Office & Remote Work Injuries

Even desk jobs come with risks—workers’ comp may help you recover.

Injured at a Desk or From Home?

Work Injuries Don’t Always Happen on Job Sites

While office and remote work may seem less hazardous than construction or warehouse jobs, they come with their own set of risks. Repetitive strain, slips and falls, and even stress-related health issues can qualify for workers’ compensation benefits. At Eller Frye Law, we help office employees and remote workers across South Carolina and North Carolina file claims, navigate denials, and recover with clarity and confidence.

What You Should Know

Workers’ Comp for Less-Obvious Injuries

Repetitive motion injuries are valid.

Conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome or chronic neck/back pain from poor ergonomics may qualify.

Slip-and-fall accidents still count.

Falling in the breakroom or over exposed cords in a home office may be covered under workers’ comp.

Mental and emotional stress injuries may be eligible.

With the right documentation, stress-related conditions tied to your job may support a claim.

Remote workers can file claims, too.

Injuries that happen while working from home may be covered, depending on the circumstances.

No need to prove fault.

Workers’ comp isn’t about blame—it’s about supporting you after a work-related injury, no matter where it happens.

Office & Remote Claims in South Carolina

What Counts and What to Do Next

In South Carolina, office and remote workers are just as entitled to file a claim as field workers—if the injury occurred while performing job-related tasks. This includes conditions that develop over time (like wrist or shoulder strain) and injuries from sudden events (like slipping on a wet floor at work). Remote workers must be able to prove they were working at the time of the incident. As with all claims, it’s essential to report the injury within 90 days and seek medical care from an approved provider. If a claim is denied, you can request a hearing through the South Carolina Workers’ Compensation Commission.

Workers’ Comp FAQ for Office & Remote Workers

Understanding Your Rights in Lower-Risk Jobs

  • Can I get workers’ comp for carpal tunnel or a similar injury?

    Yes. Repetitive strain injuries like carpal tunnel syndrome or chronic back and neck pain are common in office environments. If a doctor can link the condition to your job duties, you may qualify for workers’ comp benefits. These conditions often worsen over time, so it’s important to seek help early and document the problem.

  • What if I slipped and fell in the office kitchen?

    Slip-and-fall accidents that occur in common areas at your workplace are generally covered under workers’ compensation. If the fall happened while you were on the clock or performing work-related tasks, you can file a claim. Reporting the injury promptly and seeking medical attention is key to preserving your rights.

  • I work from home—does workers’ comp still apply?

    It can. South Carolina and North Carolina recognize that remote workers may still be eligible for benefits, but the injury must have occurred during active work. For example, tripping over equipment while working at your home desk may qualify. It’s important to clearly document when and how the injury happened.

  • Can stress or anxiety from work qualify me for a claim?

    In some cases, yes—especially if the stress leads to a diagnosable medical condition and can be directly tied to your job duties. These cases can be more complex, but with proper medical documentation and legal support, you may be able to pursue a claim. Mental health claims often require additional evidence and expert testimony.


  • What if my employer says my job is “low risk”?

    The type of work you do doesn’t determine whether you can file a claim—the injury itself does. Even low-risk jobs come with hazards, and South Carolina workers’ comp law protects all employees who are injured on the job. You still have the right to file and appeal if your claim is denied.