Zoom Calls & Sprained Ankles: Are Remote Work Injuries Covered?

The rise of remote work has changed how we approach our daily routines, transforming kitchen tables into workstations and bedrooms into boardrooms. While working from home (WFH) offers flexibility and comfort, it doesn't eliminate the risk of workplace injuries.

At Morgan & Morgan, we’ve seen firsthand how modern work arrangements can create complex legal scenarios. As the nation's largest personal injury law firm, we’re here to help workers understand their rights, whether in a traditional office or working from home.

Remote Work and Workers’ Compensation

Workers' compensation is designed to protect employees who suffer injuries or illnesses that arise “out of and in the course and scope of employment.” Traditionally, this applied to injuries sustained on-site, but the lines are blurrier in remote settings. So what happens when your office is your living room?

If you're performing duties for your employer during your regular working hours and you suffer an injury, say you trip over a cord while rushing to answer a work-related call, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation. However, the burden is often on the employee to prove the injury was truly work-related and not caused by unrelated home activities.

Common Work-from-Home Injuries

You might not think your home office poses a safety risk, but remote work can lead to several types of injuries:

• Trip and fall accidents: Power cords, cluttered walkways, or even pets underfoot can lead to unexpected falls.
• Burns or electric shocks: Electrical equipment used for work can cause hazards if not properly maintained.
• Eye Strain and Headaches: Prolonged screen time without adequate lighting or screen breaks can trigger chronic headaches and visual discomfort.

Each of these could potentially qualify for workers’ compensation. Still, eligibility depends on your state's specific laws, and you must be able to show that the injury occurred while performing your job. Remote workers have the option to bring a claim in multiple jurisdictions, depending on where they were hired, where their employer is based, and where their home office is located. That’s why it’s important to speak with an experienced workers’ compensation attorney who understands how these factors can impact your case and help you pursue the best possible outcome.

Challenges of Proving a Claim

Unlike in-office incidents, no manager or HR rep is nearby to witness an accident at home. That makes documentation absolutely critical.

If you're injured while working remotely, take these steps:

• Report the injury immediately to your employer (in writing, if possible), just as you would in a physical workplace.
• Seek medical treatment and document the visit, noting that the injury occurred during work activities.
• Collect evidence, take photos of the scene, get statements from anyone who may have been present, and preserve any relevant communication (emails, messages, calendars) that show you were working when the injury occurred.
• Consult a workers’ compensation attorney if your claim is denied or delayed.

Employers or insurers may argue that your injury happened off the clock or was unrelated to your job. That’s why having strong documentation and legal representation is essential.

Employer Responsibilities in a Remote Work Era

Your employer must provide a reasonably safe work environment even if you're not on-site. Some companies now offer guidance on how to set up ergonomic home workspaces or provide stipends for office equipment. Employers may also outline expectations in remote work policies, including defined work hours and designated workspaces—both of which can impact a workers’ compensation claim.

However, many companies have yet to catch up to the legal gray areas that remote work has introduced. Without legal guidance, the path to a successful claim can be murky.

What Morgan and Morgan Can Do for You

Dealing with a remote work injury claim can feel overwhelming, especially when you're also trying to recover. That’s where Morgan & Morgan steps in.

With decades of experience and a nationwide network of attorneys, we fight for workers’ rights, no matter where they’re working from. If your remote injury claim has been denied, delayed, or underpaid, we can help you build a compelling case and ensure you receive the benefits you’re entitled to.

Remember, we don’t get paid unless we win, and we’ve recovered billions for our clients. Don't leave anything to chance when protecting your health, livelihood, and future.

Just because you’re working in sweatpants doesn’t mean you’re not entitled to the same legal protections as in-office employees. Injuries can happen anywhere, and when they do, you deserve support.