Ohio employees are entitled to workers' compensation benefits if they suffer an injury at the workplace. Even though it may seem obvious to some people, it's not always easy to determine what qualifies as a workplace injury. For example, what happens if you are hurt during a lunch break? Because you were not technically working during the accident, are you still covered by workers' compensation?
It's hard to say yes or no either way; in short, it depends on the situation. There must be some connection to the job or the workplace. If you were shopping and slipped and fell on the floor of a store, then workers' compensation would not apply. However, if you were running errands for your boss or doing something else work-related when you suffered the injury, then you may be entitled to workers' compensation benefits.
The same would apply to injuries sustained in a car accident during a lunch break. What were you doing when the crash happened - picking up fast food or taking a client to a business lunch? In addition, if you were on company-owned property during the lunch break (such as a cafeteria or parking lot), then workers' compensation would likely apply in those situations as well.
Of course, eligibility for benefits depends on the state laws that apply. Workers' compensation can be a difficult area to navigate, with the workplace constantly changing. Plus, your particular injury may not be covered under workers' compensation. A workers' compensation lawyer can review each unique case and determine if you did indeed suffer a workplace injury and are entitled to benefits.
Source: FindLaw, "What Types of Injuries are Compensable Under Workers' Compensation?," accessed Dec. 27, 2014
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