Get in touch
Phone
Address
1280 Financial CT
Auburn, AL 36830
Hours
- Mon - Fri
- -
- Saturday
- Appointment Only
- Sunday
- Closed
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Did You Know?
That in Alabama, you, The homeowner, have responsibilities when you hire a contractor.
It's something we just don't ever think about. Imagine, you hire a contractor to do some work at your home. The owner of the company is not doing the work. It is an employee.
The contractor does not carry workman's compensation insurance. Let's say that contractor is a chimney sweep company doing flashing repairs on your roof. The flashing has been leaking for years. The roof has rotted around the chimney. The employee falls through the roof and the attic and ends up on your living room floor with a broken back. Did you know, that employee can sue you for the damages. You could be held responsible.
I know it sounds crazy, but it's true. Below is an excerpt from the Belt, Bronzer & Barnet PC, attorneys at law's blog:
Contractors Working as Employees
If a contractor is injured in a private home and is an employee of a business, then they should learn whether they have workers’ compensation insurance coverage. If the employer carries workers’ compensation insurance, then the contractor can file a claim for:
Medical expenses
Lost wages
Loss of use of a body part
Total or partial disability
Temporary or permanent disability
If the employer does not provide workers’ comp insurance, then the contractor needs to pursue compensation through a personal injury claim. Depending on the situation, the worker may file a personal injury claim against their employer or another at-fault party, like the homeowner.
The bottom line is this. Make sure you hire a reputable contractor. You want to make sure that contractor has workman's compensation insurance, general liability insurance, business license to do business in your municipality, and does not have several OSHA violations.
Do not trust your contractor to simply say "oh yeah… we have all that stuff". Be bold and ask for proof.
Are you aware, that in the state of Alabama, less than 5% of all chimney sweep companies have workman's compensation insurance. It may be part of the reason why there was such a price differential when you called several companies to get pricing for a chimney sweep.
At Top Hat Chimney sweeps, we pride ourselves on having business licenses in all of Georgia and all areas in Alabama that we do business. We also can show you our general liability insurance policy, auto insurance policy as well as our workman's compensation policy.
Protect yourself and hire a legitimate contractor!
Stay safe and warm
