You are injured at the company picnic. You fall ill after years of breathing in toxic fumes in the factory. You are in a car accident on your way to work. Are all of these situation’s covered by workers’ compensation? The answer is this: It depends. Not all workers’ compensation claims are cut and dry. Location matters. Read on to discover whether or not your injury may be covered.
The Company Picnic
You and the co-workers are playing a pickup game of basketball at the company picnic. You come down from a layup and twist your ankle. The good news is that you are probably covered. In general, any injuries that occur during a work-sponsored event like a picnic, party, or outing, are covered.
Traveling
Traveling, accidents, and coverage is not so cut and dry. If you are driving to work and involved in an accident, your injuries are typically not covered. If, on the other hand, you are driving to or from work in the company vehicle, you will be covered. If you are traveling to a meeting that is condition to your employment, you are probably covered.
Breaks
Unless you are injured in the company’s cafeteria, don’t expect to be covered by workers’ compensation. If you decide to go off property for your break or lunch, you are taking your health and safety into your own hands. Any injuries or illnesses that occur during your break time are typically not covered unless you are on property and, even then, you are in a bit of a gray area.
Misconduct
What about misconduct? Let’s say you are well-versed in the company’s safety rules but choose to participate in a bit of horseplay. As a result of your misconduct, you are injured. Surprisingly, chances are good that you will be covered by workers’ compensation. This is because workers’ comp tends to be a no fault insurance, meaning that you are covered no matter who or what can be blamed for your injury.
Mental Trauma
Your injuries don’t have to be physical to be covered. If you are traumatized at work, you stand a good chance of winning a workers’ compensation claim. You will have to prove that you were indeed subjected to some type of emotional distress on the job.
If you are unsure as to whether you have a valid claim, a workers’ compensation attorney can assist you. Call our office today for a free consultation. We are here to help you in any way that we can. Call now.
