Investing in workers’ comp insurance can help businesses in Florida protect themselves and their employees. But if you’re a contractor, you might not be recognized as a full employee. If you get injured on the job, does your employer have to provide workers’ comp benefits?
Can contractors receive workers’ comp?
Typically, contractors do not receive workers’ comp if they’re injured on the job. Since you’re not a regular employee, your employer doesn’t have to offer you the same protections. They also don’t have to offer you other benefits like sick days, vacation time or health insurance. If you’re worried about protecting yourself, you might want to seek private insurance that meets your needs.
However, not all states have the same laws, so it’s worth looking into your state’s employment laws to see if there’s any way you might be protected. In some states, you may be considered an employee rather than a contractor. If that’s the case, you might be eligible for workers’ comp in certain situations.
Additionally, if you work in the construction industry, many businesses offer insurance benefits for their contractors. You might be able to file a claim even if you’re not considered an employee.
Overall, most businesses are not required by law to provide workers’ comp to independent contractors. Some employers might even expect you to provide your own insurance so that they won’t be liable if you get injured on the job. This can also protect them if you accidentally injure another person or create conditions that could harm customers or employees.
Should you hire an attorney if you’re working as a contractor?
If you’re a contractor who’s been injured on the job, you might not see the point in pursuing a workers’ comp case. However, it’s not impossible for you to receive compensation. Depending on your situation, you might actually be eligible for workers’ comp or another type of settlement. An attorney may educate you about employment law and help you figure out if you’re eligible. If so, your attorney may help you file a claim through the appropriate channels.