Workers’ compensation coverage is available once you begin your employment. Almost all employees are covered by workers’ compensation laws.
Some categories of workers, such as independent contractors, are not considered employees. However, you may still be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits from an employer even though you are called an independent contractor. The Department of Labor will examine the substance of the relationship between you and your employer. If you are paid by the hour for a regular work day, you are more likely to be treated as an employee eligible for workers’ compensation benefits.
On the other hand, if you perform a single type of service for many persons and supply your own tools and equipment to perform it on your own schedule, you are more likely to be viewed as an independent contractor.
Nothing, however, prevents independent contractors from purchasing their own workers’ compensation insurance to cover themselves.