Legal Question in Personal Injury in California
I have a gardener that works on my home and a rental property, he has workers, I recently asked if he has a business license and liability and workmens comp insurance. He said he has the license and the liability insurance but not workmens comp. If he or another worker is injured while working on my property and I liable for his medical bills? If so what do I need to do to protect us and our property.
2 Answers from Attorneys
Do not ever, ever allow anyone onto your property to do any work unless they are insured for workers' compensation (and you have verified the coverage). An individual gardener might be considered a household employee and covered under your homeowner's insurance, but if an employee of a business that is illegally uninsured for workers' compensation works on your property, you could be liable for unlimited amounts of money.
P.S. Your homeowner's insurance won't cover your employees at your rental property. Use licensed contractors -- they are required to keep up WC insurance as a condition of keeping their licenses.