Every state has workers’ compensation laws that will pay for a worker’s medical bills and a portion of lost wages should they become injured or fall ill at their place of employment. Workers’ compensation is no-fault, meaning negligence does not have to be a factor in order for workers to collect benefits.
What happens if a worker’s injury or illness occurred while they were on a business trip? Is it possible to still collect workers’ compensation benefits?
If you are injured or become ill while on a business trip and performing a work-related activity, then you are likely covered under workers’ compensation law. For example, if you suffered an injury while working at the company booth at an out-of-state convention, then you will likely be covered.
Workers’ compensation coverage largely depends on when and where the injury occurred and if it occurred while you were within the scope of your employment.
Travel as Part of Work
Some jobs require the worker to travel as part of their normal work day, such as a nurse that travels between seeing patients. Should an injury or illness occur while they are traveling to see patients, then that situation might be covered under workers’ compensation; it largely depends on when the injury occurred. If the nurse is injured on the way to their first patient or on their way home from their last patient, then they might not be covered, as this is their normal commute.
Injured During Commute
Because all persons are subject to hazards of travel, like car accidents, during their normal commute to and from work, then any injury that occurs during that commute is likely not coverable. Traveling to and from work is not considered an action within the course of employment.
Filing a Workers’ Compensation Claim
If you have been injured during your business trip, the first step is to contact your employer to file a claim. You should also seek medical attention as soon as possible, and be sure to save any medical documents related to your injury.
You should contact your employer right away, and do not wait until you return from your business trip, regardless if the injury seems minor. When you return, you may have to go see the doctor your employer recommends. Be sure to keep track of dates and times of what happened, any medical treatments you received while you were away, and document anything else related to your injury.
Chester County Workers’ Compensation Lawyers at Wusinich, Sweeney & Ryan, LLC Help Workers With Injury Claims
If you suffered an injury on the job, even if it occurred while you were on a business trip, contact one of our Chester County workers’ compensation lawyers at Wusinich, Sweeney & Ryan, LLC for help. Call us at 610-594-1600 or fill out our online form for a free consultation. Located in Exton, Pennsylvania, we proudly serve clients in Downingtown, West Chester, Exton, Coatesville, Phoenixville, Malvern, Lyndell, Wagontown, Uwchlan Township, Parkesburg, Chester Springs, Lancaster County, Reading, and Morgantown.