No compensation for work party injury, unless attendance was required
If you get hurt at a work picnic or holiday party, you’re probably not eligible for workers’ compensation. It’s generally seen as outside the boundaries of a compensable work injury.
The exception is if you were required to be at the event. If so, you may have a good argument for benefits – medical coverage, lost wages, etc. If you simply felt obligated to be there, that’s probably not enough.
As you may suspect, there are gray areas. If the purpose of the event was to entertain or speak with clients, you may be able to argue for workers’ compensation benefits.
Aside from workers’ compensation, there may be another potential claim in the case of a work party injury: if you were injured because of someone’s negligence. If your employer was negligent in maintaining their property and you were injured, you may have a personal injury lawsuit. The same thing is true if the party or event was at a restaurant or hotel. You may have a personal injury case against them, as well.
We are workers' compensation attorneys that help people with Illinois work injuries anywhere in IL via our statewide network of attorneys. Contact us and we will answer your questions or find the right lawyer for your situation.
