CNA (Continental Casualty) v. William King, et al.

A roofing contractor applied for workers compensation insurance, declaring in his application that he had no employees. He paid a $750 minimum premium, and the insurance company issued a policy. The company subsequently audited his records and assessed an additional premium of over $14,700 for roofers who worked under contract with him or his subcontractors, but who were not covered by their own workers compensation policies. The contractor refused to pay, and the insurance company brought suit. The contractor claimed at trial that all the workers were independent contractors and, thus, that he was not obligated to insure them. The trial court ruled against him. We affirm the trial court.