Workers’ compensation is meant to cover your expenses and lost wages if you are injured at work. What if you are in an accident doing a job-related duty while off the clock or away from your workplace? Contrary to what you and other Ohio residents may assume, you are not necessarily out of luck if this happens.
Workers’ compensation can cover you when you are clocked out or away from your workplace in numerous situations, as FindLaw explains. The following examples can clarify:
- Your boss asked you to stop by his post office box on your way home from work, and you tripped on the curb and sprained your ankle walking into the post office.
- You were in a car accident driving back to work from buying office supplies.
- The overhead compartment above you opened during a business flight, and a suitcase fell out and struck you on the head.
- You got food poisoning from contaminated potato salad at the company barbecue.
As you can see, workers’ compensation applies for a job-related injury or illness that occurs during the scope of your job duties, even if you have already clocked out or, in the case of the barbecue, are involved in a company-sponsored event. Additionally, the going-and-coming rule may allow workers’ compensation to cover your injuries if you are hurt on company premises before or after you clock out – for example, if you are hit by a car while walking to the office from the parking lot.
Since workers’ compensation is a complex topic, this information should not replace the advice of a lawyer.
