Are you worried about claiming workers’ compensation because your friend is your boss? You may worry it will hurt them financially. You may worry it could harm their reputation. You may even worry it could ruin your friendship.
Fortunately, there is no need to worry. There are systems in place so that you can claim compensation without sacrificing your friendship.
Insurance
Here in New York, most types of businesses are obliged to have worker’s compensation insurance to protect their employees. Not only does it give you peace of mind as an employee, but it gives your boss peace of mind, too. Insurance means you get the compensation you need, without it
affecting your friend financially.
Workers’ compensation law
Up until the early 1900s, if you were injured or involved in an accident at work, you had to prove your employer was negligent. The result was that most workers did not receive compensation. From 1911 onwards, states started to introduce laws to compensate workers who get injured at work, without the need to prove anyone is at fault. So you can get compensation without having to blame your friend or damage their reputation.
If you are looking to make a workers’ compensation claim for an accident or injury sustained while working for a friend, remember it is not easy to fill out the paperwork correctly. Getting it wrong could see your claim denied. An attorney with experience in this area can ensure the paperwork is complete and accurate, giving you the best chance of receiving the compensation you need. And surely, this is what any good friend would want.