Understanding Workers’ Compensation for Work-Related Travel Injuries

Common Accidents During Business Travel

Business travelers face various risks depending on the nature of their journey. Here are some of the most common accidents that occur during business trips:

1. Car Accidents

Car accidents are by far the most frequent cause of injuries during business travel. Whether you’re driving your own vehicle, a company car, or a rental, you’re exposed to the hazards of the road. Accidents can occur due to your own mistakes, the negligence of other drivers, or even factors like poor road conditions or weather. Those who rely on rideshare services like Uber or Lyft while traveling for work are also at risk of being involved in a crash, whether caused by the rideshare driver or another motorist.

2. Slips and Falls

Slips and falls are another common source of injuries during business travel. Whether you’re navigating a busy airport, rushing through a hotel lobby, or walking down a restaurant aisle, the risk of slipping or tripping is ever-present. Wet floors, uneven surfaces, poor lighting, and cluttered walkways can all contribute to slip and fall accidents. These incidents can result in serious injuries, such as fractures, sprains, or even head injuries.

3. Pedestrian Accidents

Pedestrian accidents are a significant risk for business travelers, particularly in unfamiliar cities where you may not be as familiar with traffic patterns or local road rules. These accidents often occur due to distracted drivers, pedestrians not following traffic signals, or inadequately marked crosswalks. In some cases, faulty or malfunctioning traffic signals can also contribute to pedestrian accidents.

4. Air Travel Injuries

Air travel, though generally safe, carries its own set of risks. Business travelers can suffer injuries during turbulent flights, when heavy luggage falls from overhead bins, or while boarding and deplaning. The confined spaces of an aircraft cabin can make it difficult to avoid injury if turbulence occurs unexpectedly. Additionally, accidents on the jetway or within the airport itself, such as tripping over luggage or slipping on a wet floor, can also result in significant injuries.

Can You File for Workers’ Compensation if Injured on a Business Trip?

The short answer is yes, you can typically file for workers’ compensation if you are injured while traveling for work. When you are on a business trip, most of your activities are considered work-related, and any injury that occurs during this time may qualify for workers’ compensation.

Understanding the “Scope of Employment”

To be eligible for workers’ compensation, the injury must have occurred while you were acting within the “scope of your employment.” This means that your activities at the time of the injury must have been directly related to your job duties or required by your employer. For example, if you were driving to a business meeting or running an errand at the request of your employer and were injured in an accident, you would likely be covered under workers’ compensation.

However, if you were engaging in activities that are not directly related to your job, such as sightseeing or visiting friends during your free time on a business trip, injuries sustained during these activities may not be covered by workers’ compensation.

Workers’ Compensation and Commuting Injuries

One of the most common questions our clients have is whether they can file for workers’ compensation if they are injured while commuting to or from work. Generally, the answer is no. Injuries sustained during your daily commute are typically not covered by workers’ compensation, as commuting is considered a personal activity rather than a work-related one. This exclusion also applies to accidents that occur during lunch breaks or while running personal errands during work hours.

Exceptions to the Rule

There are, however, some exceptions to this rule. If your job requires you to travel between different work sites during the day, injuries sustained while driving from one site to another may be covered by workers’ compensation. Similarly, if you are required to run a business-related errand during your commute, such as picking up supplies or dropping off documents, any injury sustained during this task may be eligible for workers’ compensation.

What If Workers’ Compensation Doesn’t Cover All My Expenses?

In some cases, workers’ compensation may not fully cover all of your expenses, particularly if your injury results in significant long-term costs or if there are complications in your case. If workers’ compensation does not provide adequate compensation, you may have the option to pursue additional damages through a personal injury lawsuit. This is particularly relevant if a third party was responsible for your injury, such as a negligent driver in a car accident.

Consulting a Personal Injury Attorney

If you believe that you may be entitled to additional compensation beyond what workers’ compensation offers, it is important to consult with a personal injury attorney. An experienced attorney can help you explore your legal options and determine whether you have a valid personal injury claim. They can also assist you in negotiating with insurance companies and ensuring that you receive the maximum compensation available for your injuries.

Contact Pond Lehocky Giordano Today

If you experienced an injury while traveling for work, you may be eligible for workers’ compensation. We offer free consultations with our attorneys so that we can help you better understand your legal options and the strength of your case. For more information, call Pond Lehocky Giordano LLP at 1-800-568-7500 or fill out our contact form today.