Simpkins v. Unigard Mutual Insurance

Clark, Judge.

Once again we are confronted with the necessity of deciding if certain arrangements agreed upon between parties create a master-employee or an independent contractor relationship. Additionally, we must decide in this case if an estoppel existed whereby the insurer is prevented from denying workmen’s compensation coverage.

Sanders was a small building contractor whose business consisted of building residences for resale purposes on land owned by him. His method of operation was to contract with independent concerns and individuals for the various items and work needed to complete…