Business Travel
As we set forth in the first blog in this series, there are only two requirements to qualify for workers’ compensation benefits in New Jersey. First, you must have been hurt or become ill, and second, the injury or illness must have occurred while you were on the job or been caused by events that occurred while you were performing work-related tasks. In many instances, it’s obvious whether your injuries were work-related, but there are some circumstances where it may not be as clear.
Injuries Sustained While Traveling for Business
If your job requires you to travel, whether periodically or on a daily basis, situations can arise where you may or may not qualify. As a general rule, if you are injured while traveling for work, you’re eligible for workers’ comp benefits. For example, if you’re driving to a client’s office for a meeting, or headed to the post office to mail work-related items, you’re entitled to benefits for any injuries sustained. You generally can’t get workers’ compensation for injuries suffered during your commute or while taking lunch off the premises. However, if you pick up food for others at the request of a supervisor, or engage in work-related tasks while on the road (for example, delivering a package or buying office supplies), any injuries sustained while engaged in those work-related activities are covered.
If you attend conferences, workshops, seminars or conventions for work, the following rules generally apply:
- Injuries sustained on your way to and from the conference, or while traveling to and from conference events while there, are covered.
- Injuries suffered in essential activities while at a conference—going out for dinner, attending sessions, etc.—are covered.
- Injuries suffered while engaging in wholly personal activities—going to a health club, visiting Disneyland or other tourist attractions—are not covered.
Contact the Law Offices of David J. Karbasian, PC
Send us an e-mail today or call us at 856-667-4666 / 856-600-HURT to schedule an appointment. We are currently communicating with clients by phone, text message, or videoconference. Evening and weekend consultations are available upon request.
