As more California workers transition from remote work back to in-person office environments, many are encountering an unexpected reality: workplace injuries can happen anywhere — even in an office. Whether you're navigating a slippery lobby floor, lifting office equipment, or simply sitting in a poorly set-up workstation, the risk of injury is real.
Contrary to popular belief, workers’ compensation isn’t just for construction workers, warehouse employees, or other high-risk industries. Office workers are also entitled to the same legal protections if they’re injured on the job — whether it’s a slip-and-fall accident, repetitive strain injury, or even emotional distress caused by returning to a high-stress work environment.
But many employees returning to the office after a long period of remote work aren’t sure where they stand. Is the injury covered if it happened at the office? What if it occurred on the first day back? Do hybrid or part-time workers qualify for workers’ comp?
At Tim Wright Law, we help injured workers across Southern California understand their rights and navigate the California workers’ compensation system. With offices in both Van Nuys and Burbank, attorney Tim D. Wright offers compassionate, experienced representation for office employees who’ve been hurt while returning to the workplace.
Whether your claim was denied, delayed, or you just don’t know where to start, we’re here to help — with no upfront fees and a clear focus on getting the benefits you deserve.
If you were injured while returning to your office job, you may be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits — regardless of who was at fault. California’s workers’ comp system is designed to protect employees who suffer injuries on the job or in connection with their job duties, including those in seemingly low-risk environments like offices.
Under the California Labor Code § 3200 et seq., most employers are legally required to carry workers’ compensation insurance. This no-fault system means that injured workers do not have to prove their employer did anything wrong. You only need to show that:
If you qualify, workers’ compensation in California can provide several important benefits, including:
In California, nearly all workers are covered if their employer has one or more employees, including:
So if you’re returning to the office after working remotely — whether full-time or hybrid — and you suffer an injury related to your work duties or environment, you’re likely eligible for workers’ comp.
Even if you’ve been working from home for months (or years), your status as an employee remains the same. If you're injured while performing your job duties — or in the workplace itself — you are still entitled to workers’ compensation benefits under California law.
Whether you're:
…you're generally covered, as long as the injury happened in the course and scope of your employment.
Employers are still legally required to provide a safe and healthy work environment, even after a long period of remote work. If your return to the office exposes you to hazards — like slippery floors, broken furniture, poor lighting, or unsafe stairwells — your employer may be responsible if you're injured as a result.
Even something as seemingly minor as tripping over a box of office supplies or straining your back while lifting a computer monitor can lead to a legitimate workers’ comp claim.
That said, some employers and insurance companies may try to dispute your claim, especially if:
If your employer or their insurance carrier challenges your claim, your evidence will make the difference. Keep records of:
Under California law, most injuries that occur while commuting to or from work are not covered by workers’ compensation. This legal principle is known as the “Coming and Going Rule.”
Why? Because commuting is generally considered a personal activity, not one that falls within the scope of your job. So if you’re driving from your home in Van Nuys to your office in Burbank and are injured in a car crash along the way, that commute itself isn’t usually covered.
But, as with many legal rules, there are exceptions — and they can make all the difference in whether you qualify for benefits.
If your employer asks you to run an errand or make a work-related stop on your way to or from work — such as picking up supplies or delivering something — you may be considered on a “special mission.” In these cases, the commute becomes work-related, and injuries sustained during it can be covered.
If your employer provides transportation, such as a company shuttle, vanpool, or vehicle, and you’re injured during that ride, you may be covered by workers’ comp. The key factor is whether the transportation was arranged or required by your employer.
If your job requires frequent travel or you don’t have a permanent worksite (e.g., sales reps, home healthcare providers, technicians), your travel time is typically considered part of your job. So if you're injured while traveling to a client site or between locations, you may qualify for workers’ comp.
Even if you're not yet inside the office, if your injury occurs on the employer’s property — such as in the parking lot, sidewalk, or building entryway — it may still be covered. Courts have found that if the area is owned, controlled, or maintained by the employer, then the injury may fall within the scope of employment.
Injuries can happen even in seemingly “safe” office environments — especially as employees return to physical workplaces after extended periods of remote work. Whether you slipped on a wet floor, strained your back while moving equipment, or experienced a workplace injury during your transition back, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits under California law.
Don’t let confusion, denial, or delay stand in the way of your recovery.
At Tim Wright Law, we understand the challenges of today’s evolving work environments. We’re here to help you navigate your rights, ensure your injury is taken seriously, and fight for the full compensation you’re legally owed — including medical care, lost wages, and long-term support if needed.
Van Nuys Office (Workers’ Comp & Injury)
📍 16555 Sherman Way, Suite B2, Van Nuys, CA 91406
☎️ (818) 428-1080
Burbank Office (Workers’ Comp & Personal Injury)
📍 1112 W. Burbank Blvd., Suite 302, Burbank, CA 91506
☎️ (323) 379-9995
📧 Email: firm@timwrightlaw.com
🌐 Website: www.timwrightlaw.com
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