Maison Law helps people that have been injured in accidents across California. Accidents don’t limit themselves to times where you’re not working, but if you’re an “independent contractor”, it changes the way the system works. The bottom line, though, is that you have legal options and our team can help you understand them. Set up a free consultation today to get started.

Do I Need a Lawyer?

As a contract worker in California, you don’t always have the same safety net as an employee with workers’ compensation. But that doesn’t mean you’re stuck paying the price on your own. You may still be able to file a personal injury claim and hold the right party responsible—whether that’s a property owner, a general contractor, or even another driver. Here’s where having our lawyers can make life a lot easier:

Figuring out your options – We’ll look at who may be legally responsible for what happened.
Getting your case together – Medical bills, accident reports, proof of missed work—we’ll help pull it all into one strong claim.
Talking with the insurance company – Instead of going back and forth with adjusters, we’ll push for a settlement that actually covers your needs.
Keeping things moving – Claims can drag on. We’ll make sure deadlines are met and you’re not left waiting around.
Going further if we have to – If insurance won’t play fair, we’re ready to take it to the next step in court.

The truth is, an accident can flip your whole life upside down—physically, financially, and even emotionally. Our job is to take that weight off your shoulders so you can focus on healing and getting back to normal.

What’s the Difference Between a Contract Worker and a Full-Time Employee?

In California, the biggest difference between a contract worker and a full-time employee shows up when something goes wrong—like getting hurt on the job. Employees usually have access to workers’ compensation, which is a built-in system that covers medical bills and part of their lost wages after a workplace accident. Contract workers, on the other hand, often don’t have that safety net. Instead, if you’re injured, you may need to:

File a personal injury claim against whoever was responsible—whether that’s the company that hired you, a property owner, or even a third party on the job site.

Contract work can cover a lot of different roles—especially here in California. Most contract workers here are typically found in the following roles:

Rideshare drivers, like those working for Uber or Lyft, can be injured in car accidents, or from slips and falls while entering or exiting vehicles.
Delivery drivers, whether handling packages, groceries, or food for services like DoorDash, Instacart, FedEx, or UPS, are at risk of car crashes, trips or falls while carrying items, and repetitive strain injuries from lifting.
Construction subcontractors, like electricians, plumbers, and carpenters, often deal with falls, equipment accidents, or crush injuries on the job.
Freelancers and gig workers may get hurt in car accidents while traveling for work or develop strain injuries from long hours at a computer.
Warehouse and fulfillment contractors face lifting injuries, slips, and accidents with forklifts or other machinery.
Home service workers—such as landscapers, cleaners, HVAC techs, and handymen—commonly suffer falls, cuts, or burns while using tools and heavy equipment.
Healthcare contractors, including traveling nurses and home health aides, can be injured while lifting patients, handling needles, or working in unsafe conditions.
Event and hospitality workers, like caterers, security, and setup crews, often face burns, strains, or slip-and-fall accidents during long, demanding shifts.
Oil rig and industrial contractors work in some of the most dangerous conditions, with risks from falls, machinery accidents, chemical exposure, and fires.

No matter what job you have, the important thing to know is this: if you’re hurt while working, your path to recovery isn’t always straightforward. That’s why understanding your status–and the options that come with it–matters.

Who’s Responsible When I’m Hurt on the Job as a Contract Worker?

The good news, relatively speaking, is that getting hurt as a contract worker while on the job doesn’t change your legal options–you can still file an injury claim. But, because it’s a personal injury claim, it means that you need to figure out who’s responsible. And to do that, you need to show negligence. This means, basically, did someone fail to take reasonable care to keep you safe? If the answer is yes, that person (or group) is the one who’s going to be responsible for covering your injuries and other losses. depending on how the accident happened:

The company that hired you – If unsafe working conditions, faulty equipment, or a lack of proper training led to your injury, the hiring company may be responsible. This could also include the temp agency, if they’re the ones that handled your hiring.
A property owner – Slip-and-fall accidents, unsafe surfaces, or other hazards on someone else’s property can make the property owner liable.
Another worker or subcontractor – Sometimes another contractor’s mistakes or unsafe actions cause your injury, and they could be held accountable.
A third party – For example, if you’re a delivery driver or rideshare driver and get in a car accident caused by another driver, they may be responsible, just like they would be any other time.

Negligence can be complicated to prove, but it’s a key first step in making sure your injury claim has the best chance of success. From there, it’s about getting the right information and then going through the process.

How Does the Injury Claims Process Work If I’m Hurt on the Job as a Contract Worker?

If you’re a contract worker and get hurt on the job, filing a personal injury claim in California usually follows one of two paths: an insurance claim out of court or a lawsuit in court. Every situation is different, and it’s totally up to you. But here’s how both processes typically work:

Insurance claim – This is often the quicker, less formal option, suitable for smaller claims or those likely to settle fast. The process is mostly controlled by the insurance company.
Lawsuit – Filing a lawsuit is more formal and takes time. It involves negotiations, mediation, and possibly a trial. The discovery process can be complex, and delays can happen if either side challenges information requests. Trials can be lengthy, costly, and unpredictable.

No matter which path you take, the goal of your injury claim is to recover “damages” from whoever caused your accident. This usually includes things like:

Medical expenses both current and in the future
Lost income or earnings
Repair/replacement costs for any damaged clothing, tools, or other property
Pain and suffering
Emotional distress
Reduced quality of life

The amount you can recover depends on your case and how well it’s presented. Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts, so it helps to take certain steps immediately after the accident to get the information you’re going to need.

What Information Can Help My Injury Claim?

You can never really afford an injury on the job, let alone when you’re working on a contract and not a full-time employee. But the reality is that there’s a lot that can go wrong in your day-to-day work life that could leave you injured. And while you have legal options, it’s ultimately going to come down to the information you can show. Here’s what can help your claim–and your damages:

Medical records and bills – After your accident, every doctor’s visit, X-ray, surgery, or physical therapy appointment should be documented. These records show not only the seriousness of your injuries but also the exact costs of your treatment.

Accident reports – If the site supervisor or property owner files an incident report—or if emergency responders create one—it provides an official record of what happened and when.

Photos and videos – Taking pictures of the broken scaffolding, the job site conditions, and your injuries creates powerful evidence of negligence and unsafe conditions.

Witness statements – If coworkers or bystanders saw your fall, their accounts can support your version of events when insurance companies or lawyers ask questions later.

Work-related documents – Keep a copy of your contract, job assignment details, and any text messages or emails that prove you were working on that specific site and under those conditions when the accident happened.

Proof of income – Collect your invoices, bank deposits, or app-based payment records to show what you were earning before the fall. This helps calculate lost wages while you’re out of work.

Receipts for out-of-pocket expenses – From crutches to prescription medications or even Uber rides to medical appointments, every expense tied to your injury should be saved.

A personal journal – Writing down your daily pain levels, mobility struggles, and the ways your injuries keep you from working or spending time with family adds a human perspective that medical records can’t show.

Each piece of information helps build a stronger claim. Without it, insurance companies may try to argue that your injuries weren’t that serious—or that the accident wasn’t really tied to your work. Having the right documentation makes it much harder for them to minimize your losses.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why can’t I file a workers’ comp claim?

Even though California law says every employer has to carry workers’ comp insurance, it only covers full-time employees, not contractors.

How long do I have to file my claim?

You have two years from the date of the accident to file. Miss it, and you can’t file a claim at all–no matter how strong your claim is.

Do I need to prove fault to win my case?

Yes. As a contractor, you’ll typically need to show that someone else’s careless or unsafe actions caused your injury. Evidence like medical records, photos, witness statements, and contracts are key.

Injured Contract Workers in California Can Turn to Maison Law

As a contract worker in California, you work hard day in and day out to pay your bills and provide for your family. An accident and an injury can throw all of that off track, but you can turn to our California personal injury lawyers at Maison Law. Our team can listen to your story, explain your options, and then guide you through the claims process. Don’t wait–set up a free consultation today to get started.

California Contract Worker Injury Lawyer