Remote Work Injuries: Navigating Workers’ Compensation

As remote work becomes a permanent part of modern employment, a new set of legal questions has emerged—chief among them is: Can you receive workers’ compensation if you’re injured while working from home? The answer is yes, in many cases, but proving a remote work injury can be more complicated than traditional on-site incidents. This article will break down how workers’ compensation applies to remote workers, what types of injuries are covered, how to report them, and what to do if your claim is denied.

Understanding Workers’ Compensation for Remote Employees

Workers’ compensation is a form of insurance that provides medical benefits and wage replacement to employees injured in the course of employment. Traditionally, this has been associated with factory floors, office buildings, and construction sites. But in the age of Zoom calls and home offices, the workplace has expanded far beyond its former boundaries.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, nearly 30% of workers now operate remotely full- or part-time. With that shift, it’s crucial to understand that remote workers have the same rights to file for workers’ comp as those in traditional office settings—provided the injury “arises out of and in the course of employment.”

Example: If you trip over your dog while grabbing a snack during your lunch break, that’s not a compensable injury. But if you trip over a cord while rushing to answer a work call, it could be.

Types of Remote Work Injuries That May Be Covered

1. Repetitive Strain Injuries (RSIs)

Sitting for hours with poor ergonomics can lead to conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome, back pain, or tendonitis. These injuries often develop over time and are common among remote workers using laptops in non-ideal setups.

2. Slip and Falls

You may be eligible for compensation if you slip on a wet floor or fall down the stairs while performing a work-related task.

3. Mental Health Conditions

While harder to prove, work-induced anxiety, depression, or burnout may be compensable if directly linked to your job duties. Mental health claims are complex and vary significantly by state.

4. Sudden Injuries During Work Tasks

Lifting heavy packages, setting up equipment, or other physical tasks performed as part of your job—if they result in injury—can qualify.

The Burden of Proof: Why Documentation Is Key

Unlike injuries at a job site, remote work injuries lack witnesses and formal incident reports. This makes documenting your environment and the incident thoroughly crucial.

Here’s what you should do:

• Take photos of the scene immediately.
• Note the time and task you were doing when the injury occurred.
• Save emails or messages showing you were working at that time.
• Seek medical attention as soon as possible and inform the provider it’s a work-related injury.
• Report the injury to your employer promptly. Most states have tight deadlines—sometimes as little as 30 days.

Internal tip: If you’re already working with an attorney at Harker Injury Law, be sure to inform them early so they can help gather necessary evidence.

Employer Responsibilities for Remote Work Safety

Employers are still legally responsible for providing a safe working environment, even when the “workplace” is your home. While they can’t inspect your house, many companies now offer:

• Ergonomic training
• Home office stipends for safe furniture
• Flexible hours to reduce overwork-related stress

Employers should maintain a clear remote work policy outlining responsibilities, safety guidelines, and procedures for reporting personal injuries. Failing to do so can open the company up to liability.

How to File a Workers’ Comp Claim as a Remote Worker

Here are the standard steps, though they may vary by state:

1. Report the injury to your employer or HR department immediately.
2. Complete the claim form provided by your employer or state agency.
3. Submit supporting documents, including medical records, incident photos, and time logs.
4. Await decision from the insurance carrier, which typically has 14–30 days to respond.

For a deeper understanding of your state’s rules, visit the U.S. Department of Labor’s Workers’ Comp Office.

What to Do If Your Claim Is Denied

It’s not uncommon for remote work injury claims to be denied due to lack of evidence or questions about work-relatedness. If that happens:

• Request a written explanation for the denial.
• Consult a workers’ compensation attorney to review your case.
• Appeal the denial through your state’s workers’ comp board. This process may involve mediation or a hearing.

Internal link: Contact Harker Injury Law to schedule a free consultation if your claim has been denied or disputed.

Preventing Remote Work Injuries

Prevention is always better than litigation. Here are some quick strategies to stay safe while working from home:

• Use ergonomic chairs and desks to reduce strain on your back and wrists.
• Take frequent breaks to stretch and walk around.
• Keep walkways clear of clutter to avoid falls.
• Set work hours and avoid overworking, which can lead to mental fatigue and physical injury.

You can also find helpful resources on ergonomic home office setups from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).

Real-World Examples of Remote Work Claims

Several court cases have affirmed the compensability of remote work injuries. For instance:

• In Verizon Pennsylvania, Inc. v. Workers’ Comp Appeal Board, a woman was injured walking down her stairs to retrieve coffee while working from home. The court ruled in her favor since she was still “furthering the business” of her employer.
• In another case, an employee tripped over her dog while responding to a work call and was awarded compensation because she was on duty.

These examples underscore the importance of understanding the context and causation of your injury.

Know Your Rights

Remote work offers many advantages—flexibility, reduced commute, and better work-life balance. But with those benefits come responsibilities and risks. If you’re injured while working from home, don’t assume you’re ineligible for compensation. With the right documentation and legal support, many remote injuries can be successfully claimed under workers’ compensation law.

If you’re unsure about your rights or need help navigating a denied claim, reach out to an experienced attorney who understands the evolving landscape of remote work.

Need Help? Contact Harker Injury Law’s workers’ compensation attorneys to protect your rights and explore your options.