Workers’ Compensation: What Happens if You Are Injured in a Temporary Work Assignment?

Temporary work can be a great opportunity. It lets you gain experience, earn income, and sometimes transition into a full-time role. But when an injury happens during a temporary assignment, things can get complicated. You may wonder who is responsible: the staffing agency or the company where you’re actually working each day.

Understanding how workers’ compensation applies in these situations is essential. The rules can vary depending on the state and on the relationship between the worker, the staffing agency, and the client company. Still, there are some general principles that help make sense of what to expect.

Who Is Considered Your Employer?

When you work through a staffing agency, you technically have two employers. The agency hires and pays you, but the client company supervises your daily work. This can create confusion when you’re injured on the job.

In most cases, the staffing agency is the official employer for workers’ compensation purposes. The agency provides your paycheck, withholds taxes, and carries the workers’ compensation insurance that covers you if you’re hurt. That means you usually file your claim through the staffing agency’s insurer rather than the company where you’re placed.

However, the client company also has responsibilities. It must provide a safe work environment, proper training, and equipment that meets safety standards. If the company fails to do that and its negligence directly causes your injury, there may be additional legal options to explore.

What Benefits Can You Receive?

If your injury qualifies for workers’ compensation, you can typically receive medical care, wage replacement, and help with rehabilitation or retraining if needed. The goal is to help you recover and return to work safely.

The key is to report your injury right away. Tell both your on-site supervisor and your staffing agency representative as soon as possible. Delays in reporting can create problems with your claim or even lead to a denial of benefits. Documentation is critical, so keep copies of every report, medical visit, and communication related to your injury.

Importance of Clear Communication

Temporary work often involves fast-paced environments and changing job sites. Miscommunication can happen easily, especially when more than one employer is involved. Keep both your staffing agency and your on-site supervisor informed throughout the process.
If your doctor places you on restrictions, make sure both employers receive that information.

Sometimes, the staffing agency may offer you light-duty work or another temporary assignment that fits your recovery plan. Other times, the client company may adjust your tasks so you can return safely. Clear communication helps protect your benefits and prevents misunderstandings about your ability to work.

When Things Get Complicated

While many workers’ compensation claims move smoothly, some do not. You might face a denial, a delay in benefits, or confusion about who is responsible for your claim. This is especially common when an injury involves multiple employers or when the staffing agency and the client company dispute liability.

If that happens, it is important to get legal guidance. Workers’ compensation laws are designed to protect injured employees, but the system can be complex. An attorney experienced in workers’ compensation can help you understand your rights, gather the right documentation, and appeal a denied claim if necessary.

Protect Yourself from the Start

Even before an injury occurs, you can take steps to protect yourself. Ask your staffing agency for information about its workers’ compensation policy. Make sure you understand how to report an injury and who to contact if something happens. Pay attention to safety training and never hesitate to speak up if a task seems unsafe.

Accidents happen, but knowing how the system works can make a huge difference in your recovery and your financial security.

If you have been injured during a temporary work assignment and need help navigating your claim, Shugarman & Mehring can guide you through the process. Our team helps injured workers understand their rights and secure the benefits they deserve so they can focus on healing and moving forward.