Imagine leaving work late one evening, slipping on a wet floor in the lobby and injuring yourself. Although you were not technically on the clock, you were still on company property after finishing a work-related task. Do you have recourse through workers’ compensation, or are you on your own?
The law recognizes that work-related activities can extend beyond regular working hours. Depending on the circumstances, workers’ compensation may still cover injuries suffered after clocking out.
Workers’ comp may still be an option
Your situation’s specifics will usually determine your eligibility for workers’ compensation benefits. Consider the following factors:
- Time and place of the injury: Was the injury sustained during work hours or on the employer’s premises?
- Connection to work duties: Did the injury occur while you were performing a work-related task or traveling for business?
- Employer’s control: Was the employer exercising control over the situation or environment where the injury occurred?
Some situations where post-work injuries may qualify for workers’ comp include injuries on company property, during work travel, business trips or company-sponsored events.
The key is to prove that the injury is related to your job duties or occurs while performing work-related tasks. Establishing this causal connection may be more difficult if you sustain an injury after work.
Even if you are unsure about the circumstances of your injury, make sure to report it to your employer as soon as possible. This action can help strengthen your claim, establish a clear link between your work and the injury and recover the compensation you need.
Fortifying your case to obtain compensation
The clock may stop ticking when you leave the office, but the risk of injury does not. Consult a workers’ compensation attorney in New Jersey immediately after a work injury. This way, you can safeguard your health, rights and financial security.