“Can I Get Workers Compensation If I Got Injured During My Probationary Period?”

Some employers take advantage of the fact that new employees may not understand their rights and are afraid that reporting an injury might lead to the termination of their contract.

Getting a new job can be both exciting and scary. You want to make a good impression and show your employer that you are a valuable addition to their team. 

However, you generally don’t enjoy the same benefits as a full employee during your probationary period. For example, you may not qualify for health insurance or vacation time. So, what happens if you get injured during your probationary period? Can you file a claim for workers’ compensation in the state of Missouri, or do you have to pay all the medical expenses out of your pocket?

Understanding What the Probationary Period Is

A probationary period is a trial period that usually lasts around 30, 60, or 90 days during which both the employer and employee try to see if they are a good fit. If either of the parties is unhappy with the way this trial period unfolded, they can terminate the contract without a notice period.

While the terms of the probationary period can vary from company to company, in most cases, new workers don’t have the same benefits as a full employee, such as paid time off, health insurance, or sick days. 

Your Rights During the Probationary Period

Your employer can determine certain facets of your job, such as how many sick days you get in a year or the value of the health benefits or pension plan they offer. However, certain factors of your employment are mandated by state or federal laws. Such is generally the case for workers’ compensation. 

Workers compensation is a no-fault system designed to give employees a safe place to fall if they get injured or sick while performing their work duties. This generally applies whether you are a full employee or a new one who is still during his probationary period. Even if you’ve only worked for a week for the company and then get injured, you typically qualify for workers’ compensation benefits in the state of Missouri. 

Why Speak With a Workers’ Compensation Attorney?

Often, employers take advantage of the fact that many new employees don’t know their rights and are afraid that reporting an injury might lead to the termination of their contract. But, as we’ve discussed, your employer generally cannot deny your workers compensation benefits just because you are still under your probationary period. If they claim otherwise or if they try to retaliate against you because you’ve filed a claim, it is in your best interests to discuss your claim with an experienced Missouri work injury attorney as soon as possible.

Our experienced legal team can provide you a free, no-obligation consultation during which we will discuss your case and the events surrounding your injury. We will help you understand your rights and determine if you have a case.