It can be very tempting to work for cash under the table when an employer offers it.  What’s not to like?  No pesky taxes taken out.  No annoying paperwork to complete.  Liquid assets at your disposal on every payday.  But be warned, working under the table can have catastrophic effects if you get hurt on the job.

I once represented a young client who was working for a construction contractor for cash under the table.  His boss called all of his employees “independent contractors,” even though they worked exclusively for his construction company.  My client was severely injured when a coworker threw a twelve-foot board off of a two-story building, and the board struck my client in the back of the neck.  He had six figures in medical debt by the time he got out of the hospital and he was taken to court for the bills.  Fortunately, he had private health insurance and we were able to get his carrier to pay the vast majority of the bills.  But because he worked for cash, there were no IRS records verifying his income and we could not sue for wage loss benefits.  Furthermore, as is often the case with employers who pay cash, his employer had no insurance coverage for this situation, so my client could only collect a fraction of what was due to him.

While working for cash might seem like a quick way to earn a buck, think twice before doing it.  Nobody is immune from workplace injuries, and failing to properly report your earnings to the government can remove important safety nets for those who are injured on the job.

If you’ve been injured, call the experts at Bolhouse, Hofstee & McLean, P.C. for a free consultation.  They know how to fight for injured claimants.

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