With remote work becoming more common, many employees wonder whether they are covered by workers’ compensation if they get injured while working from home. The answer depends on the circumstances of the injury and whether it occurred during employment. Here’s what telecommuters need to know about their rights.
Are Remote Workers Eligible for Workers’ Compensation?
Yes—if you are a remote employee and suffer a work-related injury, you may be eligible for workers’ compensation. Just like in an office or job site, your employer is responsible for providing a safe work environment, even when you work from home. However, proving that an injury was work-related can be more complicated for telecommuters.
What Counts as a Work-Related Injury at Home?
To qualify for workers’ compensation, an injury must occur while performing job duties. Some common examples of remote work injuries include:
- Repetitive stress injuries – Conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome from excessive typing.
- Slip-and-fall accidents – Tripping over work equipment in your home office.
- Ergonomic injuries – Back or neck pain due to an improper workstation setup.
Challenges in Proving a Remote Work Injury
Since employers can’t monitor your home environment, they may dispute whether an injury happened while you were working. To strengthen your claim:
- Report the injury immediately.
- Document where and how the injury occurred.
- Keep records of your work schedule and tasks.
What to Do If You’re Injured While Working Remotely
If you suffer a work-related injury at home, notify your employer as soon as possible and file a workers’ compensation claim. An experienced workers’ compensation attorney can help ensure your claim is taken seriously and that you receive the benefits you deserve.
Even if you work remotely, you still have legal rights. If you’re unsure about your eligibility, consulting an attorney can help protect your claim.
Hit by an Uninsured Driver? How to Recover Compensation When the At-Fault Driver Has No Insurance
Being involved in a car accident is already stressful, but it’s even more frustrating when the at-fault driver doesn’t have insurance. If you’ve been hit by an uninsured driver, you may be wondering how you can recover compensation for your injuries and damages. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to protect your rights and financial interests, even in these challenging situations.
Check Your Insurance Policy
The first step is to review your car insurance coverage. Many states require uninsured motorist (UM) coverage, which provides compensation if you’re involved in an accident with an uninsured driver. UM coverage can help pay for medical bills, property damage, and even lost wages. If you have this coverage, it’s a great starting point for filing a claim.
File a Claim with Your Insurance Company
If you have uninsured motorist coverage, the next step is to file a claim with your own insurance company. Your insurer will investigate the accident, and if your claim is approved, they will compensate you for the damages, including medical expenses, car repairs, and lost income. This is typically the quickest and most effective way to recover compensation when the other driver is uninsured.
Use Your Health Insurance
If you don’t have uninsured motorist coverage, your health insurance might help cover your medical bills. Depending on your policy, it can pay for medical treatments, hospital visits, and physical therapy. Be sure to contact your health insurance provider to understand your coverage options.
Sue the Uninsured Driver
If the uninsured driver has assets or income, you can file a personal injury lawsuit against them. However, collecting compensation from an uninsured driver can be difficult, as they may not have the means to pay. A skilled personal injury attorney can help you determine whether this is a viable option based on the driver’s financial situation.
Being hit by an uninsured driver is frustrating, but with the right insurance coverage and legal guidance, you can still recover compensation and move forward.
