In Georgia, employers are responsible for providing safe working conditions for their employees and also covering them with the necessary insurance just in case they ever get injured while on the job. It’s reasonable to think that this coverage should also include the coming or going to work. But it may not be what you expect.
The going and coming rule of workers’ compensation
One of the key elements needed to qualify for workers’ compensation is that the employee’s injury is directly related to their job or has occurred as a consequence of their work. If you have completed your shift and clocked out, you are free to do what you please, so workers’ compensation laws or other job-related regulations may not apply to you. Thus, if you were to get into an accident, your employer’s policy won’t cover you. But there are exceptions.
Exceptions to this rule in Georgia
If you were commuting in a company car and experienced an accident, you may be eligible to file for workers’ compensation. You might even have a better chance of making a successful claim if you were running an errand on behalf of the company.
Another exception could be if you got hurt in the company’s parking lot. Even if you were not on the clock, workers’ comp could still apply to you because that lot is part of your work environment.
It’s also possible to claim workers’ compensation if you use commercial transportation for work. For example, taking a taxi to a business meeting in a different location from your usual workplace may make you eligible for benefits.
Given the intricacies of the Going and Coming Rule in workers’ compensation, it is vital to stay informed and understand its implications on your daily commuting activities. A precise understanding of the rule will help you ascertain if you qualify for compensation in case of any unfortunate incidents while commuting. If uncertain, you can always apply for workers’ compensation to see if your employer’s insurance company might grant it.