Lake Forest, IL asked in Business Law, Workers' Compensation and Employment Law for Illinois

Q: As an independent contractor, can I be required to purchase a workers comp insurance policy by the business owner?

I'm a licensed psychologist in a group. I was told by the practice owner to either form my own LLC or to purchase a workers comp policy. I am clearly an independent contractor rather than an employee. Is this legal? Thanks.

1 Lawyer Answer
James G. Ahlberg
James G. Ahlberg
Answered
  • Workers' Compensation Lawyer
  • Rochelle, IL
  • Licensed in Illinois

A: As an independent contractor, do you have any employees? If not, the only person the policy will protect is you, and then only if you insist on a rider covering yourself. The situation sounds strange, but their insistence that you have a policy isn't illegal.

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