Can I Get Workers' Compensation as a Remote Employee?

Remote work has become a normal part of life for many people. Whether you're working from your living room, a co-working space, or even a coffee shop, it's still possible to get injured while on the job. But what happens if you get hurt while working remotely? Can you still receive workers' compensation benefits?

Before we go further, it's important to know your workers' comp rights as a remote worker to avoid losing benefits you may be entitled to.

What is Workers' Compensation?

Workers' compensation is a type of insurance that employers provide to cover workers who get injured or sick because of their jobs. It helps pay for medical care, lost wages, and sometimes rehabilitation if an injury prevents someone from returning to work right away.

In the United States, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported over 2.5 million nonfatal workplace injuries and illnesses in 2022 among private industry workers. Many of these occurred in offices, factories, and other job sites, but remote work injuries are becoming more common as work-from-home becomes more popular.

Workers' Compensation and Remote Employees

Yes, remote employees can receive workers' compensation if certain conditions are met. Workers' compensation doesn't only apply to accidents at the office or on a construction site. If a remote worker gets injured while performing job-related duties, they may be eligible for benefits.

For example, if you trip over a wire while setting up work equipment at home or strain your wrist from hours of typing, these might qualify. The key factor is whether the injury occurred while doing work tasks and not personal ones like cooking lunch or walking the dog.

Employers still have a responsibility to ensure the safety of remote workers, even if it's not in a traditional office space. Some companies may give remote employees safety guidelines or ask them to create a safe home workspace.

Eligibility and Types of Injuries Covered for Remote Employees

Are Remote Workers Eligible for Compensation Benefits?

Eligibility for workers' compensation as a remote employee depends on state laws and the nature of the injury. Most states require that the injury must happen during work hours and while doing tasks related to your job. You may need to prove that your injury was work-related, which can sometimes be harder when working remotely.

Here are common types of injuries that might be covered under workers' compensation for remote employees:

• Repetitive stress injuries – like carpal tunnel syndrome from constant typing

• Slip and fall accidents – such as tripping over cords in your home office

• Back or neck strain – from poor posture or lifting work materials

• Eye strain or headaches – caused by long hours in front of a screen

On the other hand, if an injury happens during non-work activities such as exercising or cleaning your house, it likely won't be covered.

It's a good idea to keep your work area separate from your personal space and maintain a clear work schedule. This can help prove that you were injured during work hours if you ever need to file a claim.

Conclusion

Remote workers are not left out of workers' compensation protection. If you're injured while performing your job duties at home, you may be eligible for benefits, just like an in-office employee. But every case is different, and it depends on your state laws and the details of the injury.

To protect yourself, make sure your home workspace is safe and report any injury to your employer as soon as it happens. Most importantly, know your workers' comp rights as a remote worker so you don't miss out on the support you deserve.

Understanding your rights can make all the difference if the unexpected happens—even at home.