Work From Home and What It Means for Worker\’s Compensation

Following the Corona Virus pandemic, many businesses have allowed employees to continue working from home. Workers’ compensation is  often thought of as a remedy for employees injured at work. Most commonly, the injury occurs on the employer\’s premises. But what happens if you are working from home?

An injury is compensable under Minnesota law if the injury arises out of and in the course of employment. The crucial element in deciding if an injury suffered while working from home is compensable is whether the injury occurred in the course of employment. The Minnesota Supreme

Court analyzed this issue and supplied three factors to consider:

(1) How often are you working from home;
(2) What type of work equipment you have at home; and
(3) Is working from home necessary?

Whether an injury is going to be paid for by workers’ compensation always depends on the facts of each case – and how those facts are interpreted and documented. Getting help from an experienced lawyer early in the case helps you to protect your right to recovery. At Harvey & Carpenter, our experienced workers’ compensation attorneys can help you navigate these issues.

We offer free consultations to discuss any of your workers’ compensation questions. Call us now at (507) 779-7529.

When working from home, it is important to understand that not all injuries sustained during the workday will qualify for workers’ compensation benefits. For example, injuries that occur during breaks or while performing personal tasks generally are not compensable. However, if you suffer an injury while performing a job-related duty, such as lifting equipment or slipping on your home office floor while handling a work assignment, you may have a valid claim.

In Minnesota, documenting your work activities and environment can be crucial to supporting your claim. Keep a detailed log of your work hours, tasks performed, and any incidents that lead to injury. Photographs of your home workspace and the environment where the injury occurred can also provide valuable evidence. This documentation can help establish a clear connection between your injury and your employment.

It is also worth noting that Minnesota law requires employers to provide workers’ compensation coverage for injuries that arise out of and during the course of employment, regardless of whether the injury occurs on company premises. This means your employer’s insurance may still be liable even if your injury occurs at home, provided the circumstances meet the legal criteria.

On the other hand, if your injury leads to a long-term disability preventing you from returning to work, you might consider applying for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). Unlike workers’ compensation, SSDI is a federal program designed to assist individuals with disabilities that significantly limit their ability to work. It is important to consult with an attorney who understands both workers’ compensation and SSDI claims, as navigating these benefits simultaneously can be complex.

At Harvey & Carpenter, Attorneys at Law, we have extensive experience helping Minnesota workers who have been injured on the job, including those working remotely. Our team can guide you through the claims process, help you gather necessary evidence, and advocate on your behalf to secure the benefits you deserve.

If you have been injured while working from home, don’t wait to seek legal advice. Contact Harvey & Carpenter today at (507) 779-7529 for a free consultation and protect your rights.