Workers’ Compensation for Remote Workers

If you are a remote worker who has sustained an injury, you may wonder what your options are for workers’ compensation. What most people don’t know is that workers' compensation works the same for remote workers as it does for in-person employees—it’s a system of insurance that provides benefits to employees who are injured or become ill due to their job.

If you’re still unsure if you’re entitled to workers’ comp, this blog will highlight and discuss some situations in which a remote worker is covered by workers’ compensation, including some common injuries they could sustain while on the job.

Conditions

In order to be eligible for workers' compensation, an employee must be able to prove that their injury or illness is directly related to their job. This can sometimes be difficult for remote workers, who are not always physically present at their workplace. However, there are certain circumstances where workers' compensation will apply to remote workers.

If a remote worker is injured while performing work-related duties (such as setting up equipment or working at a home office), they may be eligible for workers' compensation. Additionally, if a remote worker is injured while traveling for work-related purposes (such as attending a meeting or training seminar), they may also be eligible for workers' compensation.

However, if a remote worker sustains injuries from tripping over their rug while on the clock, chances are they won’t have a valid workers’ compensation claim because the injury wasn’t work-related. If you are unsure if your injury or illness is work-related, speak with your supervisor immediately.

Common Injuries & Illnesses

These days, more and more people are working from home. While this arrangement has many perks, it can also lead to several new health hazards. For example, those who work from home are more likely to suffer from neck and back pain due to poor ergonomics.

Additionally, they may be at greater risk for developing carpal tunnel syndrome due to the increased use of computers and other digital devices. Because workers are also not interacting with others regularly, they may be more prone to developing social anxiety or depression too. Of course, these are just a few of the possible risks associated with working from home. However, with a little awareness and care, these risks can be minimized.

Below are some tips to help benefit your situation at home.

1. Make sure your chair provides adequate back support and is at the correct height for your desk.
2. Take frequent breaks to stretch and move around.
3. Speak with your supervisor to see if your company can provide you with a good quality computer mouse and keyboard.
4. Be sure to take time off when needed. Do not overexert yourself, as it can lead to burnout.

Benefits

State governments usually administer the workers' compensation program as part of social welfare programs. Workers' compensation includes a variety of benefits, including medical benefits, income replacement, and death benefits.

The medical benefits can help cover the cost of treatment and ensure that workers get the care they need. Some services covered include

• Doctors visit or appointments with other necessary health care providers,
• Reasonable and necessary surgical services,
• Hospital treatment, supplies, and services,
• Prescription medication,
• And necessary medical supplies and devices.

The income replacement benefits can help workers make ends meet while they cannot work, and the death benefits can provide financial support for families who have lost a breadwinner.

Pennsylvania Workers Compensation Attorneys

Suppose you are a remote worker who has sustained an injury or become ill due to your job. In that case, you should contact our experienced workers' compensation attorneys to discuss your case. Our experienced lawyers will be able to help you navigate the workers' compensation system and get you the benefits you are entitled to.

Our attorneys at are here to help. To get in touch with a member of our team, call us at (844) 383-0565 or fill out a consultation request form.