It is important. The distinction between being an employee and an independent contractor may determine whether or not you are able to recover workers’ compensation damages for the injuries that you sustained in a New York construction accident. Employees are entitled to workers’ compensation if they are hurt on the job, but independent contractors are not covered by workers’ compensation.
Your employer may not change the terms of your employment after you are injured. Thus, if you were an employee prior to the accident then your employer cannot now claim that you were an independent contractor at the time that you were injured.
Whether you actually were an employee or an independent contractor depends on the facts of your employment situation. It is something that an experienced New York construction lawyer will look into while protecting your right to a fair and just recovery after a New York construction injury.
If you have been hurt then you need to know the truth and you need to fight for your right to recover damages. Please contact a New York construction accident attorney today to learn more. Our lawyers welcome your inquiry via this website or by calling 1-800-362-9329 to set up an initial consultation. We also encourage you to learn more about your rights by reading our FREE informational pamphlet, Hurt in a Construction Accident? You’re Not Alone.
