Does Workers’ Comp Cover Remote Workers in Charlotte, NC?

Remote workers have become a major part of business’s employee cadre recently. Charlotte workers’ compensation lawyers understand that the COVID-19 pandemic changed many things. It affected several aspects of our lives, including employment. For example, it achieved what advocates of remote working couldn’t do in years. Consequently, Charlotte workers didn’t have to drive to work five times weekly. Many employers even retained their remote work policies after the lockdowns.

However, remote Charlotte workers are still at risk of work-related accidents. Suppose a remote worker suffers such injuries. Would they be eligible for workers’ comp benefits? Excellent Charlotte workers’ comp attorneys can answer this question. Furthermore, such a lawyer can properly evaluate your claim.

Can Charlotte Remote Workers Claim Workers’ Comp Benefits?

Yes, Charlotte workers’ compensation covers remote workers. So, you don’t have to suffer work injuries at the office to receive compensation. Workers’ compensation may apply regardless of the work location. This is because the law is primarily concerned with whether the wounds are work-related.

Furthermore, fault is irrelevant in Charlotte workers’ comp. Sadly, many employers may try to deny remote workers their compensation. If this happens to you, it’ll be best to hire an attorney immediately.

Understanding Workers’ Comp for Remote Working 

Generally, compensable injuries must be work-related. This means that the injury must arise:

• Out of, and
• In the course of employment

This rule also applies when working from home. Therefore, not all remote work injuries would be compensable. Instead, you have to prove that such a wound arose out of your employment. Some questions can help you identify compensable remote working injuries. They include:

• Was your employer benefitting from the task you were executing? Or was it a work-related task?
• Did your employer ask that you perform the job you were on during your injury?
• Did your boss approve of the activities that caused your work injury?

Suppose you can answer these questions in the affirmative. Then, you may be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits.

What About Mere Domestic Injuries?

The factors above imply that domestic injuries aren’t compensable. For example, imagine you’re combining cooking and working. Now, suppose you sustain a stove burn. In this instance, workers’ compensation wouldn’t cover this injury. Common injuries remote workers can sustain include:

• Slip and fall injuries, such as slipping on the staircase
• Burns and electric shocks in your workspace
• Head, neck, back, and leg injuries

What if My Employer Only Has Remote Workers?

Indeed, some businesses have since been using remote work principles. It’s thus vital to know whether workers’ comp laws apply to such businesses. Luckily, it does. North Carolina law states that employers with three or more employees must purchase workers’ compensation insurance. The exceptions to this broad rule are pretty limited.

Furthermore, the exceptions don’t include remote working. Therefore, it doesn’t matter whether a business solely employs remote workers. Such an employer must take out work comp insurance for the employees. Whenever the employees suffer work injuries, the insurance would pay their bills.

In addition, it doesn’t matter whether your employer classifies you as an independent contractor. You may still be eligible for compensation with such tags. This is because the law will examine your working arrangement. Then, it may become apparent that you’re an employee and not an independent contractor.

What to Do After Remote Working Accidents

There are crucial steps to take after sustaining remote working injuries. Generally, these are the same things you’ll do for office wounds. For example, you must report your remote working accident. You can do this orally or in writing. Since you’re working from home, you can send an email.

Emails would suffice as written communication. Notably, too, you must report this injury within 30 days. Late notification can bar you from compensation. Next, you should:

• Get medical treatment
• Keep evidence of medical and hospital bills
• Store proof of the remote accident
• Report your injury to the North Carolina Industrial Commission

Injured While Working Remotely? Charlotte Workers’ Compensation Attorneys Can Help You!

Are you currently working from home because of the COVID-19 pandemic? Or you’ve always been working remotely. Whatever the case, if you sustain a work-related injury, you can be eligible for workers’ compensation. This would also be the case where it’s an occupational disease. However, you’ll need an excellent Charlotte workers’ comp attorney.

You generally don’t need lawyers for workers’ compensation claims. However, your employer may try denying your right to comp benefits. That’s why you should have someone fighting for you. At Waple & Houk, PLLC, we have just the right lawyers for you. So, it’ll be best to call us today for a free consultation.