Can You File A Workers’ Comp Claim if Injured during a Company Event?

You slip and fall at the office holiday party or pull a muscle at a company softball game. The question is, can you file a workers' comp claim if injured during a company event? The answer isn’t always simple. Whether workers' compensation covers the injury depends on a key legal concept called the course of employment. At Davidoff Law Personal Injury Lawyers, we help injured workers navigate these complex claims and secure the workers ' compensation benefits they deserve.

Some injuries that occur at company-sponsored events may be covered, while others, especially during purely recreational periods, may not. Workers' compensation coverage can include medical expenses, disability benefits, and lost wages if the injury is deemed work-related. Our workers' compensation lawyer helps employees injured at off-site or on the employer's premises understand their rights and legal options.

The Core Legal Test: Was the Injury "In the Course of Employment"?

Workers' compensation laws provide benefits for injuries that arise in the course of employment. This means the accident must be connected to your job duties and occur within your work hours or at a work-related location. For company events, courts examine whether the employer derived a benefit from the event, such as team building or networking, and how involved the employer was in planning or supervising.

Factors that courts consider include whether the event was mandatory, whether the injured worker was performing a job-related activity, and whether the injury occurred during a recreational period that was part of the course of employment. We review these factors carefully to determine if workers' comp covers the injury. Our experienced workers' compensation lawyers guide injured employees through this evaluation to help them file a workers' comp claim and secure potential benefits.

Key Factors That Determine Compensability

No single factor determines whether workers' compensation covers an injury at a company-sponsored event. Courts look at all circumstances to decide if the accident is within the scope of employment. Factors include the employee injured, the nature of the work event, and whether the employer benefits from the activity. Understanding these elements is key to filing a compensation claim. We guide injured workers through this analysis to ensure proper coverage.

Employer Control and Mandatory vs. Voluntary Attendance

Mandatory events, those required or strongly encouraged by the employer, are more likely to be covered by workers' compensation. Even so-called voluntary events can be deemed work-related if there is implicit pressure to attend. For example, if the employer monitors attendance or links participation to performance evaluations, the accident may still fall under the scope of employment. We help employee injured at these events evaluate their claim and determine eligibility for workers' comp benefits, even for off-the-clock injuries.

Benefit to the Employer

Courts also consider whether the employer received a benefit from the event. If the activity improved morale, promoted team building, or supported client relations, injuries sustained may be covered by workers' compensation. Purely social events, with no business purpose, are less likely to qualify. We review the employer’s involvement and business benefit to build a strong compensation claim for injured employees.

Time, Location, and Nature of the Event

Events held on company property during work hours are more likely to be covered. Events at a remote location, after hours, or purely social in nature may not be. Courts weigh the nature of the work event and the connection to job duties when determining workers' compensation coverage. We assess all factors, including location and timing, to ensure injured employees understand their rights under state law and can pursue proper benefits.

Common Company Event Scenarios and Likely Outcomes

The likelihood that workers' compensation covers a workplace injury at a company-sponsored event depends on the type of event, the timing, and the employer's involvement. Common scenarios include:

• Holiday Party (On-site): There is a high likelihood of coverage, especially if attendance is mandatory and the event occurs during work hours.
• Holiday Party (Off-site): Coverage is a gray area; it depends on whether attendance is required and if business-related activities occur.
• Team-Building Retreat: High likelihood of coverage due to clear employer benefit and connection to job duties.
• Company Picnic or Softball Game: Moderate likelihood; courts often recognize improved morale as a business benefit.
• Informal Happy Hour: Low likelihood; generally considered outside the scope of employment and purely social.

Our experienced workers' compensation lawyers carefully evaluate each situation, review the employee's injury, and assist injured workers in filing a compensation claim. We offer a free consultation to discuss the event, the injuries sustained, and potential workers' comp benefits available under state law.

Types of Injuries Commonly Seen at Company Events

Company-sponsored events can be fun, but injuries do happen. Common injuries include:

• Slips, trips, and falls at banquet halls, conference rooms, or outdoor venues, especially on wet or uneven surfaces.
• Sports-related injuries occur during recreational activities, such as softball games, team-building exercises, or fitness challenges.
• Food poisoning or allergic reactions from catered meals or snacks provided at the event.
• Vehicle accidents while traveling to or from a company event, including off-the-clock injuries.

What to Do If You Are Injured at a Company Event

If you are hurt, seek medical care immediately to protect your health and document the injury. Report the injury to your manager or supervisor as soon as possible, ideally in writing. Take photos, gather witness contact information, and keep notes about how the injury occurred.

Please do not assume your injury is not covered; professionals should determine whether it is within the scope of employment. Consult with an attorney before giving any recorded statements to the insurance company. We provide a free consultation to guide injured workers on filing a workers' comp claim and protecting their rights under state law.

Why You Need an Attorney for These Complex Claims

Claims from company-sponsored events are often contested. Insurance companies frequently deny these claims at first. We, as experienced workers' compensation lawyers, gather evidence to show the employer benefited from the event and had control over it.

We handle all negotiations and appeals with the workers’ compensation board to secure workers' comp benefits for injured employees. Our team also evaluates potential third-party claims, such as a venue’s liability or negligence by a coworker, if the workers' compensation claim is denied. Hiring an attorney ensures your legal right to compensation is fully protected.

Frequently Asked Questions

My employer says the event was voluntary, so I'm not covered. Is this true?

Even if attendance was voluntary, a work-related injury may still be covered by workers' compensation if the employee suffers the injury during a work event and the employer benefits from the activity. Courts consider the legal definition of the scope of employment and whether attendance was implicitly required.

What if I were injured while traveling to or from a company event?

If the travel is part of your job or the employer is legally responsible for the event, injuries sustained may be eligible for workers' compensation benefits. Accidents during travel are evaluated on a case-by-case basis to determine if the insurance company must cover injuries.

Can I be fired for filing a claim for an injury at a company party?

No. State law protects employees from retaliation when they file a workers' comp claim for a work-related injury. You have a legal right to pursue compensation even if co-workers witnessed the incident.

What if my injury happened at a required training seminar off-site?

Required events off-site are usually within the scope of employment, so injuries occurring there are typically covered by workers ' insurance. We review the employer's responsibilities and the circumstances to help the injured employee pursue their accident claim.

How long do I have to report a company event injury?

State laws set deadlines for reporting workplace injuries. Reporting quickly protects your right to workers' compensation benefits and ensures the insurance company cannot deny coverage. We advise injured workers to notify their employer as soon as the accident occurs.

Contact Our Experienced Workers' Compensation Lawyer for a Confidential Consultation

An injury at a company-sponsored event creates a legal gray area. Insurance companies may initially deny claims, but you do not have to accept that decision.

Contact Davidoff Law Personal Injury Lawyers today for a free consultation. We will evaluate your case, determine if your injury is covered by workers ' compensation, and fight to secure the workers' compensation benefits you may be entitled to under state law.