Typically, when an employee gets injured at work, they will file for a workers' compensation claim and get paid the employer's insurance. But the main question is, should the same happen for remote workers? Here is everything you need to know about Wisconsin workers' compensation.
Remote working is not new to many organizations. More organizations continue to embrace remote working due to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. The trend will likely increase with time as organizations adjust.
When working from home, an employee can get injured. Unfortunately, it can be challenging to determine whether the employee gets injured while working or not. This is why many employers often get mixed reactions to whether remote workers are entitled to workers' compensation or not.
DOES WORKER' COMPENSATION APPLY TO PEOPLE WORKING FROM HOME?
Worker's compensation is applicable for remote workers. However, filing a successful worker's compensation claim can be tricky if the employee does not have concrete evidence that they incurred injuries while working.
The employee must prove that the injuries occurred at work. Here are several ways an employee can prove to receive worker's compensation.
• Evidence of physical or mental injury.
• Injuries incurred during work-related activities.
• Existence of employer-employee relationship.
• The employee did not self-inflict the injuries.
Whether working from home or in the field as a remote worker, you can file for a workers' compensation claim if you get injured while working. However, giving concrete evidence can be tricky. In this case, you can speak to an experienced lawyer such as Bykhovsky Law LLC to advise and guide you.
WHY DO REMOTE WORKERS NEED WORKERS' COMPENSATION?
Almost every state requires employers to compensate their employees for the damage incurred during an accident, whether working remotely or on-site.
You will likely seek medical treatment when you get injured if the injuries are work-related. This requires you to pay for the services, and it can be draining depending on the injuries you sustained.
You can file for worker's compensation claims to recover medical expenses, lost wages, disability benefits, and pain and suffering as a remote worker. However, each state has unique laws for worker's compensation. For Wisconsin worker's compensation laws, Click here.
Working with an experienced worker's compensation lawyer will help you file a strong case and get your deserved compensation in real-time.
WHO IS ELIGIBLE TO RECEIVE COMPENSATION?
If you get injured working remotely, you may qualify for worker's compensation benefits. The insurance company will analyze your claim and determine whether the injuries are directly associated with work-related duties. The insurer must prove that your injuries occurred at work and not during other non-employment-related tasks.
If you feel the insurance company is unfair in the analysis, speak to an experienced worker's compensation attorney to help you. A skilled workers' compensation lawyer such as Bykhovsky Law LLC has excellent negotiation skills and your best interest at heart to protect your rights.
WHAT ARE THE MOST COMMON REMOTE WORK-RELATED INJURIES?
Most employees get injured working from home because the home environment doesn't have safety measures like workplaces. Some injuries could result from occupational diseases, slips, trips, falls, or repetitive strain injuries. For instance, an employee can slip and fall due to a slippery floor. One can also trip over debris on the floor and fall.
AN EXPERIENCED WISCONSIN WORKERS' COMPENSATION LAWYER CAN HELP
Filing a worker's compensation claim can be challenging if you lack legal skills. It is best to speak to an experienced worker's compensation lawyer to walk the journey with you. If you've been injured while working from home, we can help. Get in touch with us today for a free consultation to discuss your worker's compensation rights.
