Traveling for work–Illinois workers’ compensation can cover you.

If you are injured driving to work, you generally would not be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits.  However if you travel as part of your job responsibilities, then an injury during that travel could be covered.  Traveling employees can receive compensation for medical bills and costs, and lost wages for injuries that happen during activities that are reasonable and expected for their jobs. 

Did your employer benefit from what you were doing?  If so, then if you were injured during that activity, it could be considered work-related.  For example, if your job involves visiting clients or attending out-of-office business meetings, then an accident on the way could be covered.  Also, if you make deliveries or transport work materials, these trips are part of your job.  Frequently employers provide a company vehicle, or pay you for your travel time, and these would also be evidence of being on-the-job even though you’re out of the office.

Did your employer anticipate you would be doing that activity as part of your job?  If you’re on a business trip, there are different activities that you could be involved in, that may not typically seem like work.  But if they were foreseeable by your employer, than they could be covered as work injuries if you’re hurt.  Some activities that fall into this category are dinner with a client, exercising, and some recreational activities. 

Were you acting reasonably?   Though your activity may otherwise be considered work-related for a traveling employee, if you do that activity in a way that is not reasonable, then it likely won’t be covered under workers’ compensation.  A common example of this is an injury that occurs because you drank too much and became intoxicated during a business dinner. 

Coverage for workers that travel for their jobs can be a bit less obvious than many on-site job injuries.  Speaking with an attorney that is experienced in this area can help you to get the benefits you are entitled to.  Please call us if you would like to discuss this further or have any questions.

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.