Can I collect workers’ compensation if I was injured while working from home?
Governor Charlie Baker issued a statewide stay-at-home order in March, which will stay in effect until further notice. Many Massachusetts businesses have closed their doors as a result, but some employees have the luxury of working from home.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 29 percent of U.S. employees (42 million workers) are capable of working remotely when needed. If you were hurt on the job while working from home, it’s important that you know your rights. An experienced workers’ compensation attorney can answer any questions you have regarding your at-home work injury.
Can I collect workers’ compensation if injured at home?
Accidents can happen anywhere. Remote workers are just as likely to be injured on the job at home as they are at a physical location. There are many possibilities of how an injury can happen at home. Some examples include:
- A worker trips and falls while walking from one room to another
- A worker develops tendinitis or other joint-related issue
Workers’ compensation usually covers work-related injuries that happen outside of the physical location of employment. However, it must be proven that the injury was sustained within the scope of your employment. This can be difficult to prove, since the injury could have happened during off-hours.
At-home work injuries count while an employee is either performing work-related duties or while on break. It’s best to inform your employer immediately if you sustained an injury. This way it can be documented at the time the injury occurred.
How can I reduce my chances of having my claim denied?
It’s very common for workers’ compensation claims due to at-home work injuries to be denied. This can happen when a claim form isn’t filled out correctly or there is insufficient evidence that an injury happened within the scope of employment. Even if your claim is legitimate, the insurance company who represents your employer will look for any reason to deny your claim.
Workers’ compensation claims can be confusing for those who don’t know how the legal system works. However, you can minimize the chances of a claim denial by consulting with an experienced Massachusetts workers’ compensation attorney. The Law Offices of Deborah G. Kohl can ensure that all paperwork is properly filled out and all needed documentation is provided before your trial.
To find out how we can help you, contact us online or call us at (508) 677-4900. We offer free case reviews and can speak to you remotely via FaceTime, Zoom, or Skype.