When an employee is traveling for work and is injured, are they covered by workers compensation?
If you’ve been injured at work, due to accidents such as a slip on an oil spill, or a fall from scaffolding that wasn’t properly secured, you can claim workers compensation benefits. Such cases are fairly straightforward, and there is no reason that your claim won’t be approved. However, if you are injured on your commute to or from work, then how would you stand?
When it comes to workers compensation, there is a ‘going and coming’ rule that applies. If you are driving, for example, from the office, to a site or other place of work, perhaps you are a real estate agent driving to a property for a viewing, or an architect visiting a construction site. These would all be considered as going and coming and if you get into an accident on your commute, it is likely that you would be covered by workers compensation. The travel must be related to your job, but there are some exceptions that it is worth knowing about. St. Louis worker injury lawyer explains these exceptions in detail.
Commuting Using a Company-Owned Vehicle
While your own car is not included in the going and coming rule, a company car in most states would be included. It may be covered for any work related activity, or it could be covered for commuting from a fixed location.
Travel as Part of Your Main Duties
Jobs that involve driving are usually covered. This would include truck drivers, state troopers etc. If an injury occurred in your vehicle during your duties on the job, then you would likely be covered by workers compensation.
Traveling Between Sites
If your job entails traveling between multiple sites, then you are also likely to be covered. For example if you are an electrician or a gardener visiting several homes and businesses.
Commercial Traveling
If you are on a business trip, the time spent traveling for a meeting or conference is likely to be included for workers compensation as you were only on the journey for the purpose of work.
Contact a St. Louis Work Injury Lawyer
Workers compensation rules may differ from state to state, and moreover, each case is different. So, it is best to seek legal advice from a competent and experienced St. Louis workers compensation lawyer.
At the Law Office of James M. Hoffmann, we have helped thousands of Missouri workers get the workers compensation benefits they need and deserve. Call us today at (314) 361-4300 or fill out our online contact form to request a free consultation.