No, legitimate independent contractors are not covered by workers’ compensation in any state. However, all Southeast states examine the actual working relationship — not just the contract label — to determine whether a worker is truly an independent contractor or a misclassified employee.
In Louisiana, if you hire a subcontractor who doesn’t carry their own workers’ comp, their employees become your responsibility. This is especially important in construction and oil and gas. Always request Certificates of Insurance from subcontractors before work begins. Misclassification can result in back-premiums, audit penalties, and personal liability for injuries.
