Whenever a company hires people to work for them, state law (except for Texas) requires them to purchase workers’ compensation insurance. This is essentially an insurance policy that protects employees after an injury or illness acquired on the job. Do interns qualify for that insurance as well? 

Can Interns Benefit From Workers’ Compensation?

If you tripped and fell on a broken stair at the office or developed health issues from asbestos exposure while working for a construction company, you qualify for coverage under this workers compensation policy. If you can prove that the injury happened at work, or as a result of the work, the workers compensation policy is intended to provide coverage for your medical bills.

This policy may provide you with some of the income or wage replacement, at less than 100%, that you can no longer earn while you are out of work due to the injury. Thus, it makes sense that interns are just as keen on having workers compensation protection as regular employees.

Luckily, both paid and unpaid interns are eligible for workers’ compensation benefits, however, unpaid intern are not eligible for indemnity or wage replacement/lost wage benefits. Once you file a workers’ compensation claim, be sure to insist on coverage under the workers compensation insurance policy.

What Are the Exceptions?

If you’re an unpaid intern, it’s important to find out whether your position is really classified as such. In some cases, you may be considered a volunteer, a position that doesn’t require workers’ compensation coverage.

Also, if you are a student intern working for a charity, religious organization, or educational institution, and you’re not providing manual labor, the company you work for is not legally required to provide the insurance. However, they may choose to do so anyway. If they don’t, you can take out an insurance policy of your own.

If you sustained an injury or contracted an illness while working as an intern, get in touch with the Law Office of Thomas L. Brayton III in Waterbury, CT. For over 30 years, Attorney Brayton has helped a variety of clients obtain the compensation they deserve. To learn more about this 2019 Avvo® top-rated lawyer, visit his website. Call (203) 591-8689 to schedule a consultation.