What parents should know about teens’ rights to workers’ comp

It’s getting to be that time of year when many parents start nudging their teens to get a summer job lined up. Teens are a big part of the workforce all year long – mostly working after school and weekends. However, in the summer, the chance to work full-time (or at least as many hours as their age allows) gives them the opportunity to make even more money.

While teens and even their parents often don’t consider their jobs dangerous – especially if they’re working in a restaurant or a store – the chances of serious injury can’t be ignored. In fact, teens can be at greater risk because they often don’t get the same amount of training (including safety training) as employees who work full-time all year long. They’re also more likely to take risks that older workers don’t – like climbing on a ladder without someone holding it. Further, when they suffer an injury, teens are typically more likely to brush it off than older co-workers.

Pennsylvania law and workers’ comp for minors

Many teens (and even many parents) don’t realize that if they suffer a work-related injury or illness that requires medical treatment, they have the same right to workers’ compensation benefits as adult employees. Workers’ comp may also pay a portion of lost wages if they have to miss work for at least seven calendar days.

Most employers in Pennsylvania are required to carry workers’ comp insurance, but that doesn’t mean that they always provide employees – especially younger ones – with the necessary information. They may not even know that workers under 18 are entitled to workers’ comp whether they’re working full-time, part-time or seasonally.

Even if a child is too young to be doing the job they are under Pennsylvania law, they’re entitled to workers’ comp if they’re injured. In fact, Pennsylvania law states that they’re entitled to 150% of what they would be if they were legally employed.

If you have a teen who is now a member of the workforce for even for a few hours a week, it’s crucial that you and they know their rights – not just to workers’ comp, but to a safe workplace – before they’re injured. If you have questions or concerns about a workers’ comp claim, it’s wise to seek legal guidance.