Though employers are required to provide workers’ compensation benefits to employees who are on the job, have you ever wondered if your morning and evening commutes are covered? Though it may seem as though these incidents should be covered, in most cases, they’re not. Read on for additional details on workers’ compensation coverage and the daily commute.
Your Commute and Workers’ Compensation
Generally, the answer is no, commute times aren’t covered. This is known as the “coming and going” rule of workers’ compensation; it excludes injuries suffered in traffic during the everyday commute. While employees aren’t covered on typical commutes, they’re sometimes covered while they’re away from work. These situations include those listed here:
- Getting hurt at an off-site work function
- Being injured while commuting in a company car
- Getting hurt when serving as a bus driver, police officer, or delivery driver
- Being injured on a business trip, even if it happens outside of work hours
- Any other work-related driving that results in injuries
Additionally, an on-call employee may receive workers’ comp benefits beginning the minute they’re called in to work, even if they’re hurt in their own homes. A workers compensation injury lawyer Fountain Valley can provide more details.
Proper Reporting is Crucial
Anytime you’re hurt and you feel that you may be eligible to receive workers’ comp benefits, it’s extremely important to report the injury as quickly as possible. A timely report helps the company’s insurance carrier properly investigate the claim and make educated decisions.
Call Today for Legal Advice
If you think that you’ve been unfairly denied workers’ comp benefits, contact a workers compensation injury lawyer Fountain Valley right away. Visit website.com to fill out an online contact form or call The Law Offices of Norman J. Homen to schedule a no-obligation consultation.
