Can I Get Workers’ Compensation in Florida If I Work From Home?

The workplace has changed. More Floridians than ever before are working remotely, whether full-time or on hybrid schedules. But just because you’re not in the office doesn’t mean you’re immune to injury.

Accidents can and do happen in home offices, kitchen chairs, and even during video calls. The question is: Can you get workers’ compensation in Florida if you’re injured while working from home?

Our Florida workers’ compensation lawyers at Smith Feddeler & Smith help employees across Florida understand their rights after a work-related injury, no matter where it happens. If you were hurt while performing your job remotely, here’s what you need to know about eligibility, common challenges, and how to protect your claim.

Does Florida Workers’ Comp Cover Remote Workers?

Yes, Florida’s workers’ compensation law does cover remote workers, as long as the injury arises “in the course and scope of employment.” This means the injury must occur while you are performing work-related tasks during working hours.

You don’t have to be in a traditional office or at your employer’s physical location to qualify. In fact, Florida law does not exclude work-from-home injuries. However, proving your case may be more complex. In these cases, it’s best to have our Florida workers’ compensation lawyers on your side.

What Counts as a Work-Related Injury at Home?

To qualify for workers’ comp, your injury must meet two basic requirements:

• It occurred while you were working
• It arose out of your job duties

This could include:

• Tripping over a cord while attending a Zoom meeting
• Injuring your back while carrying work materials or office equipment
• Developing carpal tunnel syndrome or eye strain from long hours at a computer
• Slipping on your way to retrieve a work document from another room
• Falling from a ladder while setting up work-related displays or tools

However, injuries that occur during personal time or unrelated activities are unlikely to be covered. If you stop to do laundry, care for your child, or cook lunch, and you get hurt, your claim could be denied unless the activity was somehow tied to your job. For example, Florida courts denied benefits for a woman who tripped over her dog as she reached for coffee in one hotly debated case involving remote work and benefits.

Challenges Remote Workers Face When Filing a Claim

Working from home presents a few unique hurdles when it comes to proving your injury is job-related. These include:

• Lack of witnesses – No coworkers are around to verify the incident
• Unclear boundaries – It’s harder to distinguish between “working” and “personal” time at home
• Employer skepticism – Employers may doubt the legitimacy of a home-based injury
• Inconsistent routines – If you were injured outside your usual work hours or workspace, the insurer may push back

To improve your chances of approval, it’s essential to document the injury thoroughly and report it immediately.

What to Do If You’re Injured While Working From Home

If you suffer an injury while working remotely in Florida, take the following steps to protect your right to workers’ compensation benefits:

• Notify your employer right away. Florida law requires you to report your injury within 30 days. Don’t wait. The sooner you report it, the easier it is to establish that it was work-related.
• Describe exactly what you were doing. Be specific about the task you were performing and how it related to your job. For example, “I was getting a file for a client meeting” is better than “I was walking to another room.”
• Take photos or video. If your injury involved something in your home workspace, such as a faulty chair, broken equipment, or cluttered cables, take pictures to preserve evidence.
• Seek medical attention. Ask your employer or their insurance carrier to direct you to an authorized provider. Getting prompt medical care also strengthens your claim.
• Keep a written record. Log your work hours, job duties, and any correspondence about the injury. If you were on a call or task at the time of the accident, note who can confirm it.
• Consult with our Florida workers’ compensation lawyers. Remote injury claims are more likely to be challenged. A knowledgeable Florida workers’ compensation attorney from our firm can help you present a strong case and avoid missteps.

Get Help With Your Remote Work Injury Claim Today

Just because you work from home doesn’t mean you lose your right to protection. If you were injured while performing your job, even outside the office, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation.

Let us evaluate your case, answer your questions, and fight for the benefits you deserve. Call (863) 688-7766 or contact us online for a free consultation. At Smith Feddeler & Smith, we don’t charge any fees unless we win your case.

Related Articles

• How Long Do I Have To File a Workers’ Compensation Claim in Florida?
• How Much Does Workers’ Compensation Pay for a Back Injury?
• Workers’ Compensation For Neck Injuries
• Workers’ Compensation For Shoulder Injuries
• 6 Common Reasons Workers’ Compensation Claims are Denied in Florida

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