Getting Injured at a Relative or Friend’s Business: What Happens Next?

When you’re injured at work in California, you typically advise your employer and start a workers’ compensation case. However, if your employer is a close friend or family member, you might be worried about asking for compensation or even telling them about the injury in the first place.

These concerns are understandable, but no matter who your employer is, you should instruct an experienced attorney right away to help ensure you receive any compensation you may be entitled to.

Workers’ Compensation for Friends and Family

Every employer in California who employs at least one individual must carry workers’ compensation insurance.

Workers’ compensation ensures that if an employee is injured at work, they can access certain financial payments to compensate them for any losses incurred. The benefits you may be entitled to include medical treatment expenses, disability payments, and compensation for time off work.

It doesn’t matter if your boss is a close friend or relative – an experienced attorney can advise you what you may be entitled to after examining your claim in more detail.

Who Is Protected by Workers’ Compensation Insurance

While workers’ compensation doesn’t cover independent contractors, it’s required if you’re a workplace employee. So, even if your working environment “feels” informal because you work for a friend or relative, if there’s an employment contract in place, you should be able to claim workers’ comp if you’re injured at work.

Unsure if there’s a contract of employment in place? Usually, if your boss has substantial control over when you work, what jobs you do, and how you do them, you could be an employee under California law – even if there’s no written contract in place.

If you’ve been injured at work in Tarzana or the surrounding areas, and you’re unsure what your employment status is, we can assess your claim in more detail.

What To Do if You’re Injured at a Friend or Family Member’s Business

Although it might be tempting to downplay your injuries because you don’t want to upset your boss, it’s crucial that you seek medical attention right away. If you don’t get a full medical evaluation of your injuries, it could be harder to get the compensation you deserve.

Most importantly, don’t just accept an offer of compensation from your boss or their insurance representative. While it’s understandable that you don’t want to cause trouble with friends or family, and you might want the whole problem to go away, you must consult an attorney who can help you achieve the most favorable possible settlement.

If you’re in Tarzana, California, or the surrounding areas, and you’ve been injured at a close friend or family member’s business, don’t hesitate to contact us. With the help of our experienced and dedicated professional team, you will better understand what options are open to you and how to best move forward with any possible compensation claim.

Contact us today to find out more.

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