Working remotely is simpler than ever in 2022. Employees in California can now work remotely, from a neighborhood coffee shop, or even while traveling. Working remotely isn’t an option for every position, but for those who can get the job done with just a laptop, phone, and internet connection, it’s frequently a wonderful advantage.
Of course, remote employment has advantages for employers as well. Employees’ morale can increase and overhead costs can be decreased by allowing them to work from home. However, there are some costs that firms just cannot cut corners on, regardless of where their personnel are located. One such price is workers’ compensation insurance.
Keep reading to learn how workers’ compensation cases are handled for remote workers. If you are working remotely and have been injured, you might need to contact an employment law attorney. Remember that you can do so by calling PLBH at (800) 435-7542.
Workers’ compensation is a no-fault system
Like most states, California has a no-fault system of workers’ compensation that is intended to give benefits to employees who sustain accidents or get sick at work. Employers contribute to this sort of insurance, which entitles employees to benefits including medical care and compensation in the event of an injury or illness. In order to get workers’ compensation benefits, an employee does not have to demonstrate that the employer was at fault for their accident.
There is often confusion surrounding remote worker and workers’ compensation
Many workers are unsure if they are still covered by workers’ compensation due to the increase in remote work. Companies are required by federal law (under the Occupational Safety and Health Act) to offer a safe working business for their employees. Every business in California that has one or more employees is required by law to have workers’ compensation insurance. Employees who work from home are not exempt from either of these rules, as a California workers’ compensation attorney can clarify.
What exactly are employers responsible for?
Employers are responsible “for any injury experienced by his or her employees arising out of and in the course of the employment,” according to California’s labor code. According to this law, a worker who works from home is given the same benefits as one who works from the business’s headquarters or another location.
The Court of Appeal in California determined that an employer was required to provide workers’ compensation benefits to an employee who was hurt while working from home in the case of Warner v. Workers Compensation Appeals Board. The employee in question was a California firefighter who, because there was no accommodation in the fire station, frequently stayed at his residence when on call and was forced to be on duty 24 hours a day.
His home was frequently visited by neighborhood neighbors seeking aid. The worker/firefighter was hurt while pruning the wisteria that grew up the steps to his house. Because his injuries resulted from and occurred in the course of his employment, the court determined that he was entitled to benefits.
Contact us if you are not sure if your situation qualifies for workers’ compensation
While not every injury sustained when working from home would entitle an employee to workers’ compensation benefits, there are some circumstances in which you may be qualified for benefits if you are harmed or become ill while working remotely. To establish whether you can make a claim, you can engage with a knowledgeable California workers’ compensation attorney.
The lawyers at PLBH assist clients in California who have contracted diseases or injuries at work. Call (800) 435-7542 or email info@plblaw.com right once to arrange a meeting with one of our knowledgeable attorneys.