Do you qualify for workers’ compensation as a remote employee?

Many people telecommute these days and you may be among those who work from home.

What if you sustain a wrist injury during your working day? As a remote employee, are you eligible to receive workers’ compensation benefits?

About your injury

As a remote employee, you spend most of your time at the computer. This would appear to be safe work. However, you have noticed discomfort in your right wrist and over the past couple of weeks, the discomfort level has increased significantly. You visit your doctor who provides a diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome. The treatment includes a cortisone injection, a wrist splint and resting that wrist, which means missing days of work.

Employer responsibilities

You follow the practices your company has established for home workers. For example, you keep normal working hours, and you have a dedicated space in which to do your job. Your employer must provide you with the same safety standards that exist in the office. Still, the unexpected can happen. You must report your injury along with the carpal tunnel diagnosis to your employer who is responsible for maintaining workers’ compensation insurance. A manager, supervisor or human resources representative should have the initial form for you to complete and submit. Keep in mind that the insurer might deny your claim initially, but you have the right to appeal that decision.

Next steps

The severity of your injury will determine the benefits for which you might qualify. If you are in the process of forming an appeal, you may want the guidance of an advocate. You can contact a Workers’ Compensation Specialist for a free, no-obligation consultation to learn how we can help you. Call 610-892-9300 or reach us online.