Are Minors Entitled to Claim Workers’ Compensation Benefits If They Are Injured at Work?
Accidents in the workplace happen daily, and whatever your age, you would like to be reassured that you are entitled to claim maximum compensation and benefits for your injuries.
Minors under the age of 18 are just as entitled to claim benefits as adults are. Providing that any injuries were obtained while performing within the parameters of their regular duties, a minor is eligible to receive Workers’ compensation benefits under Florida law.
Are Minors Entitled to The Same Compensation as Older Workers?
Workers’ Compensation allows workers under the age of 18 to receive the same levels of benefits as an adult worker. These could include medical care, compensation for loss of wages and even disability claims if they are permanently injured as the result of an accident at work.
If they are unable to return to work, they would usually receive a lump sum payout. If restrictions need to be placed on future employment, they may also be entitled to receive permanent disability as well.
What Types of Injury and Illness Are Covered by Workers Compensation?
The type of injuries covered for minors are the same as those covered for adults. The injury must arise when performing job-related tasks and you must notify your employer within 30 days of the accident taking place. If a worker suffers from an illness or health-related disorder as a result of any working practices and conditions, they must notify their employer within 30 days of a doctor’s diagnosis.
Regardless of the age of the worker, failure to report an injury or illness within the 30-day window, could see the employer claim that they are not responsible for covering any injuries and the worker could lose any entitlement to benefits.
How Does A Minor Qualify for Workers Compensation?
In the state of Florida, workers must meet the required criteria in order to be able to claim Workers’ compensation benefits, regardless of their age.
All employers with four or more employees must have workers’ compensation insurance. This changes somewhat when it comes to the construction industry, however, as the requirement falls to just one employee. Only those that are employees are eligible for Workers’ compensation, regardless of their age. These can include:
- Contract employees
- Full-time and part-time employees
- A minor
- An individual on work-release
Certain types of workers are not entitled to qualify for workers compensation benefits, these would include:
- Freelance workers
- Independent contractors
- Domestic workers
- Volunteers
- Casual laborers working for less than 10 days at a time
Whatever the age of a worker, if they are deemed to be employed, they may be entitled to claim workers compensation benefits in under Florida law.
If you or somebody you know has been injured at work, regardless of their age, you need the support of an experienced Workers’ compensation attorney to ensure that you receive the maximum benefits to which you are entitled.
When you hire the Law Offices of Ala Alikhani, P.A. to represent you, we go to extremes to ensure employers and their insurance companies are held accountable and that you receive the benefits you are entitled to by the law.
Were you injured at work? Contact us for a FREE consultation. We are available throughout all times of the day to discuss your case with you. Our office is fluent in Creole and Spanish.
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Boca Raton, FL 33432
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