North Carolina law states that all businesses with three or more employees, and farm operations with ten or more employees are required to purchase a worker’s compensation policy. Although these number dictate when you have to purchase coverage , your liability to your employees begins when you hire the first one.

Business owners that are required to carry workers’ compensation and don’t can be charged with a Class H felony. They can be fined as much as $100 a day for each day they go without coverage and also be personally responsible for the costs of a claim.

Durham Chamber members are eligible for workers’ compensation with no other membership requirements through First Benefits Insurance Mutual. This benefit is exclusive to Chamber members and includes competitive rates and flexible and interest free payment plans. Visit their website at www.firstbenefits.org for more information.