More and more people across the country are entering the gig economy, whether it is as their primary profession or secondary. While an independent contractor’s job gives them a degree of flexibility to make time for the demands the COVID-19 pandemic has placed on them, they are also left without the protections a traditional employee gets. Knowing one’s rights as a gig worker, especially with regards to workers’ compensation, is very important to ensuring their rights are protected.
What type of an employee am I?
The first thing a worker should do is figure out what type of employee they are. This can be achieved by considering a few factors:
- Who sets my schedule for me?
- Who provides the tools for my job?
- Who determines the ways and manner in which I can complete my job?
- Who controls my hours?
Independent contractors
Since a lot of people are moving into the gig economy, more attention has been given to protecting independent contractors. Currently though, they are offered very few protections and rarely get health insurance, much less workers’ compensation.
Employees
When a worker gets injured on the job, he or she is entitled to some protections through their employment. Workers’ compensation insurance can cover medical expenses associated with the injuries and replace lost wages.
Understanding the classification of one’s employment is crucial to ensuring one’s rights are protected in the workplace. An injured worker might want to consult an experienced attorney to discuss their options for financial recovery after a workplace accident.