When an employee sustains an injury while performing work-related duties, worker’s compensation benefits cover medical costs and lost wages until he/she makes the best possible recovery. However, what happens if an employee suffers an injury during his/her morning or evening commute?
In order to obtain workers’ comp benefits, the injury must occur at the workplace or during the course of employment that benefits your employer. But based on the “going and coming” rule, injuries that happen while commuting to and from work isn’t covered.
Yet, there are several exceptions to this rule, such as the following:
- Special missions – If your boss gives you cash and requests you purchase the office coffee prior to work the following morning, this is considered a special mission. Any injuries that occur while performing extra tasks that benefit your employer outside or normal work hours (i.e. in the morning, during your lunch break, or in the evening) is covered by workers’ comp benefits.
- Work-related travel – Business trips are also covered by workers’ comp benefits. Let’s say you’re on a business trip and you are involved in a car accident while driving to a meeting with a client. Because you’re on the business trip for the benefit of your boss, your injury during the commute to the meeting can be viewed as job-related.
- Injuries on the employer’s premises – If you sustain an injury in an accident in the parking lot of your job—either while arriving in the morning or leaving in the evening—you can claim workers’ compensation. Besides the building or office, parking lots, sidewalks, and even the grassy areas are all considered the employer’s premises.
It is not uncommon for employers and their insurers to deny workers’ comp claims—even legitimate ones. That is why having an experienced attorney on your side can help you obtain the maximum benefits necessary to recover from injury.
If you have been injured while working in Norman, OK, contact the Law Offices of Keith J. Nedwick, P.C. today at (866) 590-8173 and request a free case review.