Term Employee?

Seasonal jobs surge during the holidays. Retail stores, warehouses, hospitality businesses, and delivery companies add temporary workers to keep up with demand. While these roles help employers fill labor gaps, they also come with fast-paced environments, long hours, and heightened injury risks.

If you’re a short-term or temporary employee injured on the job, you may be wondering whether workers’ compensation applies to you. The short answer: in most cases, yes. Here’s what you need to know and what to do next.

Are Seasonal Employees Covered by Workers’ Compensation?

In most states, workers’ compensation laws protect seasonal, part-time, and temporary workers just as they protect full-time staff. Your coverage typically begins on your first day of work, regardless of the duration of your employment.

You’re generally covered if:

• You were hired directly by the employer
• You were performing work-related duties when the injury occurred
• You reported the injury within the required timeline

Even short-term staff must be protected from workplace hazards, and employers cannot deny benefits simply because the worker was hired for the holiday rush.

Common Injuries Among Seasonal Workers

Seasonal employees often enter fast-moving environments with minimal training. As a result, some of the most common seasonal job injuries include:

• Slips, trips, and falls in crowded retail stores or icy outdoor areas
• Overexertion injuries, especially from lifting heavy boxes in warehouses
• Repetitive strain injuries during long shifts with repetitive tasks
• Cuts and lacerations from stocking, packaging, or handling merchandise
• Heat or cold-related injuries for workers in freezers, delivery routes, or outdoor venues
• Struck-by injuries from falling merchandise or warehouse equipment

Because seasonal workers may feel pressure to keep up or not “slow down” the team, they’re often at greater risk for accidents.

What to Do Immediately After a Seasonal Work Injury

Taking the right steps after an injury helps protect both your health and your workers’ comp claim.

1. Report the Injury Immediately

Do not wait until the end of your shift or until “things slow down.” Seasonal jobs move quickly, and delays can hurt your claim.

Provide details about:

• When the injury occurred
• What you were doing
• Who witnessed it
• Any hazards that contributed

2. Request Medical Attention

Your employer may direct you to a specific medical provider for initial treatment, depending on your state’s rules. Even if the injury seems minor, get evaluated immediately so there is documentation.

3. Complete a Workers’ Compensation Claim Form

Your employer should give you the appropriate claim form. Submit it promptly and keep copies of everything.

4. Follow Medical Instructions

Attend all appointments, follow restrictions, and avoid returning to full duty before you’re cleared. Failing to follow medical advice can negatively impact your benefits.

5. Seek Guidance if the Employer or Insurer Pushes Back

Seasonal workers are sometimes told they “don’t qualify” because they won’t be with the company long. This is incorrect—and a common red flag that you may need legal support.

What Benefits Can Seasonal Workers Receive?

If your claim is approved, you may be eligible for:

• Medical coverage for injury-related treatment
• Wage replacement, typically a percentage of your average weekly wage
• Mileage reimbursement for medical appointments (in some states)
• Temporary disability benefits if you cannot work during recovery

Seasonal employees are not limited to reduced benefits simply because their employment is short-term. You are entitled to the same protections as long-term employees.

When Workers’ Comp Claims Get Complicated for Seasonal Workers

Some challenges are more common for seasonal employees, including:

• Employers misclassifying seasonal workers as “independent contractors”
• Insurance companies claiming the injury was a pre-existing condition
• Disputes about whether the injury was job-related
• Claims not being processed before the seasonal job ends

Because seasonal roles often involve a quick onboarding process, paperwork and documentation may be incomplete. This can strengthen the employer’s or insurer’s attempt to dispute the claim—making legal help more important.

Seasonal Work Injury Claims: Jay Short, Attorney at Law

If you’ve been injured while on the job or performing job-related duties, Jay Short, Attorney at Law, is here to assist you. Our focused workers’ compensation law practice is dedicated to protecting the rights of seasonal workers, ensuring they receive the fair compensation and support needed for a smooth recovery. We offer free consultations to discuss your specific circumstances and are available anytime at 775-786-2006 or contact us online for more information.