Can You Collect Workers' Compensation if You Work from Home? Understanding Remote Work Injuries
With the surge in remote work post-pandemic, many employees raise the question, “If I get injured working from home, can I still collect workers’ compensation?” The answer is yes – remote work injuries can be covered! But as with all things involving insurance, there’s a bit more to the story.
Here’s what you need to know about collecting workers’ compensation when your home doubles as your office:
Can You Really Get Workers’ Comp if You Work Remotely?
Absolutely! If you get hurt on the job – even if you’re in your pajamas at your dining room table – workers’ compensation applies. The important factor isn’t where you got injured, but how it happened. But be prepared, because proving your case can be a bit more challenging when your “office” is your living room.
Proving Your Injury Was Work-Related
Here’s where things can get a little sticky. You’ll need to show that the injury happened while you were working. If you sprain your ankle stepping over your dog to grab a snack mid-Zoom call, that may be a tougher sell than if you developed wrist pain from typing all day.
Some factors that can strengthen your claim include:
• Sticking to a Regular Schedule: Having set work hours can help show that the injury happened while on the job.
• Documenting the Injury: Reporting the injury immediately and documenting the incident with pictures, emails, or medical records can all help support your case.
• Designated Workplace: Having a specific area in your home set aside for work purposes can also demonstrate the injury was work-related.
Common Remote Work Injuries
While working from home can provide comfort, certain risks remain. Common remote work injuries that could qualify for workers’ compensation include:
• Repetitive Strain Injuries: Typing on a computer for long periods can cause carpal tunnel syndrome or other repetitive motion injuries.
• Slips and Falls: Tripping over wires or office equipment in your workspace at home can result in injuries like sprains, fractures, or concussions.
• Ergonomic Injuries: Sitting on a kitchen chair all day? That back and neck pain may be more than just discomfort – it could lead to a claim.
How Do You File a Workers’ Comp Claim for Remote Injuries?
If you’re injured while working remotely, the process is pretty much the same as it would be in an office. Here’s what you’ll need to do:
• Report it: Let your employer know about your injury ASAP. Most states have strict deadlines for reporting. According to the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment, you have 10 working days to let your employer know about your injury in writing.
• Seek Medical Treatment: Even if the injury seems minor, seek medical attention to get an accurate diagnosis and to document it.
• File a Claim: Work with your employer and their workers’ comp insurance to submit your claim.
Have Questions About Benefits for Remote Workers’? Ask Our Colorado Workers’ Compensation Attorneys!
Injuries don’t just happen in cubicles; they can happen from the comfort of your home office too. If you get hurt while working remotely, workers’ compensation should still have your back.
The important part is proving that your injury was related to your job, remembering to take the proper steps, stay safe, and enjoy the benefits of working from home – without the workplace hazards!
If you’d like to learn more about the benefits of remote workers in Colorado, don’t hesitate to contact our Colorado workers’ compensation attorneys to get more information.