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Last Modified on Feb 11, 2026
As an independent contractor in North Carolina, there are many things that you are responsible for that other types of employees are not. One of these includes benefits and insurance. If you are hurt on the job, you may need to make sure you receive financial help for medical bills and lost time at work. Workers’ compensation for independent contractors in North Carolina can be a crucial yet confusing situation to navigate.
At The Sumwalt Group Workers’ Comp and Trial Lawyers, we are passionate about helping independent contractors like yourself be prepared for the worst. It is vital to understand your responsibilities for protecting yourself from injury and loss. In this article, we will discuss the various avenues an independent contractor can take to obtain the appropriate coverage while also analyzing the steps you can take if you have already experienced an injury while on the job.
Do I Need Insurance?
The U.S. Census Bureau estimates that 10.3% of individuals under the age of 65 in the U.S. lack health insurance. For many independent contractors, health insurance is not provided by an employer. It is therefore up to the independent contractor to obtain their own health insurance policy. Such insurance can help protect against sudden financial hardships caused by injuries and unforeseen health issues.
How to Get Insurance as an Independent Contractor
The field of work an independent contractor is in typically determines the type of insurance policy they need. Some examples of types of insurance you may be able to get include the following.
- Occupational Accident Insurance. This specific type of insurance can cover scenarios involving medical expenses, accidental death, disabilities that are temporary disabilities, and others.
- Private Health Insurance: Private health insurance can be used to cover routine medical bills such as yearly physical check-ups, eye doctor appointments, dentist costs, and more.
- General Liability: General liability insurance provides protection in cases of injury while on the job. It can also provide financial help for individuals who are experiencing long-term disability due to a workplace injury.
Below is a list of general workers’ compensation insurance agencies in some of North Carolina’s main regions.
Current Injuries
Private industry employees reported 64,200 non-fatal workplace injuries in 2024. If you are an independent contractor who is currently suffering from an injury that you experienced while at work, it is important not to lose hope in ever receiving compensation. In some cases, you may be able to challenge your employment classification with the company you were working for at the time of your injury.
While businesses are not generally required to provide insurance for independent contractors, there are times when employees are mistakenly classified as independent contractors while performing the duties an employee would perform. If you can prove that you are operating as an employee rather than an independent contractor, you may be able to receive some benefits even after you have been injured.
While this option is not for everyone, an experienced personal injury lawyer can help you determine whether it is a good fit for you. To file this type of claim against your employer, you would need to consult the North Carolina Industrial Commission.
FAQs
Do Independent Contractors Need Workers’ Comp in North Carolina?
In North Carolina, independent contractors are not legally required to be covered by workers’ compensation. Independent contractor jobs typically do not include workers’ compensation coverage. These types of workers are responsible for obtaining their own benefits and insurance, if they choose to do so. One exception to this rule may apply when an independent contractor hires a subcontractor, though not always.
Do Independent Contractors Receive Compensation Through Their Employers?
Independent contractors in North Carolina do not typically receive workers’ compensation or any other form of insurance or benefits through their employer. Because they operate independently of an employer, they are responsible for securing their own benefits, if any. It is important for employers to make sure that the independent contractors they work with are truly classified as independent contractors and operate as such.
Who Is Exempt From Workers’ Comp in North Carolina?
A: In North Carolina, employers with three or fewer employees are often exempt from being required to provide workers’ compensation for their employees. Other exemptions may include employers who have hired agricultural workers, domestic workers, and employees in other non-traditional roles. Federal government employees can also be exempt from this law.
How Many Employees Does an Employer Need Before Needing Workers’ Comp in North Carolina?
An employer is required to provide workers’ compensation when they have more than three employees in their service. It is important to note that employees who are sole proprietors, members of LLCs, independent contractors, and partners may not automatically qualify as employees that count towards this minimum requirement.
An experienced workers’ compensation lawyer can help any employer determine if they are required to provide workers’ compensation.
Hire a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer: The Sumwalt Group Workers’ Comp and Trial Lawyers
At The Sumwalt Group Workers’ Comp and Trial Lawyers, we are dedicated to helping employees and workers of all kinds obtain the compensation they deserve for injuries sustained on the job. Vernon Sumwalt has been a Board-Certified Specialist in Workers Compensation by the North Carolina State Bar since 2005, which means he has extensive experience in handling workers’ compensation claims. Christa Sumwalt has spent over 25 years working as a multifaceted trial lawyer.
If you have experienced an injury while at work, even as an independent contractor, there may be ways you are unaware of that you can receive compensation for your financial losses. At The Sumwalt Group Workers’ Comp and Trial Lawyers, we can assess your case and point you in the right direction on the next steps to take. Contact us today to learn more about who we are and how we can help. Our experienced legal team is ready to help you with your case.
