Can Lapsed Workers’ Compensation Coverage Hurt Me?

We know that owning and operating a business can be an incredibly challenging yet rewarding experience. There is so much to keep up with, especially when it comes to employees. One of those things is ensuring that you have workers’ compensation insurance for everyone who works for you. If there is ever a lapse in insurance coverage, you could be in trouble with the state.

At Sacks Law Group, APC, we are here if you have been accused of not having workers’ compensation insurance coverage. We do not think that a mistake should mean you face criminal penalties and major monetary fines that could put you out of business. When you need an attorney for an uninsured employer in Los Angeles, call us today.

What Can Happen

Paying those monthly premiums for workers’ compensation insurance is not fun, but it is necessary. California state law requires employers with one or more employees to have workers’ compensation coverage. Under the California Labor Code, you could face a $10,000 fine and up to one year in jail for not having insurance, and that is on top of other fees that can be assessed for each employee you had at the time that there was no coverage.

But sometimes things happen. If a monthly payment is missed and your insurance lapses, what happens if a worker is injured?

If an employee files a workers’ compensation claim, and it is discovered that you do not have coverage, you can face more than just state penalties – the employee can file a personal injury lawsuit against the business to recover compensation for the medical expenses and lost wages. That is money that would come out of the business and will likely cost much more than workers’ compensation premiums.

In many cases, though, if you realize that your insurance has lapsed quickly enough, you can make the payment the next month and have the policy reinstated with “no lapse in coverage.” This means that any injuries that occurred during the time period when there was a lapse would be covered as workers’ compensation claims.

The bottom line is this: do everything in your power to not let your insurance coverage lapse. There are many ways that businesses look to cut costs, but violating California labor laws is not a legal way to do it.

How We Can Help You

You work hard each day to keep your business up and running. However, sometimes mistakes are made. At Sacks Law Group, APC, we know how seriously the state of California takes workers’ compensation coverage. If you have been accused of letting your coverage lapse or not having coverage at all, contact us today so we can chart a path forward for you and your business. We do not think a mistake on your part should mean you are branded as a criminal or put out of business. If you need a Los Angeles uninsured employers attorney, you can contact us for a consultation by clicking here or calling 310-216-7778.