“Temp agencies and staffing agencies” employ more and more people. Many businesses simply do not hire employees directly anymore. Instead, businesses often require an employee to work for a “temp agency” for some period of time before they will offer a permanent position. As a result, many workers’ compensation injuries occur while someone is employed by a “temp agency”. Many people have questions about how their workers’ compensation claim will be handled when they are working for a “temp agency” or other staffing service. This article will address some of the similarities and differences.
When you are injured working for a temp agency, the temp agency is your employer for purposes of your workers’ compensation claim. So, your claim will be covered by the temp agency’s workers’ compensation insurance policy.
Medical treatment after being injured working for a temp agency
There is no difference in medical treatment if you work for a temp agency. The temp agency should have a panel of physicians posted, and you should be able to select a doctor from that panel to serve as your authorized treating physician. You also still have the same rights to change doctors if you become unhappy with the doctor you selected.
Returning to light duty work with a temp agency
Many temp agencies try to provide you with light duty work after an injury. This work is often provided in the temp agency’s office. Make sure that the work is suitable to your injury and that the temp agency follows any restrictions your doctor places on you. If the doctor takes you completely out of work or the temp agency does not provide suitable light duty work, then the workers’ compensation insurance company should start paying temporary total disability benefits. You can find out more about returning to light duty work by reading this article.
Dangers of returning to work
Unfortunately, one tactic that we see a lot with temp agencies is that they fire injured workers as soon as they can get a full duty release from the workers’ compensation doctor. If this happens to you, you may find yourself in a situation where you are not receiving a workers’ compensation check and you are also not receiving a paycheck. If you hire us, we can often help get this situation straightened out by going to court. However, it usually takes 6 months or more to get a decision from a judge and get benefits paid.
Going that long without a check coming in is very difficult for most people. Luckily, you can usually avoid this problem by getting a workers’ compensation attorney involved in your case before your employer fires you. Three attorneys at our firm specialize in Georgia workers’ compensation cases. Talking to them about your case costs you nothing and can often provide answers to your questions.
