A reader asks:
I was forced to participate in one of those "team building" exercises. Normally I’m a salesman, but for this a group of us went in to a conference room and did a bunch of time wasting activities. In the "trust fall", my knee gave out when catching someone and I have a torn meniscus. The insurance company told me that because it wasn’t part of my job activities I don’t have a case. Are they right?
In short, no. The key thing you said was "forced" to participate. Would anyone do team building for any other reason? Because it was mandatory for your employment it is part of your job activities even if it’s not what you normally do. Another example of how you shouldn’t just trust what the insurance company tells you.
A similar question came from a caller recently:
I was offered a discount to join a health club through work. It wasn’t mandatory, but I felt like it was a good idea because my boss was doing it too. Long story short is I tore my rotator cuff while working out. Do I have a claim?
For that one we’d need to know more, but probably not. It wasn’t a mandatory activity. Unless your job preparation involves working out e.g. a dancer, athlete, trainer, etc. then it’s probably not a case.
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.
