Business trips often blur the line between work and personal time. You might attend a conference during the day, then head out for dinner with colleagues in the evening. So, what happens if you’re injured while away from your usual workplace? Does workers’ compensation still apply?
If you’ve been hurt while traveling for work, you may be able to get compensated for an injury. Workers’ compensation coverage for travel-related injuries can be complicated, depending on the circumstances. Let’s explore when coverage applies, what exceptions exist, and how a qualified attorney can help you navigate your case.
When Are You Covered on a Business Trip?
In most states, including Minnesota, workers’ compensation covers employees for injuries “arising out of and in the course of employment.” When you’re on a business trip, the scope of employment often extends beyond standard office hours and job duties.
You may be covered if you were in these situations.
- Traveling to or from a work meeting or client visit
- Attending a required training or conference
- Carrying out business-related errands during the trip
- Staying in a hotel arranged by your employer
- Driving a company vehicle or using a rental car for business purposes
Courts generally recognize that traveling workers are continuously “on the clock,” so long as their activities are related to the purpose of the trip. That’s good news if you were, for example, walking to dinner after a client meeting and slipped on an icy sidewalk.
In such cases, it’s crucial to consult a work accident lawyer in Minnesota to review your claim and guide you through the process.
Common Examples of Covered Travel Injuries
Some travel-related injury scenarios that may be covered include the following.
- A car accident en route to a meeting
- A fall in a hotel lobby while checking in
- Food poisoning from a conference luncheon
- An injury from lifting luggage needed for the business trip
- Assault while attending a work-related event
Keep in mind: Even if the injury didn’t happen during a specific job task, the fact that you were required to be on the trip at all could entitle you to benefits. That’s why many people turn to job injury attorneys in Minnesota to prove a work connection in complex claims.
When Workers’ Compensation May Not Apply
Not all activities on a business trip are automatically covered. Workers’ compensation may not apply in the following situations.
- Personal Frolic: If you deviate from the trip’s purpose for personal reasons, such as sightseeing, shopping, or visiting friends, any injuries sustained during these activities may not be compensable.
- Illegal or Reckless Behavior: Engaging in illegal or reckless activities that result in injury could disqualify you from benefits.
- Unapproved Travel: If the business trip was not authorized or arranged through your employer, your claim could be denied.
Every case is different. Even if your employer denies your claim based on these exceptions, that doesn’t mean your situation is hopeless. A workers’ compensation lawyer near Minneapolis can help you determine whether your injury still qualifies under state law.
What Benefits Can You Receive?
If your business trip injury is deemed compensable, you may be eligible for several types of benefits.
- Medical expenses: Coverage for hospital visits, therapy, prescriptions, and more
- Temporary total or partial disability benefits: Income replacement if you can’t work for a period of time
- Permanent disability: Compensation for long-term impairment
- Vocational rehabilitation: Support to help you return to work or retrain for a new role
These benefits can make a significant difference in your recovery process and your financial stability, which is why it’s so important to work with a job injury attorney in Minnesota who knows how to handle out-of-state and travel-related claims.
When To Call a Lawyer
The longer you wait, the harder it can be to prove that your injury was work-related. A knowledgeable workers’ compensation lawyer near Minneapolis can help you gather the right evidence, meet critical deadlines, and negotiate with insurance providers.
At Osterbauer Law Firm, our team of dedicated job injury attorneys in Minnesota understands the complexities of travel-related claims. Whether you’re dealing with denied benefits, unclear coverage, or out-of-state medical issues, we’re ready to help you fight for what’s fair.
Contact Osterbauer Today
If you were hurt while traveling for work, don’t assume you’re out of luck. You may still have a valid claim under Minnesota’s workers’ compensation laws.
Contact Osterbauer today to schedule a consultation and start your comeback journey. We’ll review your case, explain your options, and stand by your side every step of the way.
Whether you need a work accident lawyer in Minnesota or just someone to listen, we’re here to help you move forward with confidence.