Injuries Suffered While Traveling for Work
In New Jersey, as in all states, workers’ compensation benefits are available to injured workers without evidence or proof of negligence by the employer. Generally, the only requirements to qualify are evidence that you were injured and that the injury occurred while you were working.
In the first blog in this series, we looked at injuries that occur while you are on a break or at a company social event. In this part, we’ll consider your rights if you suffer an injury while traveling for your job. What if you are in a motor vehicle accident on your way to or from work or while driving to visit a customer? What if you suffer an injury while away at a work-related conference, sales meeting, or training session?
Injuries Suffered During a Commute Are Generally Not Covered by Worker’s Comp
As a general rule, injuries suffered while you are going to work at the beginning of your shift or heading home at the end of the day are not considered work-related. There are, however, some exceptions:
- If you take a detour from your normal commute to do something for your employer, at your employer’s request, and you are injured during the detour, you may be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits. For example, if your boss asks you to stop by the post office or pick up bagels for the office on your way to work, you may qualify for benefits.
- If you leave home and go directly to a customer’s office, you may also be eligible.
Injuries Sustained While Attending a Work-Related Conference, Meeting, or Training Session
Most injuries suffered at conferences, meetings, and training sessions are covered by worker’s comp, unless the activity you were engaging in was wholly personal and not related to your attendance at the event. A slip-and-fall at the hotel where a conference is being held will typically be covered. Injuries suffered in a motor vehicle accident on your way to or from a conference event will also be covered. You may even be able to recover worker’s comp for injuries suffered while away from the meeting center to get something to eat. However, injuries suffered while working out at the hotel fitness room may be deemed a wholly personal activity and not work-related.
Contact the Cintron Firm
At the Cintron Firm, LLC, we offer more than 14 years of experience to people in New Jersey facing a broad array of legal challenges. Attorney Mark Cintron has worked as a prosecutor and has extensive courtroom experience, so he’s always ready, willing, and able to protect your interests before a judge or jury. Contact our office online, or call us at 201-791-1333 or 917-494-5695 to set up an appointment.
