Many photographers often neglect thinking about workers’ comp or simply assume it is already included in their Business Owners/Liability policy… but think again.
How does it work:
Workers’ Compensation is a form of insurance providing wage replacement and medical benefits to employees injured in the course of employment in exchange for mandatory relinquishment of the employee’s right to sue their employer for the tort of negligence. In other words:
Workers’ Comp is a NO FAULT system, so you as the employer or contractor can’t be sued by your employee or sub-contractor IF YOU CARRY the policy.
As an employer, it’s your responsibility to keep your employees safe. So if and when they are hurt on the job, Workers’ Comp will provide benefits, as specified by state law, to employees (freelancers, subcontractors) for work related illnesses regardless of who is at fault. Typical covered expenses include medical expenses, healthcare costs, disability income benefits and death benefits. Please note most personal health/medical insurance policies do not cover work related injuries.
If you have anyone working under your supervision/discretion and they are injured on the job, you are liable for their medical expenses for the lifetime of the claim/injury.
Examples:
- You’re doing a shoot at a hotel near the pool, there is water on the pool deck and your employee slips and falls breaking their arm.
- An employee is on a ladder setting up for a shoot, your employee is struck by an object causing her to fall and suffer serious injury
- You have an employee that does a repetitive motion such as editing, which can cause Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.
Cost:
The cost of Workers’ Comp coverage varies significantly from one state to another but on average a Workers’ Comp rate is $1.20 per $100 of labor cost. The premium amounts to 1.2% of your labor cost.
If interested in learning more, please email me at karen@apainsuranceservices.com I can evaluate your situation and offer the best solution at the most affordable price!
Thanks for reading!
