Are Injuries Sustained During Recreational Time Considered Work-Related?
Recreational time is an important part of our lives. It enables us to relax and unwind from the demands of our work. However, what happens when we are injured during recreational time? Are these injuries considered work-related, and therefore eligible for workers’ compensation?
If you sustained injuries during recreational time, you might want to speak with a lawyer to determine whether your injuries can be considered work-related and whether you are entitled to receive workers’ compensation benefits. Our Baltimore workers’ compensation attorneys at Berman | Sobin | Gross LLP can review the facts surrounding your injury and help you determine whether or not your injury is compensable.
What Is Recreational Time?
Recreational time is any time when we are not working or conducting work-related activities. This includes activities such as going to the gym, playing sports, or going on vacation. While employers encourage their employees to engage in recreational activities, injuries that occur during this time are not always eligible for workers’ compensation.
Can You Receive Workers’ Compensation for Injuries Sustained During Recreational Time?
According to the Maryland Workers’ Compensation Commission, for an injury claim to be compensable, the worker’s injury must arise “out of the employment.”
In general, you cannot receive workers’ compensation for injuries sustained during recreational time. This is because workers’ compensation is only applicable to injuries sustained while performing job-related duties. However, there are exceptions to this rule.
Did Your Employer Require Your Participation in the Recreational Activity?
If your employer requires you to participate in a recreational activity, then injuries sustained during that activity may be considered work-related. This includes activities such as company-sponsored sports leagues or team-building exercises. If your employer requires your participation, then any injuries sustained during the activity may be eligible for workers’ compensation.
Were You Paid to Participate in the Recreational Activity?
If you were paid to participate in the recreational activity, then injuries sustained during the activity may be considered work-related. This includes activities such as coaching a company-sponsored sports team or leading a team-building exercise. If you were paid to participate, then any injuries you sustained during the activity may be eligible for workers’ compensation.
Did Your Company Sponsor the Recreational Activity During Which You Were Injured?
If your company sponsored the recreational activity during which you were injured, then your injuries may be considered work-related. This includes activities such as company picnics or holiday parties. If your company sponsored the activity, then you may be able to receive workers’ compensation benefits for injuries sustained during the activity.
Need Help Determining Your Eligibility for Workers’ Comp? Contact a Lawyer
Injuries sustained during the recreational time are generally not considered work-related and therefore not eligible for workers’ compensation. However, there are exceptions to this rule, such as when your employer requires your participation in the activity or if the activity is company-sponsored.
A thorough review of the facts will help you determine whether your injuries are eligible for workers’ compensation. That is why you might want to contact our skilled lawyers at Berman | Sobin | Gross LLP to get answers to your questions and discuss your best course of action. Call 800-248-3352 to get a free case review.
Source:
wcc.state.md.us/gen_info/wcc_benefits.html
