An Inncocent Mistake?

An Inncocent Mistake?

But what about this situation? Paul the painter needs another painter to keep pace with all the work he's lined up. But Paul needs to keep his costs down to remain competitively priced. He's afraid that if he hires Pedro the painter the additional workers comp and employee benefits he'll have to pay will cause his costs to skyrocket. Paul tells Pedro that he just can't afford to hire him. "No problem," says Pedro. Just hire me as an independent contractor. I'll even sign a form stating unequivocally that I'm not your employee. "Great idea!" says Paul. "You're hired."

Several months go by and business is really booming. Pedro has proven to be a valuable asset. Each morning Paul and Pedro meet. Paul gives Pedro explicit instructions as to what hours to work, where to work, and how he should do the job. Paul also supplies Pedro with the paint, spray guns, and other equipment he'll Nike Shox TL3, need. With the amount of work Paul gives him, Pedro is now working only for Paul. The situation works so well that Paul does the same thing with 26 other "independent contractors."

Trouble in Paradise

One day Pedro is working away high on some scaffolding. His foot slips on some spilled paint and before he can regain his balance, he goes hurtling towards the ground below. Fortunately, Pedro only landed on his back and not his head. And although his injuries are not life threatening, they are certainly life altering.

Upon admission to the hospital, Pedro is questioned as to how his injury occurred. He responds that he was injured on the job. Pedro's hospital bills add up quickly. He has no heath insurance. In addition to being in constant pain, he fears Nike Blazer SB, that he will also face financial ruin. He is very concerned about the well being of his wife and 3 children.

Meanwhile, Pedro's wife Jill contacts Paul. Paul is very sympathetic to Pedro's situation but explains to Jill that there is no workers compensation policy in force because Pedro is an independent contractor. He even offers to fax Jill the form Pedro signed.