Remote Worker? On The Job Injuries And Your Rights To Maryland Workers’ Compensation Benefits

Working from home was once a sought-after but elusive dream for many people, but it became a reality during the Covid-19 pandemic and has remained popular among employers and their employees ever since. It can help companies cut costs while enabling remote workers to maintain a better work/life balance, but it also poses risks.

On-the-job injuries are just as likely to happen to remote workers as to any office employee. Our Maryland workers’ compensation attorney explains some of the common causes of remote worker injuries and how to get the benefits you are entitled to.

Remote Worker Injuries In Maryland

Personal computers and the internet made it increasingly possible for people to work from home in the 1990s, but it was only during the COVID pandemic that it became widespread. Millions of people worked from home during lockdown, and many companies continued to encourage it in the aftermath. According to the Maryland Association of Counties, nearly half of all employees in the state still work remotely today, one of the highest percentages in the country.

Remote working often proves beneficial to both employers and employees. It eliminates overhead while allowing workers to better provide for their families and maintain a healthier work/life balance. However, with little direct oversight, health and safety can be an issue.

The National Institute of Health advises that a lack of standard safety precautions and poor home office ergonomics make remote workers more likely to suffer serious personal injuries over the course of their average workday. Overuse, strain, and repetitive stress are the most common culprits and can result in potentially debilitating harm. Common types of injuries remote workers suffer include:

• Carpal tunnel syndrome;
• Trigger finger;
• Tennis elbow;
• Tendonitis;
• Tech or text neck;
• Upper or lower back pain.

Remote workers are also at risk for slip and fall accidents. Unfortunately, these can result in broken bones, herniated discs, and potentially severe head injuries.

How To Get Compensation For Remote Worker Injuries In Maryland

Employers are required under state law to provide workers’ compensation insurance in Maryland. As long as you are not an independent contractor or consultant, you may be eligible for benefits through the Maryland Workers’ Compensation Commission that can help cover medical costs and lost wages.

However, remote worker injury claims are frequently denied or disputed by insurers. To get the compensation you are entitled to, follow these tips:

• Make a note of the time, date, and circumstances under which your injuries happened;
• Report your injury immediately to your employer and make sure an accident report is completed;
• Take photos and videos documenting your injuries and the cause;
• Get medical attention and tell your doctor that your injuries are work-related;
• Contact an attorney to help you file a claim with the Maryland Workers’ Compensation Commission to protect your rights; and
• Do not give statements to the insurance companies.

Injured While Working From Home? Contact Our Experienced Maryland Workers’ Compensation Attorney

Remote worker injuries can be covered under Maryland workers’ compensation laws, but these claims are often denied or disputed by insurers. To get the total amount of benefits you are entitled to, contact Berman, Sobin, Gross LLP. Schedule a consultation with our experienced Maryland workers’ compensation attorney today.

Sources:

conduitstreet.mdcounties.org/2024/04/03/maryland-tops-list-of-americas-remote-work-hotspots/

pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9029311/