As an employee, workers’ compensation covers your medical bills and lost wages for any injuries or illness because of your job. This is something all North Carolina employees can count on.
But what if your boss classified you as an independent contractor instead? This little mistake makes a huge difference in your rights and benefits.
How independent contractors differ from employees
Under state law, your employer should provide workers’ comp that pays your medical bills and replaces some of your lost wages while you can’t work. But when you work as an independent contractor, you don’t get these same protections and privileges as regular employees.
You’ll need to pay out-of-pocket for everything, including:
- Doctor and hospital bills
- Physical therapy or rehab
- Lost pay while you recover
- Long-term health needs
- Travel costs to medical appointments
This financial burden falls entirely on your shoulders unless you purchase your own workers’ compensation insurance policy.
Workers comp options for independent contractors
Some independent contractors don’t realize that it’s possible to buy their own workers’ comp policy. While this is a huge help if you ever get injured while working, there are still downsides.
Individual policies cost much more than employer-provided coverage. They often provide fewer benefits and might exclude certain types of injuries. More importantly, the high costs of premiums come from your pocket.
Protecting your rights and getting the benefits you deserve
Worker misclassification happens to a lot of employees—and some don’t realize it until they need their workers’ comp benefits. Those in construction, delivery and home healthcare are especially likely to experience misclassification.
If your employer misclassified you, it’s not the end yet. A workers’ comp lawyer can review your situation and help prove your employee status, ensuring you get the medical care and money you need to recover.