Introduction

💻🏠✋ The couch might feel safer than the construction site — but injuries can happen anywhere, and yes, that includes your living room.

As remote and hybrid work continue to reshape how we do our jobs in New York, one legal question keeps popping up: What happens if you're injured while working from home?

At Lockamy & Associates, we’ve seen firsthand how confusing this can be for injured workers. Maybe you slipped while walking to your kitchen between Zoom calls. Maybe your wrist pain from poor desk posture has become unbearable. Maybe your company sent you heavy equipment — and it led to a serious injury.

Here’s what you need to know about your rights, your risks, and why “working from home” doesn’t mean you’re on your own.

Do Work-From-Home Injuries Qualify for Workers’ Comp?

Yes — in many cases.

New York’s workers’ compensation system covers work-related injuries. That doesn’t mean “only at the office” or “only at a job site.” If you were doing something as part of your job — answering emails, attending meetings, lifting boxes — and you were hurt, you may have a claim.

But here’s the catch:

📌 You have to prove the injury happened during work duties.

📌 You need clear documentation.

📌 The timing and nature of the injury really matter.

Real Scenarios We’re Seeing More Often

✅ Slip-and-falls — Tripped over a cord while rushing to a work call? It could count.

✅ Repetitive stress injuries — Poor home setup + long hours = back, neck, and wrist pain that becomes chronic.

✅ Equipment injuries — If your employer shipped you devices or materials that caused harm, that’s on them.

✅ Mental health or burnout — In some cases, psychological stress related to remote work can play a role in claims — but it’s harder to prove and needs a strong legal strategy.

What Insurance Companies Will Argue

Don’t be surprised if the first reaction is, “You were home, that’s not our fault.”

Insurers often try to deny work-from-home claims by suggesting:

• You were “off the clock”

• You were doing something personal

• The injury was from pre-existing conditions

• You can’t prove it happened during work hours

📸 That’s why documentation is everything. Take photos. Save emails. Get medical attention right away. The more proof you have, the stronger your case.

Your Employer Still Has Responsibilities

Just because you're not in the office doesn’t mean your employer gets a free pass.

If they require you to work from home, they’re still responsible for:

• Providing proper equipment

• Ensuring you’re trained in safe work practices

• Reporting injuries properly when they occur

Employers are also required to carry workers' compensation insurance for all employees — remote or not.

Why Legal Help Matters — Even at Home

Work-from-home injury cases are nuanced and often misunderstood — even by other attorneys. They require clear storytelling, strong evidence, and deep understanding of how New York workers’ comp law is evolving.

At Lockamy & Associates, we’re already handling cases just like this. We know what’s persuasive to insurers. We know the tricks they try. And we know how to protect your rights, no matter where your desk is.

If You’re Hurt, Here’s What to Do

✔️ Report the injury to your employer immediately

✔️ Take photos of your workspace and the incident scene

✔️ Seek medical care and follow up with documentation

✔️ Don’t downplay symptoms — even minor injuries can worsen

✔️ Call a personal injury attorney before signing anything

🏠 Injuries don’t wait for the office. Whether you’re on a job site or sitting at a kitchen table, you deserve protection. Don’t let remote work become an excuse for lost compensation.

If you’ve been hurt while working from home in New York, reach out today. We’ll help you understand your rights — and fight to make sure they’re respected.