What Happens If You’re Injured on the Job While Working Remotely in Illinois?

Remote work has become increasingly common across many industries, providing employees with flexibility and convenience. However, just because you’re working from home doesn’t mean you’re free from workplace injuries. Many remote workers in Illinois wonder: Am I covered by workers’ compensation if I’m injured while working from home?

At Illinois Workers’ Comp Lawyers, we understand that remote workers face unique challenges when filing workers’ compensation claims. Here’s what you need to know about your rights and how to pursue benefits if you’re injured while working remotely in Illinois.

Yes, remote workers in Illinois are eligible for workers’ compensation benefits if they suffer a work-related injury while performing their job duties. The key factor in determining eligibility is whether the injury occurred during the course of employment.

To qualify for benefits, a remote worker must show that:

• The injury happened while performing work-related tasks.
• The injury occurred during working hours.
• The injury was directly related to job duties assigned by the employer.

For example, if you develop carpal tunnel syndrome from constant typing or suffer a back injury from sitting in an improper chair for long hours, you may qualify for workers’ compensation. However, if you trip over a pet or slip while getting a personal snack from the kitchen, your claim may be denied since the injury wasn’t directly related to work.

Remote workers can experience a variety of injuries that may be covered under Illinois workers’ compensation, including:

• Repetitive stress injuries (e.g., carpal tunnel syndrome, tendonitis, neck and shoulder strain)
• Slip-and-fall injuries (e.g., tripping over work-related cords, falling from a desk chair)
• Back and posture-related injuries (e.g., herniated discs from improper workstations)
• Eye strain and migraines from excessive screen exposure
• Work-related mental health conditions caused by high job stress

If your injury stems from your job duties and not personal activities, you may have a valid claim. However, proving a remote work injury can be more complex than injuries that occur in a traditional workplace.

One of the biggest hurdles in remote work injury claims is proving that the injury was truly work-related. Unlike an office or job-site injury, there are no supervisors or coworkers to witness what happened. Insurance companies may try to argue that your injury occurred due to personal reasons rather than job duties.

To strengthen your claim, it’s important to:

1. Report the injury immediately to your employer.
2. Document where and how the injury occurred, including taking pictures of your home workspace if relevant.
3. Seek medical treatment as soon as possible and inform your doctor that the injury happened while working.
4. Keep records of work activities that may have contributed to the injury, such as excessive typing, prolonged sitting, or employer-required tasks.

If your employer or their insurance provider disputes your claim, having a strong case with medical evidence and documentation is crucial.

Illinois law does not distinguish between injuries that happen in a traditional office and those that occur at home. As long as the injury is work-related, workers’ compensation should cover medical expenses, lost wages, and disability benefits.

However, some factors could complicate your claim:

• Was your home office set up by your employer? If your employer provided an ergonomic chair, a company computer, or work-related equipment, it may strengthen your case.
• Was the injury caused by a personal hazard? If you were injured due to a home-related risk, such as a faulty staircase, insurance companies may argue it was not work-related.
• Were you on a work-related task at the time? If your injury happened while answering work emails or attending a video call, your claim may be stronger than if you were on a personal break.

Because these factors can make or break a claim, consulting with a workers’ compensation attorney can help ensure that your injury is properly documented and presented.

If your remote work injury is approved for workers’ compensation, you may be entitled to:

• Medical expenses for doctor visits, therapy, and medications.
• Temporary Total Disability (TTD) benefits if you cannot work while recovering.
• Permanent disability benefits if the injury leads to long-term impairment.
• Vocational rehabilitation if you need job retraining due to your injury.

These benefits help injured workers recover and return to work without facing financial burdens due to a job-related injury.

Just because you work from home doesn’t mean you lose your right to workers’ compensation benefits. If you were injured while performing your job duties remotely, Illinois law protects you, but proving your claim can be challenging.

At Illinois Workers’ Comp Lawyers, we help remote workers navigate the claims process, ensuring they have the documentation needed to secure benefits. If your claim has been denied or disputed, contact us today for a consultation. We’re here to fight for your rights and help you get the compensation you deserve.