The law has special protections in place for minor employees meant to protect them, and you should take full advantage of them.
Working as a teen comes with numerous benefits. Independence, building experience and connections, learning about personal finance, as well as securing significant future opportunities are among the reasons why teens should consider getting a job while in school.
But, what happens if a minor workers gets injured on the job? Do they have the same rights as a regular employee? The short answer is yes, they do, and even more.
Minor Employees Are Entitled to Workers Compensation
The definition of “employee” under Missouri’s workers compensation law includes minors as well. That means that if an underage employee gets injured while performing work duties, then they have the right to file for workers compensation and receive benefits. We advise you to work with a St. Louis work injury lawyer as there are special protections in place for minor workers that you may not be aware of.
How a Work Injury Affects Future Earning Capacity
One of the first things that the law takes into consideration is how a work injury will affect the teen’s future earning capacity. If he suffers debilitating injuries that prevent him from ever working again, then the benefits will be calculated so that he receives the maximum compensation possible.
This is because most teens work for lower wages and it would be unfair for them to receive benefits based on that low cost for their entire life. This form of protection is also meant to discourage employers from hiring inexperienced workers or asking minors to perform dangerous tasks.
Additional Protections for Teen Workers
According to the law in Missouri, minor employees shouldn’t perform certain jobs or work during certain hours of the day. Most people believe that if they broke this rule, then they aren’t entitled to compensation. That is incorrect. The law protects children from being exploited, so teens employed illegally are still entitled to receiving benefits for their work injury.
You Should Work with a Work Injury Lawyer
Holding down a job as a teen encourages a healthy transition to adulthood. But because minor workers are often inexperienced and exploited by their employers, a work injury can affect their entire adult life.
A St. Louis workers compensation lawyer can educate you on your rights and help you file your claim, or file one on your behalf. The law has special protections in place for minor employees meant to protect them, and you should take full advantage of them. A lawyer can ensure that you will receive the compensation you deserve.