Workers Comp for Remote Employees: Are You Covered?

With millions of Americans now working from home, questions about workers compensation coverage for remote employees have become increasingly important. The good news is that remote workers are generally covered by workers compensation for injuries that occur while performing work duties, even if those injuries happen at home.

Are Remote Workers Covered?

Yes, in most states, remote employees are covered by workers compensation for injuries that arise out of and in the course of employment. The key requirement is that the injury must be work-related, meaning it occurred while you were performing your job duties.

Common Home Office Injuries

Repetitive stress injuries from poor ergonomic setup including carpal tunnel syndrome, back pain, and neck strain. Slip and fall injuries in the home office area. Tripping over cords, equipment, or other home office hazards. Eye strain from prolonged screen use. Injuries from defective office equipment provided by the employer.

The Work-Related Requirement

The challenge with remote worker claims is proving that the injury occurred while performing work duties rather than personal activities. If you trip over your dog while walking to the kitchen for a personal snack, that is likely not covered. If you trip over an extension cord while walking to your home office printer, that is likely covered.

Employer Obligations

Employers have a duty to provide a safe work environment for remote employees. This may include providing ergonomic equipment, conducting virtual ergonomic assessments, establishing safety guidelines for home offices, and covering the cost of home office setup.

Filing a Remote Worker Claim

Report the injury to your employer immediately. Document the circumstances of the injury including what you were doing at the time. Photograph the hazard that caused the injury. Seek medical treatment promptly. File a workers compensation claim through your employer.

Conclusion

Remote workers are generally covered by workers compensation for work-related injuries that occur at home. The key is proving that the injury happened while performing job duties.

Use our free settlement calculator to estimate what your remote work injury case might be worth.