When it comes to the workforce, California has been at the forefront of ensuring that workers are protected. However, there may be a time when you need a workers comp lawyer in Los Angeles, CA to help you. At the Law Offices of Kropach & Kropach, we are here to get you through this.
We know that many workers are part of a freelance workforce. This has benefits for both workers and employers, but we also know that employers can take advantage of workers. Today, we want to discuss some changes that have been happening in the California Assembly and how they could affect workers in the “gig economy.”
If you have been watching the news over the last few months, you may have heard about Uber and Lyft drivers going on strike. As the companies went public on the stock market, the workers wanted to raise awareness of the fact that they are not official employees – they are independent contractors.
It matters because independent contractors are not afforded the same benefits and protections that employees are. One of the things they do not get is workers compensation. We will return to that point in a moment.
The California Assembly is about to change the way workers are classified in the state. At the end of last month, the Assembly passed a bill that would make it more difficult for companies to classify workers as independent contractors instead of employees.
Of course, this affects many other industries outside of ridesharing. Just about every industry makes use of independent contractors, and sometimes with valid reasons. However, in many cases, these freelancers are used to avoid having to pay fair wages, unemployment, vacation time, insurance, taxes, and more.
When an independent contractor gets hurt in the course of their job duties, they are often left with no way to cover their medical expenses. They have no workers compensation insurance. With a law change, companies may now be required to provide employees with insurance to cover workplace injuries.
“Big businesses shouldn’t be able to pass their costs onto taxpayers while depriving workers of labor law protections they are rightfully entitled to,” said Assemblymember Lorena Gonzalez.
We know that it can be hard in the workforce and the last thing you need to worry about is not receiving the benefits you deserve. At the Law Offices of Kropach & Kropach, we understand California employment laws, and we are ready to get to work. Our knowledgeable and experienced team will investigate your case and work to secure the compensation you deserve if you get hurt at work. We will make sure your medical bills and other injury-related expenses are covered. If you need a Los Angeles workers compensation lawyer, you can contact us for a free consultation by clicking here or calling us at 818-609-7005.
