Workers’ Comp For Part-Time Employees

The workers’ compensation system in Oregon is robust. Just about every employer in this state is required to carry workers’ compensation insurance for every employee they have, including part-time employees. Here, we want to further examine the requirements of employers concerning workers’ compensation, the types of compensation available to part-time employees who sustain on-the-job injuries, and whether or not you need to work with an attorney in these situations.

Do All Employers Have to Carry Workers’ Compensation?

The state of Oregon requires just about every employer to carry workers’ compensation insurance for their employees. The general rule of thumb is that if you have employees in this state, you will likely need to pay for workers’ composition insurance. There are a few exceptions to this rule, but not many. If you are an employer and have any questions about whether or not you think you need insurance for your workers, you should contact your attorney to discuss this.

Are Part-Time Employees Covered?

If you are a part-time worker in the state of Oregon, it is very likely that you are covered by workers’ compensation insurance. Regardless of how many hours you work for an employer, you will still be able to receive compensation for medical bills and lost wages if you sustain an on-the-job injury.

As a part-time employee, you have various rights when it comes to a workers’ compensation claim. Your employer cannot force you not to file a claim, and they cannot force you to say that the injury did not happen while you were at work. You have the right to seek medical treatment for any workplace injury, and you have the right to return to work after being released from treatment by your doctor.

It is not uncommon for employers in Oregon to try and get around workers’ compensation requirements by having employees work as independent contractors instead of as actual employees. This is more likely to happen to part-time employees than it is to full-time employees. You have the right not to be forced to work as an independent contractor so an employer can avoid paying workers’ compensation premiums. If you believe that you have been misclassified, we encourage you to reach out to an employment law attorney as soon as possible.

We also encourage you to read all signs posted in your workplace pertaining to your rights when it comes to workplace injuries and reporting these injuries to your supervisor.

Do You Need an Attorney?

If you or somebody you care about has sustained a workplace injury but are having trouble recovering compensation for your medical bills and lost wages, you need to speak to an attorney as soon as possible. A Portland personal injury lawyer can examine the facts of your case, conduct an investigation into the incident, and handle the workers’ compensation claim on your behalf. Not only will your attorney ensure that your claim is filed on time, but they will also handle the formal appeals process should the insurance carrier or your employer deny the claim or refuse to pay a fair amount of compensation for your injuries.