Working an internship can be a great opportunity for college students, young people, and others who are starting their careers to gain valuable experience in their chosen field. The benefits available to interns vary between companies — some interns are paid, some are not, and others receive additional benefits and perks. If you are working in an internship role or are interested in pursuing such opportunities, you may be unsure if workers’ compensation benefits are available to you in the event that you are injured on the job. Your right to recover workers’ compensation benefits will depend on the structure of your internship position and the policies of the company where you work.
Workers’ Compensation for Paid Interns
Paid interns are generally able to receive workers’ compensation benefits if they are injured at work. Although an intern may not be considered as a full employee of a business, by being paid, they should be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits. This is true regardless of if an intern works full time or part time hours.
Can Unpaid Interns Receive Workers’ Compensation Benefits?
Unpaid interns may be able to receive workers’ compensation benefits. Often, the availability of workers’ compensation benefits to unpaid interns is dependent on the employer’s policies.
If an internship is more of a volunteer position, workers’ compensation benefits are likely not available. Volunteers are typically not entitled to workers’ compensation benefits because they are not employed by the company where they are volunteering.
If you are unsure of your right to receive workers’ compensation benefits, you should discuss your company’s workers’ compensation policy with your employer or manager. They may also be able to provide information on what you should do if you are injured while working. This information may be available in an employee handbook or other hiring documents as well.
For answers to all of your questions about workers’ compensation, contact Smolich and Smolich today. We are available to discuss your rights and can advise you on whether workers’ compensation benefits may be available to you based on the details of your internship position. If you should be provided with workers’ compensation benefits but were not covered following an injury, we will fight for you. We will guide you through the claims process and help you get coverage for your expenses.
If you are interested in speaking with our legal team, contact us online or call (916) 571-0400 to schedule a free case evaluation.