If you are currently included as a worker who has the right to file for workers’ comp, you should discuss your next steps with a lawyer in the area to get help with your application.
Recent interpretations regarding the independent contractors’ law could influence the workers’ compensation across the entire state of California. California made headlines when the contractors’ law was revised by the Supreme Court.
This has to do with the identification of people who work with businesses as independent contractors. Approximately 8.4% of the workforce is made up of independent contractors, according to a 2016 study completed by Princeton and Harvard economists.
Independent contractors were previously identified as those people who work within an organization but are not legally classified as employees, meaning that they are not eligible to obtain the various benefits that permanent employees are able to enjoy. As independent contractors, however, they also do not get the benefit of government rules for breaks, wages and overtime. For businesses, the cost linked to accommodating this change are much higher.
The difference in costs between a typical employee and a contractor is up to 30% higher. There is little leniency, however, for new businesses. Regardless of how you are classified in your current position, you may be eligible to recover compensation with the help of an experienced attorney, if you have been hurt on the job and have difficulty recovering the benefits you need to move on with your life. California’s workers’ compensation law protects many workers across the state and getting assistance from a lawyer should be obtained as soon as possible.