Workers’ Compensation Benefits If You Suffer Injuries While on a Business Trip

Under Florida’s workers’ compensation system, you're supposed to receive benefits to pay your medical bills and lost wages if injured while on the job. This is true no matter who was at fault in causing the injuries. However, your claim can be more complicated if you sustain an injury while on a business trip for your company.

Workers’ Comp Benefits for Business Trip Injuries

Many employees must go on business trips to meet with clients, attend conferences, or visit another company site as part of their job duties. In general, an employee is entitled to workers’ compensation benefits if he or she was engaged in a work-related activity.

What's considered an activity in the course of one’s employment can be confusing when someone is on a business trip.

Here are some guidelines:

• If you were injured while at a dinner meeting with clients or co-workers, your claim should be covered.
• If you went to dinner for personal reasons after business hours, you may not be entitled to workers’ comp for any injuries sustained.
• If you were given a lunch break like during your regular workday, any injuries you suffered during this time that you were off work may not be covered.
• If you were hurt while traveling for business, such as flying there or between locations as part of the trip, you should receive workers’ comp benefits.
• If you went on a sight-seeing excursion after work hours, or took a few extra days for a vacation, any accident wouldn't be considered in the course of your employment.
• If you sustained injuries while at the hotel, this would most likely be considered work-related and entitle you to workers’ compensation benefits.

What Happens If You Travel During Your Workday?

Some people regularly travel when performing their daily duties. Lawyers, healthcare workers, salespeople, delivery drivers, and construction workers are just a few occupations that require travel during the day. If these individuals suffered injuries in a car accident while driving to the next location or at a job site, they should be entitled to workers’ comp benefits.

Do you need to file a workers’ compensation claim for injuries you suffered while on a business trip? Our experienced workers’ compensation attorneys can explain your rights to benefits and ensure you receive rightful benefits. Call our Ormond Beach office today to schedule your free consultation.