Can Remote Workers Receive Workers' Compensation Benefits?
You likely recognize that you are covered by workers’ compensation when you’re working at your place of employment. If you work from home, however, you may have serious concerns about whether workers’ compensation applies in the event you’re injured.
Generally, remote employees are covered by workers’ compensation, but proving that your injury is work-related can make an already challenging process more so. Our experienced Cherry Hill workers’ compensation attorneys at Matarazzo & Lubcher are well-equipped to help.
Remote Workers’ Rights
In the State of New Jersey, remote workers are entitled to the same rights as on-site employees, including workers’ compensation coverage. This extends to related medical bills, wage replacement, and disability benefits.
If, in other words, you were injured in the course of working remotely or you suffered an illness related to working remotely, you have the right to file a workers’ compensation claim. Bringing a strong claim, however, comes with unique challenges.
Demonstrating Your Injury is Work-Related
Working remotely generally means working from home, and many people are injured in home accidents. To bring a successful workers’ compensation claim, you’ll need to demonstrate that the injuries you sustained happened in the course of your work rather than as a function of simply being at home.
The injury must have occurred within the course of doing your job and within the scope of your employment. This means that the accident must have happened during your workday. Performing personal tasks in your home, such as making your child a smoothie or taking a break to mow the lawn, will not suffice.
Take These Steps to Bolster Your Workers’ Comp Claim
Because you were injured at home, proving that it was work-related can be tricky. Taking the following primary steps, however, can help you strengthen your workers’ compensation claim:
- If your injuries are severe, seek immediate medical attention and obtain a medical report, which can help define the correlation between your remote workday and your injuries.
- Consult with a reputable workers’ compensation lawyer early on. Doing so will help you clearly connect your injuries and your work.
- Carefully follow both your doctor and your legal counsel’s professional advice.
You’ll also want to gather any evidence that has the potential to strengthen your claim. Examples include photos of the accident site, the testimony of any eyewitnesses, and anyone who can corroborate your remote work schedule and practices.
Physical evidence of how the accident occurred can also play an important role. Electronic data that is time-stamped, such as e-mails, direct messages, or documents you were working on, may help you establish exactly when the accident happened.
You Need Our Experienced Cherry Hill Workers’ Compensation Lawyers in Your Corner
The knowledgeable Cherry Hill workers’ compensation attorneys at Matarazzo & Lubcher have a wealth of experience successfully handling even the most challenging claims, including those involving remote workers. We are here for you, too, so please don’t delay contacting us online or calling us at 856-460-5805 for more information today.