Does Workers’ Compensation Still Apply to Injured Remote Workers?
March 5 , 2025Remote work has transformed the modern workforce, providing flexibility and convenience for employees in Charlotte and throughout North Carolina. However, remote work does not eliminate the risk of workplace injuries. If you are injured while working from home, you may wonder whether you are still eligible for workers’ compensation benefits.
At Ramsay Law Firm, our experienced workers’ compensation attorneys help injured workers understand their rights—even remotely.
Can Remote Workers Receive Workers’ Compensation in North Carolina?
In North Carolina, workers’ compensation laws cover remote employees just as they do for those working on-site. The key factor in determining eligibility is whether the injury occurred during employment. You may have a valid workers’ compensation claim if you performed job-related duties while injured.
Common Injuries Among Remote Workers
While remote workers may not face the same risks as employees in construction or manufacturing, they are still susceptible to workplace injuries, including:
- Repetitive Stress Injuries (RSIs): Conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome or tendonitis caused by prolonged typing, poor ergonomics, or repetitive motions.
- Slip and Fall Accidents: Tripping over office cords, falling down stairs while retrieving work materials, or slipping on a wet floor.
- Neck and Back Injuries: Poor posture, inadequate workstation setup, or sitting for prolonged periods without proper support can lead to chronic pain and musculoskeletal disorders.
- Work-Related Mental Health Conditions: Stress, anxiety, and depression linked to work responsibilities may also be compensable under certain conditions.
Challenges in North Carolina Remote Workers’ Compensation Claims
Even though remote employees are eligible for workers’ compensation, proving that an injury occurred during work-related activities can be challenging.
Employers and insurance companies often dispute remote work injury claims for the following reasons:
- Lack of Witnesses
Unlike injuries in a traditional workplace, remote work injuries often have no witnesses. This makes it crucial to document the circumstances surrounding the injury.
- Blurred Lines Between Work and Personal Time
Since remote workers operate from home, insurers may argue that the injury occurred during personal activities rather than work-related duties.
- Employer Work-From-Home Policies
Some companies have strict policies defining when and where remote employees are covered under workers’ compensation. Understanding these policies is essential when filing a claim.
How to Strengthen Your Remote Work Injury Claim
To improve your chances of obtaining workers’ compensation benefits, consider taking the following steps:
- Report the Injury Immediately
Notify your employer as soon as possible, just as you would if you were injured on-site. Delayed reporting can lead to claim denials.
- Seek Medical Attention
Medical records serve as crucial evidence in your claim. Visit a doctor promptly to assess and document your injury.
- Document the Incident
Take pictures of your workstation and any hazards that contributed to the injury, and keep a detailed account of how and when the injury occurred.
- Establish a Connection to Work-Related Duties
Evidence that the injury happened while performing job-related tasks can strengthen your case. Emails, timesheets, or communication logs can help demonstrate that you worked actively when the injury occurred.
Get Legal Help From Ramsay Law Firm
If you were injured while working remotely in North Carolina, securing workers’ compensation benefits may be more complicated than a traditional workplace injury claim. At Ramsay Law Firm, we are committed to helping injured workers—onsite or remote—obtain the compensation they deserve.
Contact our Mecklenburg County workers’ compensation attorneys at 704-376-1616 or online today for a free consultation to discuss your case and learn how we can help you navigate the workers’ compensation process.
A Voice For The Injured. Here Every Step of The Way.
