Tennessee Supreme Court Rules Telecommuters Eligible for Workers’ Compensation
The Tennessee Supreme Court issued a ruling which will affect those who work from home in Tennessee:
In a case of first impression, the Tennessee Supreme Court expanded the coverage of workers’ compensation statutes to include those employees who work from home or maintain home offices. The court addressed the issue in an opinion released on November 16, 2007, Wait v. Travelers Indemnity Company of Illinois, Tennessee Supreme Court No. 2005CC-321.
The plaintiff worked for the American Cancer Society in Nashville. When office space was lacking, she was allowed to convert a spare bedroom in her home into office space. The employer furnished the necessary office equipment and the plaintiff’s home office functioned as her work place. No designated work hours were set and plaintiff did not open her house while working; her normal routine was to lock the doors and set the alarm. On the date of injury, the plaintiff opened the door to a neighbor who ultimately assaulted and severely injured her while she was preparing lunch. The trial court granted summary judgment to the employer and the Supreme Court accepted review.
The article continues.
Opportunities await! Get paid for blogging.
Special offer: Get a FREE Work-at-Home Success Kit worth $50 when you sign up to find hundreds of freelance jobs.