Working from home can make it harder to tell whether an injury happened because of your job or simply while you happened to be at home. You may also wonder whether being out of state for work or an overseas business trip means you can’t file for a worker’s comp claim after an injury.
Here are the situations that can affect your coverage.
Yes, when the injury results from work
You can receive workers’ compensation for an injury that occurs while you perform your job duties from home. California regulations specifically recognize injuries that happen while you work from home when the injury directly relates to your work rather than the general home environment.
For example, you could have a claim if you hurt your foot while carrying work materials or suffer an injury from equipment you use to perform your job. The key issue involves the connection between your work and the injury.
Yes, when you temporarily work elsewhere
You may remain covered when your California-based employment temporarily takes you outside the state. Workers’ comp rules can apply to qualifying injuries outside the state when you were hired or regularly worked there. The California Division of Workers’ Compensation also confirms that you can continue participating in the workers’ compensation process even after leaving the state or the United States.
This could include a temporary assignment in another state or a business trip abroad.
No, when the activity is personal
Workers’ comp generally does not cover an injury caused by a personal activity just because you happened to be working from home at the time. Being on the clock alone does not turn household chores, personal errands or other unrelated activities into job duties.
For example, if you stop working to do laundry and hurt your back while carrying a basket, the injury may not qualify as work-related.
No, when there is no California employment connection
Working remotely for a California company does not automatically place you under California workers’ compensation. Someone who lives, works and was hired in another state may fall under that state’s system instead.
Protect your claim after a remote-work injury
If your injury connects to your work, report it to your employer promptly and document what you were doing when it happened. California’s DWC recommends timely reporting because waiting more than 30 days could affect your right to benefits. If the insurer disputes your claim, reviewing the circumstances with an attorney can help you understand whether your injury qualifies and what documentation could support it.