Are you really an independent contractor?
If you get hurt when working and are an independent contractor then you are responsible for paying for your own workers' compensation insurance. If you don't have it then you are out of luck.
We've seen more and more lately that people who are classified as independent contractors by their employer really are workers. They might call you an independent contractor, they might not take taxes out of your check, but in reality you are still an employee.
There are a few factors that come into play, but the number one test is whether or not they have control over you. In other words, are you free to do what you want at the pace you want when you want or do you have to do what they say.
One guy that called us was threatened that if he didn't transport an unsafe truck that he would be fired and not receive any pay for the work he had done. He continued driving the truck and it rolled over shattering his leg. He hired us to file a workers' compensation claim and because the trucking company set his schedule and barred him from driving for anyone else we are confident that we will win the case for him.
Remember, just because you are called an independent contractor does not mean that is how the Illinois Workers' Compensation Commission will see it. Describe your situation to us and we will give you an honest, un-biased opinion at no cost.
We are workers' compensation attorneys that help people with Illinois work injuries anywhere in IL via our statewide network of attorneys. Contact us and we will answer your questions or find the right lawyer for your situation.
