At RMS and associated firms, business continues as usual. Our staff is remote-capable and available to handle all partners, brokers, and insureds at the present time.
Contact us today!
Executive Order for Policyholder Payments
Workers' Compensation provides financial protection to employees injured while performing job-related duties. Although it is commonly associated with workplace accidents, certain situations exist where employees may sustain injuries outside of work but still be eligible for coverage. Understanding the scope of Workers' Comp in such scenarios is crucial for employers and employees to ensure that all potential avenues of Compensation are explored.
Continue reading to learn more about the nuances of off-the-job injuries and the extent to which Workers' Compensation provides financial protection.
Workers' Compensation provides coverage to your employees for work-related injuries and illnesses. It includes on-the-job incidents and extends to injuries sustained outside of work. This comprehensive coverage ensures employees receive wage replacement and medical benefits for several job-related health issues, promoting financial security and well-being.
Workers' Compensation covers injuries sustained while your employee is engaged in work-related activities, even off the business premises. For example, the resulting damages are generally covered if your employee is involved in a car accident while running errands for work or attending a business-related event.
The "course and scope" doctrine is crucial in determining the eligibility for workers' Compensation. This doctrine establishes that for an injury to be covered, the employee must have acted within the scope of their employment at the time of the accident. The damage might not be covered if they were engaged in personal activities.
Workers' Compensation does not cover injuries occurring during the regular commute to and from work. However, exceptions exist, such as if the employee is on a business trip or running a work-related errand during their commute. In these situations, the commute may be considered a part of work-related activities and eligible for coverage.
Injuries sustained during lunch breaks are not covered as they are considered personal time and fall outside the scope of employment. However, there are exceptions; if the employee was engaged in work-related tasks during their lunch break, they might qualify for coverage under workers' Compensation.
Workers' Compensation often covers injuries sustained while participating in recreational activities organized by the employer or during work-sponsored events. It includes team-building exercises, company outings, and corporate retreats, as they are considered an extension of work-related activities and are eligible for coverage.
The boundaries between work and personal life can sometimes blur, leading to complexities in determining coverage for specific injuries. In some instances, injuries sustained while engaging in activities that benefit you as an employer may be eligible for coverage, even if not directly work-related. However, such cases require investigation and vary based on local laws and regulations.
Safeguard your business from workplace uncertainties by consulting Club Agency today. Our team of experts will provide you with a comprehensive understanding of workers' Compensation and your rights as an employer. You can contact us for a quote or call our advisor at 866- 784- 9785.
