Workman's Comp

[Ray]

Received a quote today on workman's comp in CT.

22.10 per 100.00.

And people wonder why everyone wants to treat their employees as subs....

[Mark G]

Old guys like me remember the day when W.C. was that cheap in California.

[GACC Dallas]

I dropped it at 24.4% in 1992. Can't afford it if nobody else carries it.

Ed.

[carl sperry]

Ray,

I would pay that in a second. Ours is $80 per $100 here in beautiful CA!

[Mark Parlee]

Guys, I hate to tell you this, or maybe I love to say it. Here in Iowa I pay 10% For framer/siders, I think it went to 10.85% after my fall in 93 but came back down by 95. Glad I had it tho the bill was $185000 plus

Mark

[GACC Dallas]

Will someone explain to me why it's less dangerous to be in the construction trades in Iowa than in Texas?

Can I buy Iowa based comp for my company in Texas?

Ed.

[Ray]

GACC: It's not law to carry WC in TX?

[carl sperry]

Ed,

G.R.E.E.D

[Mark Parlee]

Ed

I am sitting here trying to think of a good comeback that would amuse everyone, but I guess you will just have to move up here and check it out for yourself

Mark

[Verl Kauffman]

I guess I better quit complaining. My classification is "Carpentry-detached one- or two Family dwellings- $7.03 per $100.

Verl

[Verl Kauffman]

Forgot to say that I'm in Indiana.

[GACC Dallas]

No, it's not been required in Texas since the early '90s. I have no idea who's bright idea that was. The last rate I paid was $24.40 per $100.00 of payroll for general carpentry. If I could get WC for around 8%, I think I could have it and still be comptitive. At 24% I'm out of the market range. Sucks, doesn't it.

Ed.

[David Meiland]

Ed, what are the implications for you if someone is hurt? I understand that the law says you don't have to carry it, but can someone claim against you personally if they are hurt? Or is the workforce out of luck if hurt on the job in TX?

[Dick Seibert]

David:

In my opinion employers that allow employees to opt out are crazy, they are right back where everybody was before the introduction of Workers' Comp. The injured worker has to sue the contractor and the property owner to get coverage for his injuries, it's kind of like states dropping mandatory car insurance, would it be a good idea to drive around uninsured and fact the potential losses you might incur in the event of an accident? Only 16% of workers in Texas are not covered by Workers’ Comp, but if you can believe what you read in these forums it’s close to 100% in the construction industry. Can you imagine having to pay for the life-long care and support of a seriously injured worker? It’s mind boggling that nay employer with assets to protect would take the chance. I’ve heard that the contractors’ GL was picking up the defense, but I’ve also read that they are all threatening to leave Texas if the laws aren’t changed. Any Texas employer should consult with his GL carrier and find out if they will defend him on a Workers’ Comp claim.

This doesn't extend to employees, but to the employees of subcontractors as well, as everybody is in the chain of liability, and most comp claims can be Federal claims because of OSHA, and a violation of Federal law is not protected by Texas courts.

I wonder if Ed could file a lawsuit against the builder and the owner of the project that he was working on with his latest injury? It was in his shop and not a jobsite I think? Would the liability carry back to the shop? Why don't you ask a Workers' Comp attorney Ed? You may get compensated for your loss.




Texas

[David Meiland]

Dick, I'm not sure about the wording of your message above... "employers that allow employees to opt out"... my understanding is that it's the state that lets employers opt out. Therefore if you're a guy looking for a job you want to ask "if I get injured am I covered by WC?" and presumably not work there if the answer is no. I agree it's crazy not to have the coverage. Here in Washington they seem to have the costs under control ($2.53 per hour for wood frame building construction, which works out to about 10% on a journeyman).