What Happens When Your Teen Gets Hurt at Work?

It’s a moment every parent dreads. Your phone rings, and it’s your teen’s boss calling to say there’s been an accident. Your child is hurt. In that instant, all the pride you felt about them taking on their first job is replaced with worry and fear.

Most of us don’t think about work injuries when our kids start earning their own money. We’re focused on the positives – the responsibility they’re learning and the independence they’re gaining. But workplace accidents involving teens happen way more often than you might think. Knowing what to do when it happens to your child can make a huge difference.

Teen jobs and injuries: the real story

Where are teens working?

Most teens work in places you’d expect. Nearly half (45%) work in restaurants, hotels, and food service. Another 22% are in retail, folding clothes or running cash registers. Some work in agriculture, too, which can be particularly dangerous because of heavy machinery and physical labor.

How common are teen work injuries?

The numbers might shock you. Teens between 15 and 17 are more than twice as likely to get hurt at work compared to adult workers. Last year alone, almost 27,000 teenagers ended up in emergency rooms because of job-related injuries. That’s no small number.

Why are teens getting hurt more often? A few reasons:

• They usually get less training than older workers,
• They’re new to the job and don’t always spot dangers.
• Many feel uncomfortable speaking up when something seems unsafe.
• They might not know their rights at work.

Workers’ compensation basics for parents

What is it, and does it cover my teen?

Workers’ compensation is insurance that covers employees who get hurt on the job. The good news is that it applies to minors just like it does to adults. It typically pays for the following:

• Medical bills
• Some of the wages your teen loses while recovering
• Job retraining, if needed

One important thing to remember: It doesn’t matter whose fault the accident was. Workers’ comp is designed to cover injuries regardless of who caused them.

Extra protections for teen workers

Teens actually have additional rights because of child labor laws. If your teen’s employer broke these laws – like having them work with dangerous equipment they shouldn’t have been using or scheduling too many hours – the company could face serious penalties. This might also mean extra benefits for your injured teen.

What if my teen was working an illegal job?

Sometimes, teens end up in jobs they shouldn’t legally have. Maybe they were too young for certain tasks, or maybe the employer ignored labor laws. Either way, your teen still has rights.

In fact, recent investigations found over 4,400 child labor violations across the country. Many were in dangerous industries like agriculture. If your teen was working in violation of labor laws when they got hurt, they could actually be in a stronger position legally.

If something seems off about your teen’s work situation, talking to a lawyer might be your best move.

The aftermath of a teen work injury

The emotional impact

Seeing your child in pain is gut-wrenching. Beyond the physical injury, your teen might be dealing with:

• Frustration about depending on others.
• Missing school or social activities.
• Losing their newfound independence.
• Anxiety about going back to work.

The financial reality

Work injuries can hit your wallet hard. Between medical bills, medications, therapy appointments, and lost wages, costs pile up fast. That’s why getting workers’ comp benefits started quickly is so important.

What to do if your teen gets hurt at work

1. Report it right away

This is crucial. Make sure the injury gets reported to the employer in writing as soon as possible. Waiting too long could hurt your claim.

2. Document everything

Take pictures of the injury, save all medical paperwork, and write down how the accident happened while it’s fresh in everyone’s mind. These details matter when filing for benefits.

3. Consider getting legal help

Even seemingly simple cases can get complicated. An experienced workers’ compensation and personal injury lawyer can make sure your teen gets everything they’re entitled to, especially if child labor laws were broken.

Helping your teen recover and move forward

Supporting their healing

Both physical and emotional recovery takes time. Be patient and keep communication open with your teen about how they’re feeling. Don’t hesitate to seek help from a counselor if your teen is struggling emotionally after the injury.

Preventing future incidents

Before your teen returns to work (or starts a new job), have some straight talk about workplace safety. Make sure they know:

• They have the right to a safe workplace.
• It’s okay to speak up about unsafe conditions.
• They should ask for training if they’re unsure about a task.

Bottom line

When your teen gets hurt at work, it throws your whole family into chaos. But remember, they have rights and protections regardless of the situation. Workers’ compensation exists to help, and child labor laws provide extra safeguards.

At Price, Petho & Associates, we know how overwhelming it can be when your teen is injured on the job. Navigating workers’ compensation claims alongside the complex protections provided under child labor laws requires experience and careful coordination. Our team has helped countless families secure the benefits and compensation they deserve.

Don’t leave your teen’s recovery and future to chance. Contact us today for a free consultation. We’re here to guide you through your options, explain how to protect your rights, and help your family find the best path forward during this challenging time.