Injured While Attending a Company Function

Those who attend holiday parties and teambuilding activities are likely doing so to spend time with co-workers outside of the normal confines of the work week. But what happens if you are injured while attending a company function? Is it considered a work-related injury, or are you on your own to handle the fallout? The short answer is it depends. But the legal allowances surrounding Pennsylvania’s Workers’ Compensation may surprise you.

While a typical Workers’ Compensation claim offers medical treatment and lost wages for work-related injuries or disease, the definition of work-related activities has extended the umbrella of coverage to include some social events in Pennsylvania. Although each case is considered unique with its own set of circumstances that determine whether or not a company can be held negligent, there are certain guidelines that will predetermine whether an injury can be associated with the workplace. For example, if the event is believed to be mandatory or would in any way further one’s career, it is said to be a work-related function.

What Constitutes a Work-Related Event?

Other criteria that may help to sway the decision on whether the event is work-related or not include:

• Who paid for the event? If an employer pays to host an event, such as an off-campus venue or pays to have it catered, then an argument can be made that it is a company event.

• Who attended the event? Similarly, if an event hosts clients, customers, or vendors and individuals are paid to work the event, it could be considered a company event.

• What was the event? If the event is mandatory or is considered detrimental in contributing to an employee’s success, it could aid in bolstering the argument of being a company event.

• When was the event? If it was held during office hours, it helps to build a case that it is a work-related event.

What Are Common Accidents at a Company Function?

While no one wants to think that a fun outing of bonding can turn into a trip to an urgent care, there are certain accidents that are considered “common” in office party or teambuilding settings.

They include:

• Slips, trips, and falls: Wet floors caused by melting snow tracked in by patrons are not an uncommon occurrence in bars, restaurants, and other gathering places during the holidays. Spilled food and drinks also can cause hazardous conditions on hard surfaces. Outside areas that are not properly shoveled and salted can cause a nasty spill if individuals are not aware of dropping temperatures and freezing surfaces.

• Activity injuries: Teambuilding and party games can sometimes lead to fierce competition, resulting in unintended injuries.

• Car accidents: Traveling to and from events means it is possible to get into a fender bender along the way. Add in adverse weather conditions, and some may slip off the road and into an emergency room.

Get Advice on Company-Function Liability from the Philadelphia Workers’ Compensation Lawyers at Freedman & Lorry, P.C.

A night out with co-workers is never supposed to end in tragedy. Therefore, if an event occurred during work hours or on the clock that left you questioning whether you can hold your employer accountable for an outing gone wrong, talk to the Philadelphia Workers’ Compensation lawyers at Freedman & Lorry, P.C. For a free consultation, call 888-999-1962 or fill out our online form. With offices in Philadelphia and Cherry Hill, New Jersey, we proudly serve clients in Pennsylvania and New Jersey.