You're reaching for a work file when you lose your balance and fracture your wrist. Or perhaps you're hurrying down the stairs after your lunch break to join an important video call when you slip and severely sprain your ankle. As remote work becomes increasingly common across Missouri, questions about workers' compensation coverage for home office injuries are more relevant than ever.
At Bollwerk & Associates, our St. Louis workers' compensation attorneys understand the unique challenges remote workers face when injured on the job. Missouri law doesn't distinguish between injuries that occur in a traditional office and those that happen in your home office—but proving your case requires careful documentation and understanding of the law.
When Remote Work Injuries Qualify for Workers' Compensation Benefits
For a remote work injury to qualify for workers' compensation in Missouri, it must happen while performing work duties during designated work hours. However, the "personal comfort doctrine" extends coverage to brief activities that fulfill personal needs, such as bathroom breaks or getting coffee. Missouri courts recognize that these short breaks benefit employers by keeping employees refreshed and productive.
Missouri follows the "increased risk" doctrine, which means you must demonstrate that your job exposed you to a greater risk of injury than the general public faces. For remote workers, this means showing that your injury resulted directly from job duties, employer-provided equipment, or following directives about home office setup.
Claims for cumulative trauma, such as carpal tunnel syndrome or back problems from poor ergonomics, must establish a direct link between your work activities and the condition. Medical documentation connecting your injury to specific job functions becomes especially important in these cases.
Under Missouri law, your employer can’t fire you because you filed a workers’ compensation claim.
Employer Responsibilities for Home Office Safety
Missouri law requires employers to provide a reasonably safe work environment, which extends to home offices for remote employees. This may include guidance on proper workstation setup, ergonomic equipment, or safety checklists. If your employer has failed to provide adequate safety measures, this could strengthen your claim.
Some employers have also developed specific remote work policies outlining safety expectations and procedures for reporting work-from-home injuries. These policies can be crucial in determining coverage for your injury.
If your employer provides specific equipment for remote workers, such as ergonomic chairs or computer stands, keep in mind that injuries involving employer-provided equipment typically have a stronger connection to work than those involving personal items—thus making them more likely to qualify for workers' compensation.
Steps to Take After a Remote Work Injury in Missouri
Taking prompt action following a work-from-home injury can significantly impact your ability to obtain Missouri workers’ compensation benefits. Here’s what we recommend:
- Seek medical attention immediately. Early medical documentation creates a record connecting your injury to your work activities. Remember to tell your health care provider that your injury occurred while performing job duties from home. However, you should keep in mind that your employer has the right to choose your physician under Missouri law.
- Report your injury to your employer promptly, following any procedures outlined in your remote work policy. Missouri law requires notification within 30 days, but earlier reporting strengthens your claim. Include specific details about what you were doing when injured and how it relates to your job duties.
- Document everything related to your injury. Your documentation should include photographs of the accident scene, medical reports, and communications with your employer. This documentation becomes especially important for remote workers, who typically don't have coworkers present to witness the injury.
- Follow your provider’s recommended treatment plan. Skipping appointments or ignoring doctor recommendations can harm your recovery and potentially jeopardize your workers' compensation benefits. Keep detailed records of all medical visits, treatments, and any work restrictions your doctor recommends.
Consider consulting an attorney if your employer denies your claim or suggests your home office injury isn't work-related. When you work with Bollwerk & Associates to handle your Missouri workers’ compensation claim, we can help gather evidence and build a compelling case that connects your injury to your job duties.
