A workplace injury is an injury sustained by an employee in connection with the performance of work for the employer. It does not matter whether the employment relationship is based on an employment contract or, for example, one of the types of agreements (legal protection applies to all employees). The rights of an employee who suffers a workplace injury during a part-time or casual job are therefore essentially the same as those of any other employee.
This article explains your rights in case of a workplace injury during a part-time or casual job, how to proceed, and how to defend yourself if your employer claims you are not entitled to compensation. You will also learn about specific situations related to part-time workers and students.
Who Is Considered a Part-Time or Casual Worker and What Are Their Rights to Compensation?
A part-time job (commonly referred to as “brigáda” in Czech) usually means work performed during summer months. In most cases, it involves temporary forms of cooperation between the employee and the employer, based on agreements such as the Agreement to Perform Work or the Agreement to Complete a Job
Agreement to Perform Work
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Work up to 300 hours per year with one employer
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Full right to compensation in case of a workplace injury
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The same reporting procedure as regular employees
Agreement to Complete a Job
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Work not exceeding half of the standard weekly working hours
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Full right to compensation, including all types of benefits
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Obligation to report the injury within 24 hours
Student Practice or Internship
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Mandatory or voluntary practice as part of studies
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The right to compensation may vary depending on the contractual arrangement signed as a part-time worker
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Specific procedures apply depending on the type of practice
Exceptions — When There Is No Right to Compensation for a Workplace Injury
Please note, the following are not employment relationships under labor law:
❌ Trade license work
❌ Contract for work (delivery of a specific result)
❌ Unpaid volunteering
❌ Informal help to acquaintances
What Are Your Rights in Case of Injury During a Part-Time Job?
As mentioned, you have the same rights as a regular employee. The only difference lies in specific claims related to short-term cooperation arrangements. Therefore, you are entitled to compensation for a workplace injury during a part-time job, including:
1. Wage Compensation During Sick Leave
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Supplement to sickness benefits up to your average earnings
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Calculated based on income from the last 12 months (or shorter period if applicable)
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Practical example: A part-time worker earned an average of CZK 15,000 per month, sickness benefits amount to CZK 9,000 → the employer supplements CZK 6,000 per month
2. Compensation for Pain and Suffering (Bodily Injury Compensation Based on a Point System)
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Same compensation rates as for regular employees
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The amount depends on the type and severity of the injury
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Examples of compensation for pain and suffering:
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Broken arm: CZK 8,000 – CZK 25,000
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Burns: CZK 15,000 – CZK 200,000
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Eye injury: CZK 30,000 – CZK 500,000
3. Compensation for Impairment of Social Functioning
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Applicable in cases of permanent consequences resulting from the injury
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May amount to several million Czech crowns
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Assessed based on a forensic medical expert report
4. Reimbursement of Medical Expenses
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All reasonably incurred medical costs
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Includes transportation to medical appointments, rehabilitation, medical aids
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Medicines and healthcare supplies
5. Compensation for Property Damage
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Damaged clothing, footwear
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Broken glasses, mobile phone
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Any personal belongings damaged during the accident
Examples of Calculating Compensation for Work-Related Injuries for Temporary Workers
Example 1:
Martin (age 19), a student employed under a short-term work agreement (DPP), working in a supermarket with a monthly wage of CZK 12,000. He broke his arm while moving goods and was unable to work for 2 months.
Claimed compensation:
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Wage compensation: 2 × (CZK 12,000 – CZK 7,200) = CZK 9,600
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Pain and suffering: CZK 15,000
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Medical expenses: CZK 3,000
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Total: CZK 27,600
Example 2:
Petra (age 22), a student undergoing mandatory internship in a laboratory, suffered a chemical burn on her hand resulting in permanent consequences and a 15% reduction in earning capacity.
Claimed compensation:
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Pain and suffering: CZK 45,000
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Impairment of social functioning: CZK 280,000
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Compensation for loss of earnings
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Total: CZK 325,000 + additional compensation
Example 3:
Lukáš (age 20), working as a temporary waiter in a restaurant, sustained burns from hot soup. He was unable to work for 3 weeks with no lasting consequences.
Claimed compensation:
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Wage compensation: CZK 15,000
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Pain and suffering: CZK 12,000
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Medical expenses: CZK 2,500
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Total: CZK 29,500
When and How to Seek Legal Assistance
Your employer refuses to acknowledge the injury:
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Claims it is not a work-related injury
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Refuses to record the injury in the accident log
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Denies your presence at the workplace
Your employer complicates the compensation process:
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Offers an inappropriately low settlement
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Unjustifiably delays payment
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Requests that you sign a waiver of your claims
The injury has serious consequences:
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Long-term incapacity for work
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Permanent consequences or disability
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Need for costly medical treatment
You are uncertain about your legal rights:
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You don’t know what you’re entitled to
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You need assistance with calculating compensation
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You want to avoid mistakes in the process
Frequently Asked Questions by Temporary Workers
Q: Am I entitled to compensation if I only work on weekends?
A: Yes, the length or frequency of work does not affect your entitlement to compensation.
Q: What if I don’t have a written contract?
A: Even a verbal agreement may establish your right to compensation, although proving it can be more challenging.
Q: Can I claim compensation for a minor injury?
A: Yes, although if the injury is very minor and does not limit your ability to work, you may not qualify for pain and suffering compensation or wage reimbursement.
Q: What if my employer goes bankrupt?
A: Your claims will be transferred to the employer’s insurance provider or insolvency administrator.
Q: How long do I have to claim compensation?
A: The general limitation period is 3 years from the date of the injury.
Your Rights as an Employee Matter
Remember:
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Temporary workers have the same rights to compensation as permanent employees
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The type of contract does not affect your entitlement to compensation
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Your employer cannot deny you compensation just because you are a “part-time” or “temporary” worker
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You have the right to professional legal assistance
Don’t let your rights be taken away!
A work-related injury can have a lasting impact on your life. Asserting your claims correctly and in a timely manner can provide financial security and cover all related costs.
Contact Právo zaměstnance (Employee Rights Initiative)
📞 By phone: +420 773 014 007
📧 By email: info@pravozamestnance.cz
🏢 Via contact form on our website
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We protect and enforce workers’ rights.
We aim to improve working conditions across the Czech Republic and support you in resolving any employment-related issues.
