Every occupation comes with its share of risks and hazards. If you sustain an injury or develop an illness while at work, you may be eligible for financial restitution pursuant to Louisiana Workers’ Compensation laws. But what happens if you sustain an injury on your way to work?
Generally, workers’ compensation is designed to cover injuries that are sustained at work. Whether you will be eligible for workers’ comp if you are hurt on your way to work largely depends on something known as the “Going and Coming” rule.
Understanding the “Going and Coming” rule
The “Going and Coming” rule applies to workers who commute to and from the workplace. This rule exempts your employer from responsibility if you’re hurt while commuting to and from work. In other words, any injury that you sustain outside of the workplace or outside the scope of your work cannot be covered by workers’ comp.
There are some exceptions
You might be eligible for workers’ comp if you are hurt on your way to or from work under the following circumstances:
When you are running a special errand
If you sustain an injury while running an errand or performing a task that has been sanctioned by your employer, then a special errand exception may apply. For instance, if your employer instructs you to drop an invoice or collect a check at a client’s store on your way to work, then you can be eligible for workers’ comp.
When your employer is providing transportation
If you are hurt while riding in a vehicle that is provided by your employer, and at the direction of the employer or with their knowledge, then you may be entitled to workers’ compensation.
If you are hurt on your way to work, you may be eligible for workers’ comp benefits. Understanding Louisiana workers’ compensation laws can help you assert your rights and interests when pursuing benefits following a work-related injury or illness.
