Seasonal workers in Virginia can rely on workers’ compensation if they are hurt on the job, and this holiday season there will be more of them than ever. Amazon says it plans to hire more than 300,000 people for the 2026 holiday season, its largest holiday hiring target on record, for roles in fulfillment centers and delivery stations (GeekWire). UPS plans to add more than 100,000 seasonal workers. Thousands of those jobs will be filled across Northern Virginia’s warehouses, distribution centers and delivery routes.
Holiday jobs move fast. New workers are trained quickly, shifts are long and the pressure to keep packages moving is intense. That combination leads to injuries every peak season. If you are hurt on the job, it does not matter that the work is temporary. In Virginia, seasonal workers and part time employees generally have the same right to workers’ compensation benefits as full time staff.
Key Takeaways
- Seasonal workers are usually covered. Virginia workers’ compensation generally applies to employees whether they are full time, part time or seasonal.
- Report your injury in writing within 30 days. Late notice to your employer can put your benefits at risk.
- File your claim with the Commission within two years. Telling your employer is not the same as filing a claim with the Virginia Workers’ Compensation Commission.
- 2026 benefit limits. The maximum weekly compensation rate is $1,507.01 and the minimum is $376.75 for injuries on or after July 1, 2026 (VWC).
Common Injuries for Seasonal Workers in Virginia
Lifting and repetitive strain
Back, shoulder and wrist injuries from lifting, scanning and packing thousands of items per shift.
Slips, trips and falls
Cluttered aisles, loading docks, icy walkways and steps on delivery routes.
Equipment and vehicles
Forklifts, pallet jacks, conveyors and delivery vans, including crashes on the road during a route.
What Virginia Workers’ Compensation Pays For
- Medical care for your work injury, from a doctor on the panel your employer provides.
- Wage loss benefits, generally two thirds of your average weekly wage, subject to the state maximum and minimum.
- Permanent impairment benefits if you lose use of a body part.
- Vocational help in some cases if you cannot return to your old job.
When a Holiday Job Injury Is Also a Personal Injury Claim
Workers’ compensation is usually the only claim you can bring against your own employer. But if someone else caused your injury, such as another driver who hit your delivery van or a property owner with a dangerous walkway on your route, you may also have a separate injury claim against that person. These claims can include pain and suffering, which workers’ compensation does not pay. Our car accident lawyers handle these cases alongside our workers’ compensation practice.
What to Do If You Are Hurt at Work
- Get medical care and tell the provider the injury happened at work.
- Report the injury to your supervisor in writing as soon as possible, and keep a copy.
- Write down what happened, including the time, place, equipment and any witnesses.
- Ask for the employer’s panel of physicians before choosing a doctor.
- File a claim with the Virginia Workers’ Compensation Commission to protect your rights.
- Talk to a lawyer if your claim is denied or your employer says seasonal workers are not covered.
Seasonal Workers Compensation in Virginia: FAQ
Are seasonal and temporary workers covered by workers’ compensation in Virginia?
Generally, yes. Employees hired for the holiday season are usually covered by their employer’s workers’ compensation insurance, just like full time employees. Workers hired through a staffing agency are often covered through the agency.
How long do I have to report a work injury in Virginia?
Give your employer written notice as soon as possible and within 30 days. You generally must file a claim with the Virginia Workers’ Compensation Commission within two years of the accident.
What is the maximum workers’ compensation benefit in Virginia for 2026?
For injuries on or after July 1, 2026, the maximum weekly compensation rate is $1,507.01 and the minimum is $376.75, according to the Virginia Workers’ Compensation Commission.
Can I sue if I was hurt in a car crash while making deliveries?
You may have both a workers’ compensation claim and a separate claim against the at fault driver. A lawyer can help coordinate the two so you recover everything available.
Hurt on the Job This Holiday Season?
Hilton & Somer, LLC has helped injured workers across Northern Virginia, Washington, DC and Maryland since 1965. Talk with our Fairfax workers’ compensation lawyers. Free consultation, and no attorney fees unless we recover for you.
Also worth a read: a look into workers’ compensation and slip and fall accidents.
References
- GeekWire. “Amazon plans record 300K holiday hires as the rest of retail pulls back.” October 20, 2026. geekwire.com
- Virginia Workers’ Compensation Commission. “Notice of 2026 Rates.” workcomp.virginia.gov
