Technology Changes the Face of Workers’ Compensation

Smartphones, apps, and on-demand services have grown ubiquitous in just the past five to ten years. Nearly half of all adults, globally, own a smartphone, and those numbers are growing. Out of smartphone technology has come an unexpected development: the rise of freelance, contract based work. Rapid growth of this kind of work has led many to question the future of insurance coverage, particularly workers’ compensation, for the large sector of the economy that may eventually rely on contract work for an income.

The answer to this question has not yet been settled. Many experts believe that contract workers will enjoy the benefits of setting their own schedule and making money whenever they want, but that it has to be weighed against the possibility of footing the bill for any injury that occurs while working. For their part, on-demand service companies like Lyft and Uber have repeatedly resisted litigation that might push them towards providing any kind of employee benefits to those who work for their company. Additionally, workers in the on-demand sector must also take into account that their car insurance may not cover them for accidents occurring while using the car for work.

Do I Need a Workers’ Compensation Attorney?

If you were injured while doing contract work, you may be wondering if you have any legal options. The truth is, you may not be able to obtain workers’ compensation under current laws for independent contractors, but your situation could qualify for a civil suit if the company you worked for acted negligently. To learn more about the possibility of taking legal action for being hurt during contract work, connect with us through Facebook or Twitter, and read about similar issues in our blog.

The Law Offices of Aaron Allison – Austin Personal Injury Attorney