Can Remote Workers Claim Workers’ Compensation in FL?

While in-person workers are often familiar with the idea of filing a claim following an accident while on the job, those who work from home may assume they do not have the same benefits. However, if you are injured while working remotely, you may be surprised to learn that you could be eligible for workers’ compensation. Unfortunately, this already complicated process can be made even more stressful, as filing a claim as a remote worker is no easy task. As such, if you have sustained an injury while working from home, the following blog explores what you should know about your right to file a claim and the importance of discussing your circumstances with a Florida workers’ compensation attorney to help you recover the funds you deserve.

Are Remote Workers Eligible for Workers’ Comp in Florida?

In order to recover a claim for workers’ compensation in Florida, the injury you’ve sustained, you’ll need to show that you were engaged in duties related to the scope of your employment. This can be something as simple as slipping on a wet spot or more complex, like exposure to hazardous materials that result in a cancer diagnosis. However, if you are injured while working, you are generally able to recover compensation, even if you are technically liable for the injuries you’ve sustained.

As such, remote workers who are injured in their home while on the clock are generally able to file a claim to recover compensation for the injuries they’ve sustained. This is true even if they are entirely responsible for your injuries, as workers’ comp is a no-fault system. Unfortunately, if this reflects your situation, you should prepare for a challenging process of fighting for the funds you are entitled to.

What Challenges Can I Face During This Process?

It’s important to understand that filing a claim for workers’ compensation if you work remotely can be difficult. Unlike working in an office, warehouse, or construction site, there are generally no witnesses to corroborate your story. Unfortunately, without witnesses, receiving a compensation claim can be very difficult.

Your employer and their workers’ compensation insurer will likely deny your claim, as there is no evidence that the injury you sustained arose from activities related to your employment. For example, if you trip over a computer cable in your home, you’ll find that without witnesses, proving when you fell and that you were actively engaged in responsibilities that fall under the scope of your employment can be difficult. Similarly, if you develop a condition like carpal tunnel syndrome from an activity like typing, your employer can claim you failed to implement the recommended ergonomic setup to help prevent these injuries.

As you can see, it can be incredibly difficult to recover the compensation you deserve following a remote work accident. However, it is not impossible. If you have sustained an injury while working from home, it’s in your best interest to connect with an experienced attorney to help you fight for the compensation you deserve. At the Law Firm of Kevin A. Moore, our team understands how difficult this process can be and the challenges you face. That is why we are committed to doing everything in our power to help you recover the justice you are entitled to. Contact us today to learn how we can assist you.