If you are under the age of 21 and have been hurt on the job, what are your rights? Can you refuse to work in conditions that you believe are unsafe? Do you have a right to file a claim for workers' compensation? Can you report your employer to the state or federal worker protection agencies? Studies show that many teenagers are injured in the workplace. One study showed that more than 225,000 teens suffer
work-related injuries every year in the United States, and that more than one-third of these injuries require emergency room care.
Studies also show that teens are more likely to be injured at work than adults. Experts suggest a variety of reasons, including the lack of experience in the workplace, as well the inclination of younger people to pay more attention to socialization at work. The common injuries suffered by teens include:
- Sprains, strains and muscle pulls from lifting heavy items
- Burns, particularly for teens working in the food service industry
- Cuts and contusions
- Fractures
In 2004, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that 134 teens died from work-related injuries.
Your Rights as a Teenager in the Workplace
As a minor, you have the same rights in the workplace as an adult. You have the right to refuse to perform life-threatening or dangerous tasks. If you are hurt on the job, you have the right to seek workers' compensation benefits just like any other employee. If your employer is exempt from the workers' compensation laws or does not have workers' compensation coverage, you can seek damages in a lawsuit. You may also seek compensation for injuries caused by someone other than your employer or a co-employee, such as the driver of another vehicle, if you are involved in a work-related motor vehicle accident.
Contact the Attorneys at Metzger & Kleiner
To schedule an appointment with an experienced Philadelphia workplace injury lawyer,
contact us by e-mail or call our office at
215 622-2210 in Philadelphia,
610 563-2186 in the Lehigh Valley, or toll free at
800 228-1760. There is no charge for your first consultation.
We handle all workplace injury claims on a contingency basis. We won't charge attorney fees unless we recover compensation for your losses. Se habla Espanol.