There are distinct differences between being an employee and an independent contractor. In this article, our Iowa employment attorneys discuss why knowing which one you are is important for both the worker and the company, what factors the courts look at when making a decision, and penalties for miss-classification. To determine the difference between an employee and an independent contractor, ask yourself the following questions:

• How much will the employer control the work being done?
• What skill is needed to perform and complete the desired work?
• Who supplies the tools, equipment, and place of work for the project?
• How will the worker be paid? By time? (Hourly), a percentage, or a lump sum?
• Is the work part of the regular business of the employer?
• Is the work usually performed without supervision from the employer?
• Is there a specific time-frame for the work to be completed?
• Will there be consistent and similar work for an undetermined period of time?

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Our Iowa employment attorneys discuss some of the most important clauses that Iowa businesses should include in their employment contracts and independent contractor agreements. This article covers non-compete clauses, trade secret clauses, non-solicitation clauses, non-disparagement clauses and a host of other important items to include in your employment contracts and IC agreements. It also covers some of the common, but every important clauses that should be in every contract no matter the business.

Read more from our Iowa employment attorneys on the clauses to include in independent contractor agreements and employee agreements in Iowa.

Workers' compensations laws are tricky and our Iowa employment attorneys are here to help you understand how to make a claim and what that entails. Most employers in Iowa have worker's comp policies in place to provide their workers with benefits in the instance of a work-related injury, however, not all injuries are covered. This article discusses important questions when it comes to workers' comp, including:

• What Types of Injuries are Covered?
• Workers’ Compensation Eligibility
• What benefits are provided under the law?
• Types of disability benefits
• Who pays the benefits and choses the medical care
• Important deadlines‍

Read more from our Iowa employment lawyers about current workers' compensation laws for Iowa businesses.