Legal Question in Business Law in California

question re. using an independent contractor and insurance and related matters. I want to hire someone (may be a different person from time to time) to do errands for me such as shopping, etc. First of all, are they considered independent contractors? I anticipate using them on an intermittent basis. They likely would have flexibility when they can do the task during the day but I may not be able to give them much advance notice when I need them. I hand them a shopping list and they shop for me. Also, if they drive their own vehicle with personal auto insurance, if they are shopping on my behalf what liability do I have if they get in an accident while running errands for me? Is the indep contractor a valid status for them?


Asked on 11/05/09, 9:45 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys

Terry A. Nelson Nelson & Lawless

Unless they are a properly established professional business, they are your employees, for whom you have WCAB and other insurance liabilities. Call your homeowners insurance to add a rider on your policy to cover them.

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Answered on 11/11/09, 1:17 pm


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