We recently had a client who said to me, “I travel a lot for business. If I’m hurt while on a trip, am I covered by workers’ compensation?” This is an excellent question. As a general rule, workers’ compensation is designed to protect you while you are at work and doing your job. So what happens when your job takes you out of the office or away from your work site? Will workers’ compensation cover injuries such as from car accidents on business trips?
The good news is, yes! You are covered while on a business trip. The reason is that the entire purpose of your trip is work-related. Therefore, in most circumstances, any injury that occurs is going to be while you are performing your job.
This includes automobile accidents. Even if you were at fault, you are still eligible for workers’ compensation. This is because workers’ comp is a no-fault system. Its purpose is to cover lost time and wages due to a work injury; the fault is not taken into account when determining workers’ comp. Therefore, workers’ comp does not treat an automobile accident any differently than it would treat a fall in the workplace.
Workers’ comp will even cover you when you’re traveling out of state or out of the country, provided you are traveling for business. And this does not just apply to injury — if you become ill while in a foreign country, you could qualify for benefits.
If you’ve been injured while on a business trip, don’t hesitate to call an experienced attorney at Oxner + Permar for a free consultation. We’re dedicated to making wrongs right, and ensuring that you get the benefits you deserve.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Am I covered by workers’ compensation if I am injured during a business trip?
Yes, you are generally covered because the entire purpose of your trip is considered work related. Since you are performing your job duties by traveling, most injuries that occur during the trip qualify for benefits.
2. Does workers’ comp cover car accidents if the crash was my fault?
Yes, workers’ compensation is a no-fault system, meaning your eligibility for benefits does not change even if you caused the accident. The system is designed to cover your lost wages and medical bills regardless of who was at fault for the collision.
3. Are car accidents treated differently than other types of workplace injuries?
No, workers’ compensation does not treat an automobile accident differently than a slip and fall at your primary office. As long as the accident occurs while you are acting within the scope of your employment, you are entitled to the same protections.
4. What happens if my business trip takes me out of the state or the country?
Your coverage remains in effect even when you travel across state lines or international borders for business purposes. As long as the travel is required for your job, you are protected by workers’ compensation laws.
5. What specific costs does workers’ compensation cover after a travel accident?
The system is primarily designed to cover your medical expenses and compensate you for lost wages due to your injury. It ensures that you do not suffer a financial loss because of a work related accident while you are away from the office.
6. Does coverage apply to illnesses contracted while traveling for work?
Yes, workers’ compensation protection extends beyond physical injuries to include illnesses you might contract during your trip. If you become sick because of your work related travel, you are eligible to seek benefits for your recovery.
