Life can be unpredictable, especially when doing short-term or seasonal jobs. One day, you can be in a warehouse helping with holiday shipments. The next day, you might be cleaning pools at a summer resort. Then, if an accident happens and you get hurt, you may wonder: “Does workers’ compensation protect me?”
In Minnesota, workers’ compensation laws aim to protect almost everyone working for an employer—whether full-time, part-time, seasonal, or temporary. But these rules can feel confusing. Maybe you only work for a few weeks or months at a time. Maybe you travel between states for jobs. You might be unsure where to turn if you suffer an on-the-job injury. A Minnesota Workers’ Compensation Lawyer can help you understand your rights and navigate the claims process.
What Is Minnesota Workers’ Compensation?
Workers’ compensation is a special system of laws in Minnesota that protects workers who get hurt on the job. Usually, if you are hurt while working, you can file a workers’ compensation claim. This can help cover medical bills, lost earnings, or vocational training if you can no longer do the same work.
The idea behind workers’ compensation is this: you should not have to pay the price if you are hurt while doing your job duties. Instead, your employer’s workers’ compensation insurance should support your recovery. In Minnesota, most employers must have this insurance.
Under Minn. Stat. § 176.011, an “employee” is just about anyone who performs services for another person or business for pay. This includes people who work part-time, for short-term projects, or in seasonal roles. You are most likely covered if you get a paycheck from an employer for your work.
Why Does Minnesota Include Seasonal and Temporary Workers?
The law in Minnesota generally aims to keep workers safe and cared for, no matter how long their job lasts. A worker who is only on the job for a week has the same risk of injury as someone who has been there for years. Short-term or seasonal workers might face greater risks because they are often new. They might not have the same training or time to get used to the work environment as permanent employees.
Thanks to Minnesota’s broad definition of “employee,” the law covers these short-term and seasonal positions. The point is to help anyone injured while earning a paycheck rather than leaving them without support.
Are Seasonal Workers in Minnesota Covered?
In short, yes! If you are a “seasonal worker,” you usually work for an employer only during a particular time of year. This might be around the holidays, during the summer tourist season, or harvest time for farms. Regardless of why it is “seasonal,” Minnesota’s workers’ compensation law does not exclude you.
The key question is whether you are performing services for hire. For example, if you work at a ski resort in the winter to help with maintenance or check-in, you are an employee for that time. If you slip on icy steps while carrying gear, you can file a workers’ compensation claim for your injuries.
Sometimes, people worry that they are not “real” employees because they do not have a long-term contract. The law does not see it that way. It focuses on whether you work for hire, not how long you plan to stay. If you earn money from an employer in Minnesota, you likely fall under Minn. Stat. § 176.011 coverage.
Do Temporary Workers Have the Same Rights in Minnesota?
Temporary workers are also protected. A “temporary worker” is hired for a short duration, often through a temp agency or to fill a gap in staffing. For example, you might step in at an office while someone is on leave or help at a warehouse during a busy shipping season. Even if you only plan to stay a few weeks, you still have rights under Minnesota law.
Minnesota has a legal principle known as the loaned-servant doctrine (from the case Meiske v. Lift-Stak & Stor, Inc., 599 N.W.2d 175). Under this doctrine, a staffing agency and the company where a temporary employee works can consider the employee their own. If you get hurt, you may have the right to file for workers’ compensation through either employer’s insurance (although typically, the temp agency carries the primary policy).
The important thing is that you are not left without coverage just because you are not a permanent hire. If you do the job and earn money, Minnesota law sees you as an employee who should be protected if you get injured.
What if I Was Hired in Minnesota but Temporarily Worked Out of State?
Some people get hired in Minnesota but do some or all of their work in a different state, especially if the job is only temporary. In that case, you might wonder if Minnesota workers’ compensation will still cover your injury.
According to Minn. Stat. § 176.041, if you are hired in Minnesota by a Minnesota employer but temporarily employed outside the state, you can still be covered by Minnesota workers’ compensation laws. That is good news for those who travel for short-term projects. You do not suddenly lose coverage because the work site is across the border.
This is especially important if you do not have coverage in another state or file in Minnesota, where the rules might favor you. Each situation is different, so if you get hurt while working out of state, it is wise to talk to a Minnesota workers’ compensation lawyer to see if Minnesota law applies.
Can There Be Cases Where I Am Not Covered in Minnesota?
While Minnesota’s rules are very broad, there are certain exceptions. For instance, if you are truly an independent contractor (someone in business for themselves and not under an employer’s control), you might not be covered under workers’ compensation. Also, if you were hired in a different state by an employer from that state, and the job in Minnesota is extremely short-term, another state’s rules may apply.
But these situations are relatively rare. Most people on a company’s payroll who follow its instructions and rely on it for earnings count as employees. The key takeaway is that Minnesota law generally wants to ensure that if you are doing work for an employer’s benefit, you have the safety net of workers’ compensation if something goes wrong.
Does It Matter That I Only Worked a Few Days in Minnesota?
No. The length of time on the job usually does not matter. Even if you are brand-new and only worked one day before the accident, you can still file a workers’ compensation claim in Minnesota. The law does not require minimum workdays before coverage kicks in.
Many injuries happen early when a worker has not received full training or is unfamiliar with the tasks. Minnesota’s workers’ compensation system is there for you from the moment you start working, whether for a single day, a month, or several years.
How Do I Know If I Am an Independent Contractor or an Employee?
Sometimes, an employer may call you an “independent contractor” to avoid paying for workers’ compensation. However, just because an employer uses that label does not mean it is true.
The law looks at several factors to decide if you are truly independent, such as:
- Control: Does the employer decide your tasks and how you do them?
- Equipment: Do you use your tools, or does the employer provide them?
- Payment: Are you paid by the hour or bill per project?
- Work Integration: Is your work integral to the employer’s business?
- Profit or Loss: Do you have a chance to earn profits beyond a simple income or risk losses as a business owner?
If it turns out that the employer controls your day-to-day tasks, assigns your hours, and gives you an income, you are likely an employee—even if the employer gave you a 1099 form at tax time. In Minnesota, the substance of the working relationship is what counts, not just the job title. If you suspect misclassification, contact a lawyer to discuss your rights.
What Kinds of Injuries Are Covered While You Are Working in Minnesota?
Generally, any injury while working is covered as long as it arises from and during your employment. That might mean slipping on wet floors, hurting your back while lifting heavy boxes, or suffering a concussion from a falling object. It might also include repetitive stress injuries if you do the same movement again and again.
Workers’ compensation can cover:
- Medical bills (doctor visits, hospital stays, medications, physical therapy)
- A portion of lost earnings if you cannot work for a while
- Vocational training if you cannot return to the same job
- Death benefits to your family if the unthinkable happens
This is just a general overview. Each case is different, and there might be time limits and procedures you need to follow. Still, the key is that you can likely file a claim if you are hurt doing your work tasks.
When Should I Report My Injury?
In Minnesota, you must report your work injury to your employer immediately. There is a general requirement to let them know within 14 days, although there can be exceptions. The sooner you report the injury, the clearer it is that your injury happened on the job.
Sometimes, a seasonal or temporary worker might worry about reporting an injury because they fear losing their job. However, it is illegal for an employer to fire you or punish you simply because you file a workers’ compensation claim. If you get hurt, speak up. Delays in reporting can make it harder to prove that your injury is work-related.
What Should I Do If My Employer Says I’m Not Covered?
If your employer says workers’ compensation does not cover you because you are seasonal or temporary, do not just take their word for it. You can:
- Ask for a written explanation of why they think you are not covered.
- Seek medical care for your injury right away.
- Keep records of any documents related to your hiring, pay, and job duties.
It is your right to file a claim. Your employer should give you the forms or direct you to the right place to submit them. If your employer refuses, you can contact the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry or consult a Minnesota workers’ compensation attorney to understand your next steps. Remember, the law is usually on your side if you are a genuine employee.
How Does the Loaned-Servant Doctrine Affect Temporary Workers?
The loaned-servant doctrine states that a worker can have two employers simultaneously—the temp agency that pays them and the client company where they work. Under Minnesota law (as shown in Meiske v. Lift-Stak & Stor, Inc.), workers can look to either employer for compensation coverage if they get injured.
Many temp agencies provide workers’ compensation insurance for the employees they send out on temporary assignments. However, the loaned-servant doctrine can give you additional protection if there is any dispute. It guarantees that you have a remedy.
What If My Employer Is Based Out of State?
If a Minnesota-based employer hires you, even if the employer is out of state, Minnesota workers’ compensation may still cover you if you do the work here. Alternatively, if you are a Minnesota resident hired for a temporary job in another state, you might remain covered by Minnesota law if your contract originated in Minnesota.
Minn. Stat. § 176.041 explains these rules in more detail. It specifies that you usually keep your coverage if hired in Minnesota but do some work elsewhere. Also, if you are from another state but are hurt while working in Minnesota, you can file under Minnesota law if you choose to and meet the legal requirements.
When Should I Talk to a Minnesota Workers’ Compensation Lawyer?
You can talk to a workers’ compensation attorney in Minnesota if you are opening a workers’ comp claim. Calling a lawyer is wise as you are sure to have many questions about the claim. You may also feel pressure from your employer or their insurer. Having an attorney shows you want to protect your rights and get the benefits you deserve under the law.
Need Help? Contact a Minnesota Worker’s Compensation Attorney Today
Seasonal and temporary workers are an essential part of Minnesota’s workforce. Whether you pick berries in the fall, sort packages at the holidays, or run carnival rides in the summer, your role matters. And just like any other worker, you can get hurt. Minnesota workers’ compensation laws protect you in these moments.
So, if an injury strikes during your short-term job, do not panic. You have rights, and workers’ compensation is likely one of them. The steps are simple: report the injury, seek medical care, and file a claim with the assistance of a Minnesota personal injury attorney who can guide you.
