If you work full-time or part-time through a gig app in Los Angeles, doing jobs like driving, delivering, or construction, you might not be covered by regular workers’ compensation. If you get hurt on the job, that can leave you with bills and no clear path to help. That doesn’t mean you’re stuck paying out of pocket. You just need to know the right steps to take.
Are you classified as an employee or a contractor?
Most gig companies call you an independent contractor, not an employee. That means no benefits and usually no workers’ comp. But if the company controls your hours, your pay or tells you how to do the job, they might be treating you like an employee without the legal title. That’s misclassification, and it matters.
What to do right after the injury
When you get hurt on the job, what you do next matters. Acting quickly can protect your health and your right to recover money.
These first steps can help protect your health and your chances of getting paid:
- Report it immediately: Tell the platform or client what happened right away. Save any texts, emails or messages.
- Take photos and notes: Get pictures of where it happened and of your injuries. Write down what hurts and what medical care you get.
- See a doctor soon: Don’t wait. It helps your recovery and builds proof.
- Check your work status: Many gig workers later find out they should’ve been classified as employees.
Even if it doesn’t feel like a big deal at first, taking these steps can make a big difference later, especially if you decide to file a claim or consult with a lawyer. These actions can improve your chances of what you’re able to recover. Now let’s go over where your money might come from.
Other ways you might still get paid
Just because you’re not covered by traditional workers’ comp doesn’t mean you’re out of options. There are other ways to get some or all of your costs covered.
- Check the app’s insurance: Some platforms offer limited injury coverage. Look it up and file a claim fast
- Use your insurance: Auto, health or disability insurance might cover some of the costs
- File a claim against a third party: If a third party caused the injury, like another driver or a property owner, you may have a personal injury claim
- Challenge how you are classified: If your job is more like employee work than contractor work, you may qualify for compensation by reporting it to the labor department or consulting a lawyer
These options may not be obvious to you at first. But they can mean real money when you need it most. You might have more coverage than you think, but you won’t know unless you look into it and take action early.
You still have options
Just because you don’t get a regular paycheck from the company doesn’t mean you’re on your own. A lawyer who knows how gig jobs work in LA can help you understand what benefits or payouts you might qualify for. They can look at how you were working, who controlled the job and whether the company owes you more than they’re admitting. Even if the platform says you’re not eligible, the law might say otherwise.
Protect yourself and know your rights
More and more people in LA are working full-time gigs to support their families. If that’s you, it’s important to understand your rights, especially if you get hurt on the job. Many gig workers don’t realize they may still qualify for compensation, even without traditional workers’ comp. Taking the right steps now can save you time, stress and unexpected costs later.