Workers’ compensation insurance was originally designed to cover charges for injuries that happen at the workplace and to protect employees when required to miss work for an extended period of time. Now, with technology constantly advancing, people are able to work from the comfort of their own home, although they are on their boss’ time. A new question has arisen for insurance companies and workers want to know, does worker’s compensation apply to those working from home or on the road who are injured during “office hours?”
Home Office vs. Real Office
In most circumstances, any injury that happens while doing your job should be compensated by your employer and insurance. This means that if you are on your way to a client meeting in a company car (or even your own car) an injury during that trip would be eligible for worker’s compensation. So it would make sense to assume that your injury at home would qualify for worker’s compensation, as long as it is a work related injury. For instance, if you are at home and decide to take a quick break to change the light bulb, you may do so. But, if you fall off the ladder and break your neck during “office hours” because you chose to do a midday light bulb change, you probably will not receive worker’s compensation. But in instances when actions for work purposes cause injury and are taken to court, they have sided with the employee almost every time.
How do you know if your injury will be compensated?
Just like common workplace injuries, things like chronic neck pain from a specific repeated action, slip and fall injuries or work induced migraines are covered as a telecommuting employee on the job. The best way to receive full compensation is to completely document everything that led up to the injury and what followed. When reported to your employer, they will provide a form to fill out for the insurance companies who will decipher what can be covered and what cannot. Amount of compensation relies a lot on the types of contracts the employee signed upon employment.
If your claim is denied or you find that your employer does not provide worker’s compensation benefits, you should immediately contact a personal injury lawyer experienced in worker’s compensation cases. Colley & Colley law firm in Tyler, Texas have years of experience protecting employees from employers and insurance companies who refuse to help employees properly recover. Contact Colley & Colley in East Texas today for a free consultation!
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