Summer Break & Seasonal Hospitality Jobs: Workers’ Compensation for Hotel and Restaurant Workers

Each summer, tourism in New York spikes. Thousands of visits come to enjoy the state’s many coastal beaches, wineries, and camping sites. The influx of visitors also brings thousands of seasonal jobs to the state, especially in resorts, hotels, and restaurants. It’s a peak time when you can make a lot of money in a few short months.

However, what happens if you’re injured at work and your contract ends? Our post will walk you through your rights as a seasonal worker in NY and what to do if you’re injured on the job.

Are Seasonal Hospitality Workers Covered by Workers’ Comp in New York?

Under New York’s workers’ compensation law, almost every employer needs to carry workers’ comp insurance for everyone who works for them. This includes hospitality businesses that employ seasonal and part-time staff. Your job status doesn’t automatically disqualify you from getting the medical attention you need. If your employer doesn’t file paperwork, they could face serious fines or more, depending on the case.

Common Injuries For Hospitality Workers During The Summer

Many seasonal hospitality workers, especially those in hotels, are prone to more injuries than the average. Recent data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics show that hotel and motel workers have an incidence rate of 4.3, which is higher than the average of 3.1.

In the summer, when hospitality businesses tend to be at their busiest, this figure may be even higher. Some of the most common injuries seasonal hotel and restaurant workers experience include:

• Slipping and falling on a wet surface or floor
• Burns and cuts during peak hours in fast-paced kitchens
• Lifting injuries for housekeepers and event setup staff
• Chronic exhaustion from long shifts
• Heat stroke from long periods of sun exposure
• Accidents involving cleaning chemicals or kitchen equipment

While incidents during the summer are relatively common, you have the legal right to report them to your employer.

Can You Still File a Claim After Your Summer Job Ends?

You won’t have an issue filing a workers’ compensation after your summer job ends. The Board processes a claim based on the date the accident happened, not whether you still work there or not.

The state gives you 30 days to notify an employer and up to two years after an injury to file a claim. You’ll need to provide evidence that you worked for that business during the time of your injury and other evidence that backs up your case. Once you’re approved, you’ll receive medical treatment and lost wage benefits even after your seasonal job ends.

Our Lawyers Are Here To Help

Seasonal job injuries in the hospitality industry are far too common. However, just because your summer job ends doesn’t mean you won’t be protected by the law. If you were injured on the job, our Long Island workers’ compensation lawyers have decades of experience helping injured seasonal workers recover damages and receive the benefits they’re entitled to. Please contact us at 855-905-4452 to schedule a free consultation with one of our experts today.