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Normally, you can only make a workers’ compensation claim for injuries that you sustain under the scope of employment. That means an after hours work accident will generally not be covered. However, there are exceptions.
When Are After Hours Work Accidents Not Covered?
Most off-the-job injuries will not be covered by workers’ comp insurance. One of the more common claims that end up being rejected are those where a person is hurt while travelling to or from work. These cases are usually referred to as “coming and going” or “portal to portal” cases.
According to workers’ comp regulations, you won’t be covered until after you arrive at work. It ends after you leave for the day. Any injuries sustained before or after that time will not likely be covered.
What Are the Exceptions?
There are a few important exceptions to the “coming and going” rule, including:
Errands – You may be covered during your commute to work if you make any stops along the way to run errands or do special tasks for your employer.
Special Jobs – You may also be covered while commuting to or from a special job or task outside of your normal work routine. For example, if you’re injured while driving home from a dinner with clients, you may be covered.
After Hours Work – You are generally covered by workers’ comp while working, even if you’re working outside regular work hours.
Parking Lots – Parking lots and surrounding sidewalks are under your employer’s control. Therefore, if you are injured while walking through the parking lot to your car after you clock out, you are still covered by workers’ comp.
Visiting Coworkers – Typically, workers’ comp coverage ends after you leave work. However, if your employer knows that you regularly come to the office to have lunch with coworkers on your days off, you may still be covered by workers’ comp even though you aren’t working.
Workers’ compensation cases can be very complicated. It’s important that you seek professional help after a work injury. Otherwise, you may not be getting everything you are entitled to. Without the help of a workers’ comp attorney, you may be unable to get the money you need to pay for medical expenses and other bills while you’re unable to work.
The Columbus workers’ comp lawyers with Larrimer & Larrimer LLC want to ensure that you don’t have to worry about anything other than getting better. Let us handle the financial and legal matters while you focus on your recovery.