If I’m Injured While Working From Home, Does Workers’ Comp Apply?

As remote work becomes a permanent fixture in many industries, a common concern among remote Maryland employees is whether workers’ compensation benefits cover injuries sustained while working from home. The short answer is yes, sometimes. But as is true in many legal situations, the details matter. Talking to a Baltimore personal injury lawyer is key.

Examples of Work-From-Home Injuries

Maryland law requires most employers to carry workers’ compensation insurance that provides benefits to employees who suffer work-related injuries or illnesses. Traditionally, these injuries occurred on-site, such as a fall in the office or an accident involving machinery. Yet with more employees working remotely, the definition of a workplace injury has evolved.

To qualify for workers’ comp benefits, two conditions must be met. First, the injury must arise out of employment (meaning it’s connected to your work duties). Second, the harm must occur in the course of employment (meaning it happens while you’re performing job-related tasks). These principles apply even if your workplace is a home office, kitchen table, or any other remote setting.

While not every injury at home qualifies for compensation, some common situations may fall under Maryland’s workers’ comp coverage:

• Ergonomic or repetitive strain injuries. Typing or sitting for long hours without proper ergonomic setup can lead to carpal tunnel syndrome, neck pain, or back injuries.
• Falls or physical accidents. If you trip over work equipment or fall while retrieving work-related documents, you may be eligible for benefits.
• Mental health or stress-related claims. If work-related stress or overexertion leads to a diagnosable mental health condition, it might be compensable under certain circumstances.

On the other hand, if you’re injured during a personal activity, such as walking your dog, doing household chores, or taking a non-work-related break, the injury is unlikely to qualify.

Proving a Work-Related Connection

The biggest challenge in remote-work injury claims is proving the injury was truly work-related. When an accident happens in a traditional workplace, witnesses, surveillance footage, and employer records can help verify what occurred. At home, that evidence is harder to obtain.

In these cases, documentation becomes critical. Employees should report injuries to their employer as soon as possible, seek prompt medical attention, and keep detailed notes about what they were doing when the injury occurred. For instance, if you strained your back lifting a box of work supplies or tripped over employer-provided equipment, those details support your claim.

Remote-work injury claims are still relatively new territory, and insurance companies may be skeptical about their validity. Having an experienced Baltimore personal injury lawyer who has worked on similar workers’ compensation cases on your side can make a significant difference.

Have you been healing after you were hurt while working from home? Don’t assume you’re ineligible for workers’ compensation. Every case is unique, and the law continues to adapt to today’s flexible work environment. Speak with the attorneys at Iamele & Iamele, LLP to secure the protection Maryland’s workers’ comp laws were designed to provide, no matter where your workspace happens to be. To schedule a confidential appointment, simply contact us.