Employment Contracts: Legal Help for Independent Contractor Agreements
The team at Chanfrau & Chanfrau believes in helping the people of Daytona Beach, whether they were serious injured by a negligent party or have been taken advantage of by inscrutable businesses. We want to fight for the people because we know how difficult it can be to fight major interests. Strong legal representatives such as those at our firm can be an equalizing force.
This is especially important to consider with regard to lawsuits and legal issues involving employment contracts. With this in mind, we want to consider the challenges of being an independent contractor, a type of employment more common today in a freelance and telecommuting economy.
What Is an Independent Contractor?
An independent contractor differs from regular full-time or part-time employees at a business.
As an independent contractor, you are afforded a great deal of freedom in terms of finishing your work. However, that freedom does come with some costs. For one, you as an independent contractor are responsible for paying your own taxes, obtaining/paying for your own health insurance, and paying into workers compensation and unemployment benefits if you wish to use them. By contrast, regular employees are under the control of the employer, and the employer offers certain benefits, such as worker's comp, health insurance, unemployment, and so forth.
Understanding Your Employment Agreement
In your independent contractor agreement, the nature of your job in relation to this company is specified. This can cover a whole host of issues, from what benefits you are granted or denied, compensation, expectations as an independent contractor, and so forth.
The Challenges of Being an Independent Contractor
As noted above, independent contractors are saddled with a number of responsibilities that a normal employee would not face. Paying taxes quarterly or all at once can be something challenging for many people. The same can be said for obtaining health insurance and considering savings in case of an emergency.
In addition to these normal challenges, there may be language in your independent contractor agreement that is opaque or complex, and your employer could use this language against you. It's possible for some employers to take advantage of their independent contractors, or perhaps violate the initial agreement.
We Can Help Parse and Explain the Agreement Language
Since the language of employment agreements can be complicated, we can help analyze the language of a contract and help you understand what it means. It's always best to understand what you're getting into as an independent contractor before signing an agreement of any kind.
We Can Help When Agreements Have Been Violated
If you feel that an employer has violated an agreement with you, we can look into the matter and determine if you have a legitimate legal claim. Our team will fight diligently for your and your legal entitlements, ensuring you receive the help you need to hold your employer accountable.
Our Lawyers Are Here for You
Our team knows just how difficult employment contracts and agreements can be, as well as the complexities surrounding employment disputes. By working with us, we can help you understand all of your legal options and what the best step forward may be. Our team is here for you, because we believe that all workers--whether regular employees or independent contractors--should be treated fairly.
Speak with the Lawyers of Chanfrau & Chanfrau
For more information about your legal rights after an employment law or business dispute of some kind, be sure to contact our team of experienced attorneys today. The lawyers of Chanfrau & Chanfrau will fight for you every step of the way.