Injured Worker Qualifies as Independent Contractor of Painting Business

An Ohio appellate court upheld a determination that a worker who suffered injuries on his second day working for a longtime acquaintance’s painting business was an independent contractor, not an employee. Case: Leghart v. Schuler Painting Inc., Nos. 115657 and 115663, 04/30/2026, published. Facts: Robert Leghart sent a text message to Steven Schuler in June 2022, looking for work. Schuler is the owner and operator of Schuler Painting, and he had known Leghart for more than 30 years. Schuler told Leghart that he could use help. Leghart began work for Schuler Painting, but was neve...