You are on a business trip, rushing to a meeting, when suddenly you trip and injure yourself. You are miles from home, facing medical bills and missed work. It is a stressful situation, made even more complicated by the question of workers’ compensation.
Can you claim benefits for an injury that occurred outside the usual work environment? The short answer is yes, but it depends on the circumstances.
Determining your eligibility for workers’ comp is crucial
Generally, if you were injured while performing work-related duties, you are eligible for workers’ comp benefits even if you are away from your usual workplace. Consider the following:
- Were you traveling for work purposes at the time of the injury?
- Were you engaged in work-related activities when you suffered the injury?
- Did your employer require or expect you to be at the location where you sustained the injury?
- Did your injury occur during a reasonable period before or after your work-related activities?
In California, the “going and coming” rule typically excludes injuries that occur during your regular commute to and from work. Different rules apply when you are traveling for business.
The law may consider your entire trip, including travel time and hotel stays, as work-related in this situation. This means injuries sustained during these periods often qualify for workers’ comp.
What if you were on a break or doing something unrelated to work when you sustained the injury? In that case, you may not be eligible for benefits.
Working with a legal professional can help
Despite legal protections, securing your rightful benefits can be tricky. Insurance companies usually find ways or reasons to deny claims, and employers might not always be supportive.
This is why it is crucial to understand your rights and the claims process. Having a skilled California attorney on your side can be advantageous. Your lawyer can guide you in meeting the strict requirements and deadlines and represent you if your case goes to a hearing.