863 - Contract workers

Many business owners are contract workers, known as independent contractors, 1099 contractors, freelancers, or self-employed people.

They work in a variety of fields:

•  electrical, HVAC, roofing, plumbing, lawn care, and other home maintenance services.

• home healthcare, hospice, home tutoring, pet-sitting

• counseling, coaching, therapy

• freelancers, real estate agents, and others

Independent contractors may have problems if something bad happens while they're working at a client's place.

Once, my brother, a painter, was blamed for damaging furniture in a room he had never even entered.

A hospice care worker was accused of stealing from a client. She lost her job and her reputation. A few months later, the client's daughter turned out to be selling the stolen items on eBay.

Coaches and consultants now use the Internet to work with clients in different states. Each state has different contract laws.

Here are a few added legal issues contract workers may consider:

• Contract disagreements: Workers have agreements with their clients or bosses, but sometimes, they don't agree on things. A lawyer should review all your contracts before you sign them to help avoid potential disagreements.

• Intellectual property: Artists and writers need to protect their work, like copyrights, patents and trademarks. Talk to a qualified lawyer. This is a particularly sensitive area of law.

• Getting paid: Contract workers may have problems getting paid on time or the right amount. A lawyer can write collection letters to resolve payment issues.

• Liability risks: Lawyers know the local, state, and federal laws that apply to the business, helping owners avoid fines and lawsuits.

• Knowing their work status: If contractors are unsure if they're employees or not, a lawyer will clarify their status and give them a clear definition of their work status. I run into this a lot.

Many contractors struggle to run their businesses like true professionals because they believe they can't afford legal advice.

With a lawyer's help, business owners can reduce their personal liability and focus on growing their businesses.

They don't have to let the hurdles of doing business keep them awake at night. Everyone deserves access to legal help whenever they need it.

If you would like a PDF of information regarding affordable, high-quality legal services that can save you hundreds or even thousands of dollars each year, let me know in the comments or via private message.

Do you know someone who works as a contractor and has legal issues they don't know how to handle?