Last Updated on November 11, 2024
The number of remote workers has skyrocketed in recent years. Approximately 27.6 million people now work primarily from home, with 62% of workers worldwide reporting that they work remotely at least some of the time. By 2030, the number of global digital jobs that people can do from home is expected to rise to around 92 million.
While the flexibility of working remotely appeals to many, it can raise questions when it comes to workers’ compensation benefits if you get injured while traveling for work. Here’s what remote workers in Pennsylvania need to know about their rights and coverage when an on-the-job injury occurs far from the home office.
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Where Are You Covered?
If you live and work in Pennsylvania, you’re covered by Pennsylvania’s workers’ compensation system no matter where you travel in the U.S. for your job. Coverage also extends to certain foreign countries with reciprocal agreements.
Be sure to notify your employer before traveling out of state or overseas so there’s clear documentation that you were working remotely at the time of any injury. Keep records of your travel itinerary, hotel and airfare receipts, and work tasks completed while traveling. If your claim is disputed, this creates a paper trail verifying you were traveling for work.
Reporting Workplace Injuries
Notify your employer immediately if you sustain any work-related injury while traveling. Seek medical treatment right away, even if it seems minor at first. Inform all treating physicians that your injury is work-related so it’s properly documented in your medical records from the start.
File a formal workers’ compensation claim as soon as possible to get the process underway. In Pennsylvania, claims must typically be reported within 120 days. Failure to report promptly can jeopardize your claim.
Wage Replacement for Major Injuries
For severe injuries that keep you off the job for an extended recovery, Pennsylvania’s workers’ compensation program provides wage replacement benefits to compensate for lost income. Currently, the maximum weekly benefit for 2022 is $1,205.
If your average weekly wage was under $600.55 before your injury occurred, you may receive up to 90 percent wage replacement while recuperating. Those earning more than the maximum can get two-thirds of their average weekly wage, up to the $1,205 maximum limit.
Benefits for Permanent Disabilities
Some on-the-job injuries cause permanent physical impairment that stops you from returning to your previous position. If your injury resulted in a permanent partial disability, you may collect ongoing benefits in Pennsylvania for up to 500 weeks. The payout depends on the percentage of disability and your weekly wages.
When to Contact a Local Workers’ Compensation Attorney
If your workers’ compensation claim is denied, or your employer disputes that your injury occurred while traveling for work, you may need to enlist the help of a workers’ compensation attorney. Philadelphia Workers’ Compensation Attorneys can help gather evidence, negotiate with your employer or their insurance company, and represent you at any hearings.
Consider contacting a workers’ comp attorney if:
- Your claim is denied even with documentation of your work travel
- Your employer alleges the injury did not occur on the job
- The insurance company offers an inadequate settlement
- Your injury prevents you from returning to any type of work
Having experienced legal guidance can be crucial for remote workers injured far from home who face hurdles obtaining the workers’ comp benefits they deserve.
Workers’ compensation provides a critical financial safety net for remote workers who suffer career-changing injuries while traveling for their jobs. Make sure you understand your rights, report injuries promptly, and maintain detailed records to access the workers’ compensation benefits you deserve.
