The COVID-19 global pandemic changed a lot of things, and one of those changes was opening up working from home options for many people. But how does this affect worker’s compensation?
Working from home and worker’s compensation can be an area of question for many employees. It’s certainly something that companies, as well, need to look at. With some workers transitioning back to the office, others will remain working at home at least some of the time, so knowing the ins and outs of what you are entitled to is important.
So, can you get worker’s compensation if you get hurt working from home?
Here’s what you need to know.
One of the first things to consider is, did you get hurt as a part of your work? If you go into your job, and you get hurt at your place of employment, worker’s compensation is pretty straightforward.
But if you are working at home and you get injured, this can be a gray area. However, if you get injured while you are working or as a direct result of your job duties, you might have a claim.
For example, if your job requires you to sit for long periods and you sustain back pain or even something like carpal tunnel syndrome, that could result in a worker’s compensation claim.
Like other worker’s compensation claims, you need to go to a doctor immediately for a medical evaluation and document everything – including notifying your boss or human resources as soon as possible.
Working at home doesn’t mean you forfeit your right to file for worker’s compensation, but it might be a little trickier to get a claim approved. This is why you should always contact an experienced attorney if you think you have a claim.
Connor Kimmet and Hafenstein LLP
If you have been injured or sickened at work, an expert workers’ compensation attorney can help you. We have a lawyer who will work for you and can answer your questions!