Stephen Hasner | Workers' Compensation | May 23, 2024
Suffering an injury at a company party can be a distressing experience, especially when it leads to questions about workers’ compensation coverage. Whether it’s a jovial holiday celebration or a team-building outing, the line between work-related activities and personal leisure time can blur, leaving employees uncertain about their rights to compensation. In such situations, understanding the factors that determine eligibility for workers’ compensation benefits is crucial to understanding your rights. Navigating these complexities can be overwhelming, but with the right guidance and support, you can ensure your rights are protected.
Determining eligibility for compensation hinges on several key factors, including the work-related nature of the event, the scope of employment during the incident, and the presence of reckless or intoxicated behavior. At Hasner Law, our Atlanta workers’ compensation lawyers are here to provide the support and guidance you need to pursue the benefits you deserve for your injuries sustained at a company party. Contact us today for a consultation, and let us help you get the justice you deserve.
Can Workers’ Compensation Cover Injuries You Suffered at a Company Party?
If you’ve sustained injuries at a company-sponsored event, such as a holiday party or team-building outing, you may wonder if you’re eligible for workers’ compensation benefits. While the answer can vary depending on the circumstances of the event and the nature of your injuries, there are some key factors to consider.
Was the Event Work-Related?
One of the primary factors in determining eligibility for workers’ compensation benefits is whether the event was considered work-related. If the company party was organized or sponsored by your employer and attendance was either required or strongly encouraged as part of your job duties, any injuries you sustained during the event may be covered by workers’ compensation. However, if attendance was purely voluntary and the event was unrelated to your job responsibilities, it may be more challenging to make a case for coverage.
Did the Injury Occur During the Scope of Employment?
Even if the event was work-related, your injuries may only be covered by workers’ compensation if they occurred within the scope of your employment. This means that the injury must have happened while you were engaged in activities which furthered the interests of your employer or while you were performing duties incidental to your employment. For example, suppose you were injured while participating in a team-building exercise or while socializing with colleagues at the party. In that case, your injuries may be considered to have occurred within the scope of employment and could be eligible for coverage.
Was There Reckless or Intoxicated Behavior Involved?
In some cases, workers’ compensation claims for injuries sustained at company parties may be denied if the employee’s actions leading to the injury were deemed reckless or if the injury occurred while the employee was under the influence of drugs or alcohol. If you were injured due to your own reckless behavior or while intoxicated, it’s important to consult with an experienced workers’ compensation attorney to understand your rights and options for pursuing a claim.
Contact an Experienced Workers’ Compensation Attorney Today
Injuries sustained at company parties can cast a shadow over what should be moments of celebration and camaraderie. However, understanding your rights and options under workers’ compensation laws is essential for seeking the support and compensation you need to recover. Remember, if you’ve been injured at a company-sponsored event, you don’t have to face the complexities of the claims process alone.
Don’t wait to seek the help you need. Contact Hasner Law today for a consultation and let our team of dedicated attorneys assist you in pursuing the compensation you deserve for injuries sustained at a company party. With our extensive experience of over 100 years of combined experience and commitment to client advocacy, we’ll work tirelessly to ensure your rights are upheld and that you receive the support you need during this challenging time. Reach us through our contact form or by calling (678) 888-4878.
