If you work from home in Florida and get hurt while doing your job, you may wonder whether you can receive workers’ compensation benefits. As more people work remotely, questions about on-the-job injuries have become more common. Florida law may cover these accidents if they happen while you perform your job duties.
When workers’ compensation covers remote employees
Florida’s workers’ compensation system generally covers employees who get hurt while performing their jobs. This coverage also may apply when you work from home.
For example, you may qualify for benefits if you trip over a computer cable while walking to answer a work call. Repetitive stress conditions, such as carpal tunnel syndrome, also can qualify if medical evidence links them to your job duties.
Proving a remote work injury
Proving that your injury happened while you were working can be harder than proving an accident in a traditional workplace. Most home offices do not have coworkers who can witness what happened.
Keep detailed records after the accident. Take photos of the area, save emails or messages that show you were working and seek medical care right away. Tell your doctor exactly how and when the injury happened so your medical records reflect it.
What injuries may qualify?
Florida law may cover accidents that happen during scheduled work hours while you perform assigned duties. This includes falls, equipment failures and injuries caused by poor workstation ergonomics. Repetitive stress conditions also can qualify if your job caused them.
Injuries that happen while you are doing personal household chores are generally not covered. However, injuries that occur during brief and reasonable personal comfort breaks, such as getting water or using the restroom, are usually covered. The injury must result from a neutral or work-related hazard rather than a purely personal risk, such as a household pet.
Employer responsibilities
Employers usually do not maintain a home office the way they maintain a traditional workplace. However, company policies, employment agreements and employer-provided equipment also may affect your case.
What should you do after an injury?
Report the accident to your employer as soon as possible, preferably in writing. Florida law generally requires you to report a workplace injury within 30 days. Get medical treatment promptly and tell your healthcare provider that the accident happened while you were working. You also may wish to speak with a workers’ compensation attorney about your options.
Prompt action can protect your right to recovery
If you get hurt while working from home, acting quickly can make a difference. Report the accident, seek medical care and keep records that support your claim. Taking these steps can help you protect your right to recovery.