Homeowners hire construction workers all the time to have them do repairs on their house. Unfortunately, accidents happen and it’s important to be aware of who is liable for an injury if it happens in your Virginia home.
There are two types of construction workers that you can hire. One type of worker is licensed and insured and the other is non-licensed and possibly uninsured.
A licensed and insured company or worker has taken the time to study the rules and regulations of construction work. These individuals or companies have taken the necessary exams to receive a contractor’s license. This process is very similar to how someone would get a driver’s license—they study the content and take the test to receive certification to hold a specific type of license. Along with the contractor’s license, licensed contractors usually also carry insurance to cover their business. This part is very important to the homeowner, because if the worker or any workers with him suffer an injury on your property while working, the insurance covering the business will cover the injuries. Footing an accident bill on top of the cost of the repairs can get very costly.
The one thing to keep in mind when hiring licensed construction workers is that they typically cost more. They have to compensate for the cost of the licensing and the insurance they carry. Depending on the risk you are willing to take, the slightly higher cost might work out better for you in the long run.
The other type of worker that you can hire is someone who is not licensed. This worker may or may not carry insurance for his company. You would have to ask this information before the work begins. These workers may have the same knowledge base as the licensed worker or more, depending on each individual. They have chosen not to get licensed, however. This can help save them money on jobs because they are not forced to also carry business insurance. Many unlicensed construction workers find plenty of work without worrying about the money and hassle of licensure. The upside of hiring these people is they tend to have a lower price for the same repair or renovation with the same quality of work. They most important piece to consider with them is the insurance. If the company doesn’t hold business insurance and they get injured on your property, you have a good chance of having to foot the bill. This additional cost can get expensive.
Always keep in mind this is a personal choice to make. If you think there isn’t a chance for anyone to get hurt you could save yourself a significant amount of money.
Regardless of the type of workers or company you hire, Warrenton construction accidents still happen. If you have found yourself in a situation with an injured worker and don’t know who to turn to, we can help you. Attorneys at Dulaney, Lauer & Thomas are more than willing to give you guidance and help during this stressful time.
