Is there workers’ compensation liability in non-monetary bartering agreements?

Get Legal Help Today

Compare Quotes From Top Companies and Save

secured lock Secured with SHA-256 Encryption

Is there workers’ compensation liability in non-monetary bartering agreements?

I am a fashion photographer. In the industry, we have something called “test shoots” or sometimes colloquially known as “time for print (TFP)”. In this scenario, no monetary exchange occurs, but a photographer, model, stylist(s), etc. enter into an agreement (either verbal or written) to organize a shoot for the benefit of each other’s portfolios. In such a bartering scenario, is there any workers’ compensation liability? If so, who is responsible party? I am primarily initiating and organizing these shoots, and I wasn’t sure if the individuals involved would be considered “volunteers”.

Asked on February 23, 2012 under Employment Labor Law, Rhode Island

Answers:

SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney

Answered 12 years ago | Contributor

There would be no worker's compensation in this scenario, since none of you are employees of the other(s); instead, your relationship is that of independent contractors, since you are non-employees contracting to provide services (in exchange for other services, rather than in exchange for monetary compensation). Independent contractors do not receive (and do not have to pay for, for other contractors) worker's compensation. Note if any of you deliberately or negligently (carelessly) injure another, that person may be liable, the same as anyone who intentionally or negligently injures another could be liable.


IMPORTANT NOTICE: The Answer(s) provided above are for general information only. The attorney providing the answer was not serving as the attorney for the person submitting the question or in any attorney-client relationship with such person. Laws may vary from state to state, and sometimes change. Tiny variations in the facts, or a fact not set forth in a question, often can change a legal outcome or an attorney's conclusion. Although AttorneyPages.com has verified the attorney was admitted to practice law in at least one jurisdiction, he or she may not be authorized to practice law in the jurisdiction referred to in the question, nor is he or she necessarily experienced in the area of the law involved. Unlike the information in the Answer(s) above, upon which you should NOT rely, for personal advice you can rely upon we suggest you retain an attorney to represent you.

Get Legal Help Today

Find the right lawyer for your legal issue.

secured lock Secured with SHA-256 Encryption