Working from home has become the new normal for thousands of Californians. But what happens if you’re injured on the job — while working remotely?
Whether you trip over a power cord during a Zoom call or suffer back pain from a poor home office setup, you may be wondering: Am I covered by workers’ comp if I’m injured while working from home?
The answer is: Yes — but with some important conditions. In California, remote workers are generally eligible for workers’ compensation benefits, but proving your injury is work-related is key.
At Employees First Labor Law, we help remote employees across California secure benefits after workplace injuries — even when “the workplace” is their living room.
🔹 Are Remote Workers Covered Under Workers’ Comp?
Yes. Under California law, workers’ compensation coverage applies to any injury that arises out of and in the course of employment — regardless of whether it occurred at the employer’s physical location.
Legal Reference: California Labor Code § 3600 establishes that employees are covered as long as the injury occurred while performing work duties.
So, if you’re working remotely and suffer an injury during your normal working hours — while performing tasks for your employer — you may qualify for full workers’ comp benefits.
🔹 Common Remote Work Injuries That May Be Covered
Remote workers may suffer a wide range of injuries, including:
- Repetitive strain injuries (e.g., carpal tunnel, tendonitis)
- Back and neck injuries from poor ergonomics
- Trips, slips, or falls while moving around the home for work-related reasons
- Eye strain or migraines from prolonged screen exposure
- Psychological injuries from isolation, overwork, or harassment via digital platforms
Even accidents that don’t seem dramatic — like slipping on stairs while walking to grab a work-related document — may still be covered if they happen during work time and due to work duties.
🔹 What Must You Prove?
To win a remote work injury claim, you generally need to prove two things:
- The injury occurred during work hours
- The injury was caused by or arose out of your work duties
This can get tricky when there’s no one else present, so documentation is key. It helps to have:
- Time-stamped communications showing you were on the clock
- A clear description of your work setup and duties
- Medical records that link the injury to your remote work environment
🔹 What If Your Employer Says It’s “Not Work-Related”?
Employers and insurance companies often push back on remote work claims. They may argue that:
- You were off-duty at the time of the injury
- The injury occurred due to your personal home setup, not work
- The activity wasn’t job-related
We regularly fight these denials by:
- Proving that job duties were being performed at the time
- Showing how employer demands contributed to the injury
- Using expert evidence (ergonomics, time tracking, etc.) to validate the claim
🔹 What Benefits Can You Receive?
If your remote injury is accepted as work-related, you’re entitled to full workers’ compensation benefits, including:
✅ Medical Treatment
- Doctors’ visits, therapy, medication, and diagnostic testing
✅ Temporary Disability Benefits
- Wage replacement while you’re unable to work
✅ Permanent Disability Benefits
- If your injury leads to lasting impairments
✅ Supplemental Job Displacement Benefits
- A $6,000 voucher for retraining if you can’t return to your usual job
🔹 Tips to Protect Yourself as a Remote Worker
To avoid disputes if an injury occurs, remote employees should:
- Follow a regular work schedule
- Keep written instructions or job duties from their employer
- Document their workspace setup (including photos if possible)
- Report injuries immediately, just like you would at the office
🔹 Why Choose Employees First Labor Law?
At Employees First Labor Law, we know remote work injuries are often dismissed or denied — but that doesn’t make them any less valid. We help remote workers across California secure the benefits they’re entitled to, even when the injury happens outside a traditional workplace.
Here’s how we help:
✅ We Know Remote Work Law
We understand the legal gray areas of home-based injuries and use work logs, communications, and expert input to prove the injury was job-related.
✅ We Challenge Denials
Insurers often blame personal activity or home setups. We present clear evidence that ties your injury directly to your job duties.
✅ We Maximize Compensation
From ergonomic injuries to long-term conditions, we fight for the highest possible disability rating and ongoing medical treatment.
✅ We Fight Retaliation
If your employer penalizes you for filing a claim, we pursue retaliation claims under Labor Code §132a and related employment laws.
Whether you were injured in the office or your home office, we’ll fight to make sure your rights are protected.
✅ Get a Free Case Review Today
If you’ve been injured while working from home, don’t wait. Contact Employees First Labor Law today for a free consultation. We’ll evaluate your claim and guide you through every step — at no cost unless we win.
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