An Italian woman employed at the University of Padua has successfully won a legal case to receive compensation after suffering an ankle fracture while working from home. The incident occurred during a Zoom meeting when she got up to retrieve documents, resulting in a fall that fractured her ankle in two places. The woman's injury required surgery and extensive medical treatment, lasting over four months, and was a significant strain on her both physically and financially.

Initially, she was denied any compensation from Inail, the national insurance body responsible for covering workplace injuries, as the accident took place at her residence. This ruling unexpectedly placed the financial burden of the medical bills squarely on her shoulders, which included costs related to her recovery, such as hiring a wheelchair. The woman sought help from her union, Federazione Gilda Unams (FGU), leading her to appeal the initial decision in Padua’s labour court.

The ruling, announced by Judge Maurizio Pascali, has been celebrated as a major victory for workers' rights. By recognizing home-office accidents as eligible for workplace injury compensation, it sets a precedent that could have widespread implications for remote workers in Italy and potentially beyond. This decision highlights the importance of adapting workplace policies and insurance frameworks to better protect employees who work from home and face similar risks during their professional duties.