Injury to a Telecommuter

Telecommuters/remote workers are covered by workers’ compensation. Under workers’ compensation, if an employee suffers an injury on the job, you are liable for their temporary disability benefits, medical expenses and possibly a permanent disability award based on the long-term effects of the injury.

Telecommuters have the same protections as employees working in the organization’s office. If an injury arises out of and in the course and scope of employment, the employee is eligible for workers’ compensation. However, it may be difficult to determine if a telecommuter’s injury occurred in the course and scope of employment.