Can You Get Workers’ Compensation if You Get Hurt During a Work Break in Pennsylvania?

November 26, 2024 | Workers’ Compensation

Can You Get Workers’ Compensation if You Get Hurt During a Work Break in Pennsylvania?

If you’re injured during a work break in Pennsylvania, you might wonder whether you’re eligible for workers’ compensation benefits. Reading about how workers’ compensation laws apply to injuries sustained during breaks can help you navigate your rights and options.

Understanding Workers’ Compensation in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania’s workers’ compensation system provides benefits to employees who are injured on the job or develop work-related illnesses. These benefits can cover medical expenses, lost wages, and rehabilitation costs. However, you might be wondering–does this coverage extend to injuries that happen during a break?

Injuries During Work Breaks

In many cases, injuries sustained during a work break are still considered work-related. The key factor is whether the injury occurred within the “course and scope” of your employment. Here are some considerations:

  • Location: Were you on your employer’s premises or a location related to your job?
  • Activity: Were you engaged in an activity that benefits your employer?
  • Authorization: Was the break permitted by your employer?

Below are further discussions of considerations that might affect your particular case. 

On-Premises Breaks

If you’re injured while taking a break on your employer’s property, such as in a break room or cafeteria, you are generally covered by workers’ compensation. For example, slipping on a wet floor in the company kitchen is likely a work-related injury.

Off-Premises Breaks

Injuries that occur off the employer’s premises can be more complicated. If you leave the workplace for a meal or personal errand and get injured, coverage may or may not apply depending on the facts of the case.

A few examples where an off-premises break might qualify include:

  • Running work errands: If you’re hurt while picking up supplies for the office during your break
  • Company events: Injuries at employer-sponsored events or gatherings
  • Mandatory breaks: Accidents that happen during required rest periods

There are situations where workers’ compensation may not apply to break-time injuries as well, regardless of where the injury took place. These include:

  • Personal errands: If you were doing something entirely personal and unrelated to work
  • Unauthorized activities: Engaging in activities prohibited by your employer
  • Substance use: Injuries occurring while under the influence of drugs or alcohol

The unique facts and circumstances of your case will largely dictate your legal options. Contacting an experienced attorney for a free consultation is one of the best steps you can take in this situation.

What To Do if You’re Injured During a Break at Work

If you suffer an injury during a work break, take these steps:

  • Report the injury: Notify your supervisor or employer immediately.
  • Seek medical attention: Get prompt medical care and keep records and receipts.
  • Document the incident: Write down details about how and where the injury happened.

From here, contact an attorney as soon as you can. If there’s any doubt about coverage, a workers’ compensation lawyer can provide guidance.

Navigating workers’ compensation claims can be challenging, especially when injuries occur during breaks. An experienced attorney can help you:

  • Understand your rights: Clarify whether your injury is covered
  • File claims properly: Ensure all paperwork is completed accurately
  • Appeal denied claims: If your claim is denied, an attorney can assist with the appeals process

Your attorney can guide you through the workers’ comp process while you focus on your health and recovery.

Getting hurt during a work break in Pennsylvania doesn’t automatically exclude you from receiving workers’ compensation benefits. Coverage depends on various factors, including where and how the injury occurred. It’s important to act promptly, report the injury, and seek legal advice if needed to protect your rights. If you need help, contact Marzzacco Niven & Associates as soon as possible to schedule a free consultation.

If you’ve been injured in a personal injury, please contact Marzzacco Niven & Associates at the nearest location to schedule a free consultation today:

Harrisburg Law Office
945 East Park Drive, Suite 103 Harrisburg, PA 17111
(717) 231-1640

York Law Office
2550 Kingston Road, Suite 210A York, PA 17401
(717) 995-8998

Wyomissing Law Office
833 N. Park Road, Suite 103, Room A Wyomissing, PA 19610
(717) 388-2325

Chambersburg Law Office
79 St. Paul Drive, Suite 1 Chambersburg, PA 17201
(717) 388-2378

Carlisle Law Office
354 Alexander Springs Road Carlisle, PA 17015
(717) 995-8732

Carbondale Law Office
30 Lincoln Avenue, Suite 101 Carbondale, PA 18407
(717) 995-8810

Lancaster Law Office
2173 Embassy Drive, Ste 123, Lancaster Pa 17603
(717) 616-2954

Lebanon Law Office
937 Willow Street, Suite D Lebanon, PA 17042-1140
(717) 995-8963