Seasonal employment plays a crucial role in Missouri’s economy, with thousands of workers hired each year for positions in agriculture, retail, tourism, and warehousing. While these jobs may be temporary, the risks associated with them are real. At T.K. Thompson & Associates, we help Missouri workers understand their rights and pursue fair treatment when workplace injuries occur—even in short-term positions.

Are Seasonal Workers Covered by Workers' Compensation in Missouri?

In Missouri, most employers with five or more employees (or one or more in the construction industry) are legally required to carry workers’ compensation insurance. This applies regardless of the employee’s job duration. Therefore, seasonal workers are generally entitled to the same protections and benefits as full-time employees if they are injured on the job.

Covered workers may receive:

• Medical treatment costs
• Temporary total disability (TTD) payments if they cannot work while recovering
• Permanent partial or total disability benefits if the injury has lasting effects
• Death benefits for surviving family members if the injury is fatal

Common Risks for Seasonal Workers

Seasonal employees often enter unfamiliar environments with little training, increasing their risk of injury. Common accidents include:

• Slips, trips, and falls in busy retail stores or warehouses
• Machinery or equipment injuries in agriculture and landscaping
• Overexertion from lifting or repetitive motions
• Heatstroke or cold-related injuries in outdoor jobs

Because these workers may hesitate to report injuries—fearing job loss or misunderstanding their rights—many injuries go unaddressed. It’s important to know that reporting an injury and seeking workers' compensation benefits is a legal right.

What to Do If You're a Seasonal Worker Injured on the Job

If you are a seasonal worker and suffer an injury at work, follow these steps:

1. Report the injury immediately to your supervisor or employer.
2. Seek medical treatment from an approved provider.
3. Document everything, including the incident, medical visits, and conversations with your employer.
4. Contact a workers' compensation attorney to discuss your rights and options.

Don’t assume your temporary status disqualifies you from coverage—Missouri law is often on your side.

Legal Help from T.K. Thompson & Associates

At T.K. Thompson & Associates, we provide legal assistance to Missouri workers—including seasonal employees—navigating workers' compensation claims. If your claim is denied or delayed, or if you are unsure whether you’re entitled to benefits, our legal team can help you get the compensation you deserve.