Car Accident Lawyer

When it comes to workers’ compensation coverage, it is not always easy to figure out if you qualify for benefits. What happens if you are injured while traveling, on a lunch break or when on the sidewalk at work? These are tougher situations. When it comes to workers’ compensation, here are some instances where you may be surprised to learn that you could ask for benefits.

Job Site Travel Coverage

While commutes generally are not covered by workers’ compensation, you may wonder about transportation between job sites. When you’re traveling between job sites, you might be eligible. This is because you are traveling on the behalf of your employer. The travel is a part of your job and it is in your employer’s interest. If you are in a wreck going to and from different job sites, then you may deserve benefits. If you are commuting to your home, however, you are not qualified.

Lunch Break Coverage

Lunch breaks can be complicated when it comes to workers’ compensation coverage. If you suffer food poisoning at your business’s cafeteria or suffer an injury while eating at your desk, then in some states, you may be eligible for benefits. If you leave the building to run personal errands then you are probably nor eligible for workers’ compensation. The exception is if you leave work to go on a business lunch. In that case, you are acting on your employer’s interest. The same goes for running errands for your boss on the lunch break.

Sidewalk Coverage

Most people know that workers’ compensation covers injuries once you begin your workday. What happens when you first arrive on the premises? If someone hits your car in the parking lot or if you slip and fall on the sidewalk outside of the building, are you eligible? Most of the time, coverage begins as soon as you step on your employer’s property. If you’re on a sidewalk that the employer controls and if you slip on ice or snow, then the employer is liable for it. While car accidents during the commute are not covered, once you arrive in the company parking lot, you are now on property controlled by your employer. So, you may be covered under workers’ compensation.

Workers’ compensation coverage can be complex, particularly when you are not performing your standard work duties. It’s important to know the different scenarios where you may receive benefits. Consult with a workers’ compensation lawyer in Wytheville, VA today to find out if you qualify.

Thanks to The Law Offices of Mark T. Hurt for their insight into workers compensation and injuries that occur during lunch breaks or work trips.