Workplace Injury

Was Your Injury Work-Related? – Part Two

Black and Davison

Is Your Injury Work-Related—Part Two

In the aftermath of a workplace injury in Pennsylvania, you have a right to seek workers’ compensation benefits, provided you can show that you suffered an injury and that the injury occurred while you were on the job. In an earlier blog, we looked at whether injuries suffered on a break or while traveling are covered by workers’ compensation. Here are couple other situations where your employer may try to deny your workers’ compensation claim by alleging that your injury did not happen during the course of your employment.

Injuries Sustained at a Company Outing

Many companies have team-building events, such as golf outings or trips to concerts, shows or other attractions. Unfortunately, people are often hurt on these excursions, and employers will attempt to argue that no work was conducted at the event, so any injury suffered was not work-related.

As a general rule, you are entitled to pursue workers’ compensation benefits for injuries you receive at a company event or outing, whether or not attendance is mandatory. Your claim may be denied, though, if your employer can show that you behaved unreasonably and that behavior caused your injury. For example, if you became inebriated at a company function and fell and hurt yourself, you may have a difficult time recovering workers’ compensation benefits. If your employer provided the alcohol, though, you’ll have a better chance of recovery.

Injuries Caused by Your Own Carelessness or Misconduct

As a general rule, workers’ compensation is available regardless of fault—your employer must provide you with benefits regardless of who caused the accident. However, if you intentionally injure yourself, or if you engage in behavior that you know is in violation of company policies or safety guidelines, you could lose your right to recover workers’ compensation benefits.

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