Is there such a thing as a religious exemption to having worker’s compensation insurance?
Get Legal Help Today
Compare Quotes From Top Companies and Save
Secured with SHA-256 Encryption
Is there such a thing as a religious exemption to having worker’s compensation insurance?
I’m about to hire a contractor to replace my roof on my house. This contractor is Amish and is claiming a religious exemption to having worker’s compensation insurance. Am I fully protected if a worker is injured on the job? Should I ask the contractor for any documentation for this exemption?
Asked on September 12, 2012 under Employment Labor Law, Pennsylvania
Answers:
M.T.G., Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 11 years ago | Contributor
Pennsylvannia has what is known as a "religious exemption" to their Worker's Comepnsation Law which requires the employer to file an affidavit of exemption. If they qualify under the law then have been granted exemption due to their religious beliefs by the Department of Labor and Industry. Now, there are certain requirements such as all their employees have to also be Amish and if they have any employees that are not Amish they need to provide Worker's Comp. I would require that they have a policy adding you as an additional insured and call your broker to ask what happens in this type of situation. Good luck.
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.