Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the way we work is changing. Those fortunate enough to be able to perform their job duties remotely have been adapting to both the joys and challenges of working from home.
As people get the hang of remote work, one thing on many people’s minds is the question of how normal job-related benefits come into play when an employee is not actually going into their workplace regularly. Among these concerns is workers’ compensation.
I’m Working from Home & Got Injured on the Job. Can I Get Workers Compensation Benefits?
The answer may very well be yes. According to the Massachusetts Workers Compensation Act, if an injury arises out of and in the course of your employment then it is compensable. No matter where your employment is located—whether it’s your home, a coffee shop, or a co-working space—if you are injured while performing the duties of your job or in the course of performing these duties then you may be entitled to workers compensation benefits.
Federal law states that injuries and or illnesses that occur while an employee is working from home will be considered work-related if:
- The injury or illness occurs while the employee is working for pay at home
- The injury or illness is directly related to the performance of the employee’s assigned work (not to the home or setting where the employee is working)
Examples of work at home injuries that may qualify you for workers’ comp benefits include:
- Injuring your back while carrying a heavy box of work-related documents or equipment
- Being assaulted by a customer or client of yours or your employer
- Getting carpal tunnel syndrome from performing a repetitive motion, like data entry
- Getting into a car accident while on your way to the office or performing another work-related errand as ordered by your employer
- Puncturing a fingernail while performing garment work which becomes infected and requires medical treatment
- Suffering work-related stress while working from home
- Sustaining a burn after the battery in the laptop or phone your employer gave you explodes
As long as your injury or illness is directly connected to your job, you should be entitled to coverage paying for your medical expenses and lost wages. Just make sure you follow these steps as soon as possible after sustaining or discovering your ailment.
How Percy Law Group Can Help You Get Back on Your Feet
Enlisting the help of a strong and compassionate workers’ compensation lawyer in Massachusetts can make all the difference between your workers’ compensation claim being approved or denied. We will assist you throughout the application process to ensure your paperwork is correct and goes through the system as quickly as possible.
Without a lawyer on your side, you may have to fight your employer and their insurance company on your own. Because insurance companies will stop at nothing to pay out the smallest sum possible, this can be a nearly impossible battle. An attorney will stand up to the insurance agency on your behalf, whether in negotiations or litigation. We can also help you collect evidence from witnesses, doctors, and experts in order to determine that your accident occurred exactly as you say it did so the insurance company will have no choice but to grant you the full compensation you deserve.
Injured while working from home? Our Massachusetts workers’ compensation for remote employees attorneys can help. Contact us now to schedule your free consultation.