ABA Family Legal Guide

Home Ownership

Remodeling

Troubleshooting the Project

What happens if someone is hurt on the job?

If you are dealing with an independent contractor, his or her insurance should cover expenses; but if you hired someone down the street to paint your house, someone who doesn't maintain a separate business and who relied on you for tools and supervision, that person is your employee, and any injuries he or she might suffer are your responsibility.

If someone gets hurt later because, for example, the new basement steps were not nailed down, your insurance company may pay the injured party but then go after the contractor responsible.