Protect Your Landscaping Business with Workers' Compensation in Louisiana
Part of our guide to landscapers insurance in Louisiana.
Workers' Compensation Insurance does not cover general liability or commercial auto accidents, but it does pay for medical bills and lost wages when your employees are injured on the job in Louisiana. You need Workers' Compensation as soon as you hire your first employee. Without it, you risk paying out of pocket for employee injuries, which can be devastating to your business. In Louisiana, the risk of employee injuries is higher due to the state's high hurricane and tropical storm risk, as well as significant flooding risk statewide.
Workers' Compensation cost for landscapers in Louisiana
Illustrative monthly workers comp estimate for a small landscaper operation in Louisiana. Actual pricing depends on revenue, payroll, coverage limits, claims history, and carrier. Get a personalized quote to see your real price.
Partner offer · Landscapers in Louisiana
Get workers' compensation for your landscaper business in Louisiana
Flexible coverage built for landscapers in Louisiana — by the job, month, or year. Get a fast online quote with no long-term commitment.
Sponsored · Coverage for landscapers
What Workers' Compensation Covers for Landscapers in Louisiana
Workers' Compensation Insurance for landscapers in Louisiana covers medical bills and lost wages when employees are injured on the job, such as when a landscaper falls from a ladder or is struck by a tree branch. This coverage does not handle general liability claims, like damage to a client's property, or commercial auto accidents, which would be covered under separate policies. For example, if an employee is injured while operating a lawn mower, Workers' Compensation would cover their medical bills and lost wages, but not the cost of repairing the damaged mower. In another scenario, if an employee slips and falls on a wet sidewalk while working on a landscaping project in Baton Rouge, Workers' Compensation would cover their medical bills and lost wages, but not the cost of repairing the sidewalk.
Do Landscapers in Louisiana Need Workers' Compensation?
In Louisiana, workers' compensation is generally required as soon as you hire your first employee. This means that if you have even one employee, you need to have Workers' Compensation Insurance to protect yourself and your business from the financial risks of employee injuries. Going without Workers' Compensation can be costly, as you would be responsible for paying out of pocket for employee injuries, which can be devastating to your business. Additionally, many clients, such as HOAs and commercial property managers, require landscapers to have Workers' Compensation before awarding contracts. In Lafayette, for example, many businesses require Workers' Compensation as a condition of doing business with them. By having Workers' Compensation, you can protect your business and ensure you can continue to operate even if an employee is injured on the job.
A Real Workers' Compensation Claim a Landscaper Could Face
John, the owner of a landscaping business in Shreveport, hired his first employee, Alex, to help with lawn care services. One day, while working on a project, Alex fell from a ladder and injured his back, requiring surgery and several weeks of recovery time. Workers' Compensation covered Alex's medical bills, which totaled $10,000, and his lost wages, which were $5,000. Without Workers' Compensation, John would have been responsible for paying these costs out of pocket, which could have been devastating to his business. Instead, John's Workers' Compensation policy covered these costs, allowing him to continue operating his business without interruption. The policy also helped John to avoid a potential lawsuit from Alex, which could have been costly and time-consuming to defend.
What Workers' Compensation Costs for Landscapers in Louisiana
The cost of Workers' Compensation for landscapers in Louisiana can vary depending on factors such as revenue, payroll, coverage limits, deductible, and claims history. On average, you can expect to pay $60-$235/month for Workers' Compensation, although this can vary depending on your specific business needs. In Louisiana, the high hurricane and tropical storm risk, as well as significant flooding risk statewide, can increase the cost of Workers' Compensation. However, by implementing safety protocols and reducing the risk of employee injuries, you can lower your premium costs over time. For example, if you have a high claims history, you may be able to lower your premium costs by implementing additional safety training for your employees or by increasing your deductible.
How to Get Workers' Compensation in Louisiana
To get Workers' Compensation in Louisiana, you'll need to gather information about your business, including your revenue, payroll, and coverage needs. You'll also want to compare rates from different insurance providers to ensure you're getting the best coverage for your business. In New Orleans, for example, you may be able to find a provider that offers a discount for businesses that implement certain safety protocols. By shopping around and comparing rates, you can find the right Workers' Compensation policy for your business and ensure you're protected from the financial risks of employee injuries. The cost of not having Workers' Compensation far outweighs the cost of the policy itself, so see your rate today and get protected.
Frequently asked questions
Will my Workers' Compensation premium jump after one claim?＋
Yes. Your premium may increase after a claim, depending on the severity of the injury and the cost of the claim. However, this increase can be mitigated by implementing safety protocols and reducing the risk of future injuries. For example, if you have a high claims history, you may be able to lower your premium costs by implementing additional safety training for your employees or by increasing your deductible.
Can I get a COI same-day for a client?＋
Yes. Many insurance providers offer same-day COIs for clients, which can be especially helpful if you need to provide proof of insurance to a client quickly.
Does a sole proprietor need Workers' Compensation?＋
No. As a sole proprietor, you are not required to have Workers' Compensation, as you are not considered an employee. However, you may still want to consider purchasing Workers' Compensation to protect yourself from the financial risks of injuries on the job. For example, if you are injured while working on a project, Workers' Compensation can help cover your medical bills and lost wages, even if you don't have any employees.
What's not covered by Workers' Compensation?＋
Workers' Compensation does not cover general liability claims, such as damage to a client's property, or commercial auto accidents. It also does not cover injuries that occur outside of work or that are not related to work. For example, if an employee is injured while commuting to work, Workers' Compensation would not cover their medical bills or lost wages.
Can I cancel my Workers' Compensation policy at any time?＋
Yes. You can cancel your Workers' Compensation policy at any time, although you may be subject to a penalty or fee for early cancellation. For example, if you cancel your policy and then have an employee injury, you may be responsible for paying the costs of the injury out of pocket.
Partner offer · Landscapers in Louisiana
Ready to cover your landscaper business in Louisiana?
Flexible coverage built for landscapers in Louisiana — by the job, month, or year. Get a fast online quote with no long-term commitment.
Sponsored · Coverage for landscapers
Other coverages landscapers in Louisiana should know
This article is for general educational purposes and is not insurance or legal advice. Coverage requirements and pricing in Louisiana change over time and vary by business. Verify current rules with the Louisiana Department of Insurance and a licensed agent before purchasing a policy.