Can You Get Workers’ Comp While Working Remotely?

Can You Get Workers’ Comp If the Injury Happened While Working Remotely?

Remote work has quickly gone from a temporary solution to a long-term reality for many New Jersey employees. Whether you’re clocking in from your home office, a coffee shop, or even your kitchen table, one question might come to mind after an unexpected accident: Can you get workers’ comp if the injury happened while working remotely?

The short answer is yes—New Jersey’s workers’ compensation laws may cover injuries that happen while working from home or another off-site location. However, qualifying for benefits isn’t always straightforward. The key is proving that your injury occurred during the course of your employment.

Let’s break it down in plain language, so you can understand your rights and what steps to take if you’re hurt while working remotely.

How Does Workers’ Comp Work in New Jersey?

Before diving into remote work scenarios, it helps to understand how New Jersey’s workers’ compensation system works. If you’re injured on the job—regardless of who was at fault—you may be eligible for benefits such as:

Medical treatment
Temporary disability payments (while you’re unable to work)
Permanent disability payments (if the injury causes lasting harm)

You don’t need to prove negligence or sue your employer. Instead, you need to show that your injury was work-related.

Does “Work-Related” Include Remote Work?

Yes, it can.

New Jersey law does not require an injury to happen on your employer’s premises for it to be compensable. What matters is whether the injury happened while you were performing job duties or engaging in activities related to your employment.

For example, if you’re a remote employee and you slip on your kitchen floor while grabbing a coffee during a break, that might not qualify. But if you fall while walking from your desk to a work-related video meeting—or trip over work equipment your employer provided—it could very well count.

Examples of Remote Work Injuries That May Be Covered

Here are some real-life scenarios that could be covered under workers’ comp in New Jersey:

Tripping over a laptop cord during a video meeting
Injuring your wrist while typing on a work-issued computer
Straining your back while lifting a box of work documents sent to your home
Suffering neck or spine issues from poor ergonomic setup while working long hours

In each of these cases, the injury happened while performing work duties, even though the worker was off-site.

What Makes a Remote Injury Work-Related?

For a successful claim, the injury must meet the following criteria:

You were working at the time: That means you were on the clock, handling work assignments, or engaging in required job tasks.
The activity was within the scope of your job: It must be something your employer expected you to do—like sending emails, taking calls, or filling out reports.
There was no significant personal deviation: If you got hurt while stepping away to do laundry or walk your dog, the claim may be denied. But if the injury happened while you were actively working, it’s a different story.

How Do Employers and Insurers Investigate Remote Work Claims?

When you file a workers’ comp claim for an at-home injury, your employer’s insurance carrier may look closely at:

The time and nature of the incident
Your daily work schedule
Any witnesses (such as people on a video call)
Documentation, including emails, Slack messages, or time logs

In some cases, the insurer might challenge your claim by saying you were not working when the injury occurred. This is why it’s important to document everything and speak with an experienced workers’ compensation attorney if you’re unsure.

Common Challenges with Remote Work Claims

Remote injuries can be harder to prove because:

There are no coworkers or supervisors to witness the injury
The line between “working” and “being at home” is blurred
Employers may argue that the activity was personal, not professional

This doesn’t mean you’re out of luck—but it does mean you may need a strong legal advocate to build your case and prove the injury truly happened while performing job-related duties.

What Should You Do If You’re Hurt While Working From Home?

If you’re injured while working remotely in New Jersey, take these steps right away:

Report the Injury Immediately

Let your employer know what happened as soon as possible. Don’t wait—delayed reporting can hurt your claim.

Seek Medical Attention

Even if it seems minor, get checked out. Your medical records will support your workers’ comp claim.

Document Everything

Note the time, location, and circumstances of the injury. Were you on a call? Typing a report? Include as much detail as possible.

Avoid Posting About the Injury Online

Social media posts can be used to discredit your claim. Keep the details private.

Talk to a New Jersey Workers’ Comp Attorney

Insurance companies may deny valid claims, especially with remote work injuries. An attorney can help you navigate the process and protect your rights.

Can Remote Workers in New Jersey Be Denied Benefits?

Yes—especially if the insurer claims your injury wasn’t work-related. Common reasons for denial include:

Lack of clear evidence the injury occurred while working
Delayed reporting
Conflicting accounts of how or when the injury happened
Pre-existing conditions blamed for the injury

But a denial doesn’t mean the end of the road. You have the right to appeal, and a workers’ comp attorney can help you present a stronger case backed by evidence and expert testimony.

Need Help Filing a Remote Work Injury Claim in New Jersey? Call Camili & Capo For Experienced Legal Guidance

At Camili & Capo, we understand how confusing and frustrating it can be to suffer an injury while working from home—especially when no one saw it happen, and your employer or their insurance company doesn’t believe you.

Our experienced New Jersey workers’ compensation attorneys are here to guide you through every step of your claim. We’ll help you gather the documentation you need, prove your injury is work-related, and fight for the benefits you’re entitled to—including lost wages, medical care, and permanent disability if applicable.

Don’t let working remotely become an obstacle to the support you deserve. Call Camili & Capo at (973) 834-8457 for a free consultation, or fill out our secure contact form online. We proudly serve clients in Little Falls, Hackensack, Newark, New Brunswick, and throughout New Jersey.

Disclaimer: This blog is intended for informational purposes only and does not create an attorney-client relationship. For legal advice specific to your situation, please contact our office directly.