According to the law, employees are entitled to workers’ compensation if they get injured while doing their job. That might not always happen at the place of employment.
The laws are pretty clear when it comes to injuries suffered at your place of employment. If you get injured while doing your job, then you are entitled to workers’ compensation to cover the costs of medical treatment and lost wages. But, what happens if you get injured while on an employee training program? Do the same rules apply or should you consider other options?
What Does the Law Say
According to the law, employees are entitled to workers’ compensation if they get injured while doing their job. That might not always happen at the place of employment. If you are an electrician and are sent to fix a client’s electrical system and get injured, then you have the right to file a claim for compensation. The rationale is that you wouldn’t have suffered the injury if it weren’t for your job.
The same goes for employee training programs. Although you are not doing your job per se, you are there as a result of it. So, if you get injured while attending a webinar, then you can file for compensation.
But, if you are out of town at an employee training program and decide to extend your stay and get injured during those extra days, then a worker’s comp claim would likely not be approved.
Real-life is a bit more complex and events aren’t always so cut and clear. It can be difficult to distinguish between what is considered work-related and what not. That’s why it’s best to always consult with your St. Louis workers compensation attorney and present them your case.
What to Do if You Get Hurt
It doesn’t matter if you get injured at the office, during a business trip or while on an employee training program. How you react and the measures you take can affect the value of your claim. If, for example, you postpone seeing a doctor, then the insurance company might argue that your injuries aren’t really that bad and lower the amount offered.
Here are the steps that you should take:
- Report the incident to whoever is in charge of the establishment you are at.
- Document the incident. Take pictures, get the contact information of witnesses, and so on. Don’t rely on your memory as things can get blurry in time.
- Seek medical attention even if you think that you are feeling fine. Let your doctor know that you got hurt while at the job.
- Inform your employer about the accident.
- Contact a St. Louis work injury attorney and let them know the details of the event. They will be able to help you gather the necessary documents and file a claim.