People wanting to go into business for themselves face some challenges that other gainfully employed individuals do not. For example, what happens when a self-employed person is injured and cannot work? It is not just a loss in revenue, but a major hit to the finances because of medical bills. Can self-employed people even get worker's compensation? Surely, you cannot sue yourself if you get injured while working, but who would you sue? These complicated questions connected to worker's comp and self-employment are answered below, in case you are seriously questioning a self-employment opportunity.

Yes, You Can Get Worker's Comp Insurance

You absolutely can get worker's compensation insurance when you are self-employed. That is good news, if and when you decide that you want to work for yourself and build a business from home. You do have to pay into the insurance, one hundred percent, by yourself, because you are the "employer," but you may find that it is worth it. You would receive benefits on any worker's comp claims as a result of being injured while you are working for yourself and you are doing your work at the time of your injury. It prevents financial chaos in your life by covering all expenses and financial needs when you cannot do the work you would normally do as a self-employed individual. 

​Yes, Your Claim Can Still Be Denied

​In a crazy, mixed up world, your worker's comp insurance company can still deny your claim to benefits. That is because you are the employer filing a claim on yourself for yourself, and if your injury does not meet all the required guidelines, or if there is not enough documentation, the insurance company can still deny you. If you feel that you have a valid case, you can sue your own worker's comp insurance company. However, you will have to sever ties with said company and find another company that provides self-employed coverage.

If You Choose to Sue

​​​You do not sue yourself, since you are self-employed. In other worker's comp lawsuits, the employee can attempt to sue the employer, but that does not work in your case (or in any case where someone is their own boss). You have to sue the worker's comp insurance company directly. Workers compensation lawyers can help file the suit and help you pursue benefits based on the documentation you provide. In the meantime, unfortunately, you will not have any income, and you will have to look for another worker's comp provider for self-employed coverage.