If you are a young worker or you have a teen who recently started a job, it is important to understand the risks that are present in the workplace and focus on avoiding an accident. Working is often very hard for young people with little experience and many other pressures in their daily lives (such as issues related to school). Unfortunately, some young workers are injured on the job, which is often very difficult in terms of their physical and emotional well-being.
In fact, some fields are especially dangerous for young workers and it is imperative to understand your rights as well as your options if you were involved in a job-related accident that has left you injured.
The consequences of workplace accidents for young workers
Workplace accidents involving young workers sometimes result in serious injuries that disrupt one’s life and the lives of their family members. For example, some young people are unable to walk as a result of an accident, while others struggle with high levels of pain or even mental trauma due to a head injury. These injuries can get in the way of one’s school performance, prevent them from participating in hobbies and extra-curricular activities and lead to financial burdens that affect their entire family. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 377 workers under 24 lost their lives due to workplace accidents in 2017.
The recovery process for young people injured at work
In the wake of a workplace accident, teens and their families need to understand the options that are available. Aside from devoting time and energy to a teen’s physical and mental recovery, victims and their family members need to look into other resources as well. For example, some are able to obtain workers’ compensation benefits to help with the challenges they are facing and filing a lawsuit as a result of a company’s negligence is also a smart move in some instances.
