As a small tradesman, you perform a variety of tasks on job sites or in a factory. You’ve invested time studying in a trade school or completing an apprenticeship, and while you are a skilled professional you still need to pay attention to insurance — including Small Tradesman's Workers' Compensation.
What is Small Tradesman's Workers' Compensation?
Small Tradesman’s Workers' Compensation helps cover your medical and other needs if you are injured or become ill because of your job. It can apply to injuries caused by a single event and to conditions that develop over time from repetitive motions, overuse, or exposure.
What it typically pays for
- Necessary medical treatment — doctor visits, lab tests, physical therapy, surgery, medication and medical equipment.
- Wage replacement — a portion of your wages while you recover.
- Disability benefits — payments for total, partial, temporary or permanent disability related to a work injury or illness.
- Death benefits — a payment to survivors if a work-related injury or illness is fatal.
- Rehabilitation — therapy or retraining needed to return to work or prepare for different employment.
Every state has different Workers' Compensation requirements, so familiarize yourself with the law before you start a job. If you work in construction, see Construction Trade Workers' Compensation for more information about trade-specific rules and risks.
Who Qualifies for Small Tradesman's Workers' Compensation?
Eligibility depends on several factors, including your state’s rules, your employer’s size, and the type of work you do. Coverage rules for smaller businesses can differ from larger employers, so small-business situations are often addressed separately — see Small Employers Workers Compensation for details that may apply to employers with few employees.
Talk to your employer or talk to an agent to confirm whether you are covered and to learn any steps you must follow on the job.
How do you File a Small Tradesman’s Workers' Compensation Claim?
Follow the required procedures closely when filing a claim; failure to follow steps can jeopardize coverage of your expenses. Report the injury promptly and document the incident and any medical care.
Steps to file
- Immediately report the injury or illness to your employer.
- File the required paperwork with details about where, when and how the injury or illness occurred.
- See the medical professionals approved by your Workers' Compensation plan.
- Follow medical advice, including recommended tests, therapy, or rest.
How do you Purchase Small Tradesman’s Workers' Compensation?
Employers are generally responsible for purchasing Workers' Compensation insurance. If you are unsure whether you are covered, ask your employer or consult a licensed insurance agent who understands the risks faced by small tradesmen.
An agent can help your employer follow state laws and choose appropriate limits and endorsements for the work you perform.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do independent contractors qualify for workers' compensation?
Independent contractor status varies by state and by how much control an employer has over the work; some independent contractors are excluded, while others may be eligible under employer policies or state rules.
What should I do immediately after a job-related injury?
Get medical care if needed, report the injury to your employer right away, and follow your employer’s reporting procedures to begin the claims process.
Can I choose my own doctor for a work injury?
Rules about choosing a treating doctor differ by state and policy; many workers must see an approved or company-designated provider for initial care.
How long do I have to file a workers' compensation claim?
Filing deadlines vary by state, so report injuries promptly and check your state's time limits for filing a claim.