Are Injuries Sustained at Company Events Covered Under Workers’ Compensation?

Regardless of whether you’re someone who loves to socialize with your co-workers or you prefer to keep your work and personal life separate, attending company events can be an exciting and interesting experience for many. Unfortunately, however, if you have sustained injuries at a company event, it’s imperative to know your right to seek workers’ compensation for the damages you’ve suffered. The following blog explores what you should know about these matters, including the importance of working with a Florida workers’ compensation lawyer to assist you through these difficult times.

Is Workers’ Compensation Available for Those Hurt at Company Events?

Filing a claim for workers’ compensation when you are not technically on the clock can be confusing. As such, under Florida law, you’ll find that benefits are only available if someone was injured in the course and scope of their employment. As such, the courts must determine if the employer mandated, sponsored, or benefited from the event. For example, if your employer is holding a mandatory meeting off the typical job site, and you sustain an injury during the meeting, you would likely be eligible to recover compensation for your damages.

However, if the event is not organized by your employer, such as a pickup basketball game with your co-workers over the weekend or injuries that occur following the end of a mandatory event, your employer would likely not face liability. In general, you are typically only eligible to recover workers’ compensation when your employer is in control of the event.

What Types of Company Events Can Lead to Claims?

Understanding the types of company events where injuries are likely to occur can help you determine whether or not you have a valid claim to pursue. Generally, if you are participating in a mandatory team-building event that involves physical activity, you can suffer sprains, fractures, traumatic brain injuries, and even neck and back injuries.

However, on the other end of the spectrum, corporate parties and banquets, while not physically demanding, can result in injury in the event you suffer food poisoning or a slip and fall. Generally, if this is a mandatory event, or something held to reward employers or promote your company, you are generally eligible to recover compensation for the damages you’ve suffered.

You should also note that, in the event you are injured while traveling to a mandatory event, like a conference or training seminar, you may be eligible for compensation under the “traveling employee doctrine.”

What Should I Do Following an Injury At a Company Event in Florida?

In the event that you are injured while participating in a company event, it’s imperative to understand your legal options. Generally, you should report the injury to your employer as soon as possible. You should also seek immediate treatment from an employer-approved provider, unless the injury constitutes an emergency, in which case you should seek immediate medical care at your nearest hospital.

If you are physically able to, you should also collect as much evidence as possible. This includes taking photos or videos of the injuries that you have suffered, the conditions that caused the injuries, emails or memos of the event, and agendas showing work-related components of the event.

As you can see, navigating the workers’ compensation process when your injury didn’t technically occur during your regularly scheduled hours can be incredibly difficult. That is why it’s in your best interest to connect with an experienced attorney with the Law Firm of Kevin A. Moore. Our team will examine your circumstances to help you fight for the compensation you deserve.