Working from home can make it harder to tell whether an injury counts as a work injury. A slip on the stairs during a work break may not have the same legal footing as an injury that happens while carrying work equipment. For New Jersey remote employees, workers’ compensation coverage can depend on what you were doing, why you were doing it and how closely the activity relates to your job.
When can remote work injuries qualify?
New Jersey workers’ compensation generally covers employees who suffer injuries arising out of and during their employment. Working from home does not automatically remove that coverage.
For example, an injury may have a stronger connection to your job if you strain your lower back while lifting a work laptop or develop a repetitive strain injury (RSI) in your wrist from prolonged typing during work duties. A fall while walking to a home office to start a scheduled shift may also qualify.
On the other hand, an injury during a personal activity, such as cooking lunch or doing household chores, may not qualify.
Because each situation has different facts, keeping details about when, where and how an injury happened can help when reviewing whether it relates to your job.
What can affect a remote workers’ comp claim?
Several factors may affect whether an injury falls within New Jersey workers’ compensation coverage. These can include:
- Whether you were working or performing a task for your employer
- Whether the activity had a clear connection to your job duties
- Whether the injury happened during your scheduled work time
- Whether your employer knew you worked from home
- Whether the home workspace or equipment played a role in the injury
These details can help show the connection between the injury and your employment. Legal assistance may also help you assess the facts and determine how New Jersey workers’ compensation rules may apply.
When home becomes the workplace
Remote work can blur the line between job duties and personal activities. However, an injury at home does not automatically fall outside workers’ compensation coverage. Looking at the specific circumstances can help clarify whether the injury arose from your employment.
If you suffered an injury while working remotely, learning how New Jersey law may apply can help you evaluate your options.