Workers Compensation
Covers the employer for work related injuries or occupational disease sustained by you (if included in coverage), your employees, and depending on state you live in and the nature of your relationship, your Independent Contractors for:
- On the job injuries that arise in the course of employment (Ex. Dog Bite)
- Occupational Diseases that arise out of employment and are caused by characteristics of the occupation (Ex. Carpel Tunnel or Rabies)
- Employer's Liability that is excluded from Employment (Ex. Spouse or Family member of employee sues alleging loss of consortium, due to employer negligence)
Workers Compensation Benefits include Medical payments and Disability income. Workers Compensation is compulsory in all states (except Texas), although laws differ depending on each individual state statute (some say 1 employee, some say 3, some 5). State laws vary on whether Independent Contractors must be covered—be sure to follow the law in your state! Most insurers will pick up independent contractor's pay at audit if a policy is in place, as the company would be forced to pay a claim if your state law/statute requires.
Claims Examples:
- Sitter's employee was taking care of client's dog and while on a walk, the client's dog got into a fight with another dog. The employee attempted to separate the dogs and was bitten on his hand/wrist. Paid Range: $1,200 - $47,700
- While playing with client's dogs, one of the dogs jumped up and knocked the pet sitter over, causing injury to shoulder and lower back. Paid Range: $3,700 - $64,200
- While walking dog in client's backyard, employee tripped and tweaked her knee. Similar claims/injuries to ankles, legs and wrists (pulls/sprains/strains/tears) while on walks, hikes, dog parks, etc. Paid Range: $1,100 - $16,600