Many people assume workers comp only applies when an accident occurs during scheduled work hours or at a workplace, but that is not always true. In certain situations, injuries that happen away from the office, job site, or factory floor can still qualify for workers comp, depending on why you were there and how closely the activity was connected to your work.

Being injured outside of work may affect employees who travel, run errands, attend off site meetings, use their own car for job duties, or work away from a fixed location.

Coverage often depends on whether the activity that led to the injury benefited the employer or was part of a work related responsibility, even if it happened during a break or outside normal hours.

Workers Comp Eligibility in California

California workers comp law focuses on whether an injury arose out of and occurred in the course of employment. This does not strictly mean the injury had to happen at your workplace or during a scheduled shift. If you were performing a job duty, following an employer’s instruction, or doing something that benefited your employer when the injury occurred, you may still be eligible for workers’ compensation, even if a car accident happened away from your usual work location.

Timing and documentation can be just as important as the activity itself. Reporting the injury promptly, explaining how it relates to your job duties, and seeking medical care right away can help protect your claim.

Delays or incomplete explanations often lead to denials, especially when the injury happened outside a traditional workplace, so it is important to be clear about the work connection from the start.

What Qualifies as a Work-Related Injury?

Workers comp determinations are based on the relationship between the injury and the employment, not just the location of the accident. Decision makers look at whether the activity was reasonably connected to the job and whether the employer benefited from it in some way. A personal injury can still be considered work related even if it occurs off site or outside normal work hours.

Another factor is the level of employer control at the time of the injury. If the employer required the task, directed how or when it was performed, or expected the employee to be available, that connection can support a claim. When the activity was voluntary, personal, or unrelated to job duties, coverage is far less likely.

In the Event of a Work-Related Injury

If you are injured while performing a work related activity outside of your usual workplace, documenting the details becomes especially important.

Your employer is required to provide you with a workers comp claim form, and completing it accurately can affect whether your claim is accepted or denied.

Workers comp claim form will ask:

• When the injury occurred
• Where it occurred
• What you were specifically doing at the time
• How the activity was connected to your job duties

Be specific and factual when describing the circumstances, and submit the form as soon as possible to avoid delays or disputes over coverage.

Consider the Help of an Attorney

Navigating the world of workers comp can be complicated, especially if you are unsure if your injury qualifies for coverage. Injuries outside of work may still be eligible for compensation, but only if they happened during your employment or while performing work-related activities. If you have been injured at work in California, it is important to speak with a skilled workers’ compensation attorney who can help you navigate the complex process of filing a claim.

Let Us Help

At Barkhordarian Law Firm, our California workers comp attorneys put you and your best interests first.

It’s our goal to pursue the benefits you deserve and seek the most favorable outcome possible on your behalf. We fight for employees because we know how challenging this situation can be for you. We’ll be there for you every step of the way.