While an independent contractor is different from a standard employee, the exact definition of your role is not set in stone. To prevent any unwanted surprises, it is essential to define the exact business relationship between you and your employer prior to beginning work.
Here are the indications that death has occurred: 1  No breathing for a prolonged period of time. 2  No heartbeat. 3  Eyes are fixed and slightly open, with enlarged pupils.  Jaw relaxed, with the mouth slightly open.
There's a similar question here and I've copied my answer below. If you're determined enough, you can sneeze with your eyes open. Adam Savage from the Discovery show Mythbusters does it a little past 1:00 in this video: As for the question of why your eyes just force themselves shut, it's probably a reflex.