Remote work has become increasingly popular in recent years, and in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, many companies have switched to remote work permanently. California is no exception, with many workers in the state now working remotely full-time.
While remote work has many benefits, including flexibility and the ability to work from anywhere, it can also present some challenges regarding workers’ compensation. Some may wonder if remote workers are still eligible for workers’ compensation benefits if they are not physically present.
The good news is that remote workers in California are still eligible to receive workers’ compensation benefits. California’s workers’ compensation laws apply to all workers in the state, regardless of whether they work remotely or in a traditional office setting.
So, what does this mean for remote workers in California? If you are a remote worker in California and you are injured on the job, you are entitled to the same workers’ compensation benefits as any other worker in the state. This includes medical treatment, temporary disability benefits, and permanent disability benefits.
However, it’s important to note that some requirements must be met to receive workers’ compensation benefits. To be eligible, the injury must have occurred while performing your job duties and must have been caused by your job. Additionally, you must report the injury to your employer within 30 days of the incident.
It’s also important to understand that the location you were in when you sustained an injury is not as important as the cause of the injury. For example, if a remote worker in California is injured while working on your computer at home, you are still eligible for workers’ compensation benefits. However, even if you were visiting the office when you were injured and weren’t technically operating within the scope of your employment when your accident occurred, you might not be eligible to receive workers’ compensation benefits.
One potential challenge for remote workers in California regarding workers’ compensation is proving that the injury occurred while on the job. Providing evidence of an injury can be more challenging when you are not in a traditional office setting. However, it is still important to report the injury to your employer and give as much information as possible about the incident.
It’s also a good idea for remote workers in California to keep records of their work activities and any injuries that may occur. This can include keeping a log of your work hours, documenting any injuries or accidents, and keeping any relevant documents, such as medical reports or witness statements.
One of the best ways to strengthen your case if you’re a remote worker who has been injured on the job, is to enlist the help of a qualified legal professional. At the Law Offices of Kropach & Kropach, a Los Angeles workers’ compensation attorney can help demonstrate why you’re eligible to receive workers’ compensation benefits. Learn more about what we can do for you by contacting us online or at 818-609-7005.
