In most states, workers' compensation laws cast a wide umbrella of protection, covering everyone from full-time employees to seasonal workers and even volunteers. Independent contractors working on an employer's job site also might be eligible to receive wage replacement and benefits for medical issues related to their job duties in some situations. The coverage needs of a self-employed individual typically depend on whether they are contracted to another company when they are injured.

Independent contractors, especially those in the construction field, often are covered by the liability insurance of the general contractor with whom they are working. If they aren't, they have the right to file a lawsuit or seek a settlement through arbitration. Because this can be a drawn-out process with unreliable results, many self-employed workers in the technical or construction fields prefer to carry their own workers' compensation insurance.

Whether a self-employed worker needs to purchase a workers' compensation policy depends largely on their risk tolerance and field of work. A graphic designer faces fewer risks than a handyman, who might be unable to work for weeks while recuperating from an injury. While private health insurance is likely to pay for medical expenses resulting from these types of accidents, workers' compensation will provide financial relief in a situation that otherwise would be financially devastating.

The workers' compensation system can be confusing, with rules that vary widely from state to state. For over 20 years, the attorneys at Kidwell & Gallagher LTD in Elko have provided injured workers throughout Nevada with high-quality legal advice and assistance navigating the complicated claims process. Visit their website to learn more about their practice areas, call (775) 738-1000 to schedule a consultation, and check their Facebook page to see reviews from clients.