Your Injury May Still Qualify for Workers’ Compensation in California
You didn’t expect the company softball game to end in an ambulance ride. Or maybe you slipped on spilled drinks at the holiday party your manager said was “required.”
When you're injured during a mandatory work event in California, the question becomes: are you still covered by workers' compensation?
The answer isn’t always clear at first, but in many cases, the law is on your side. If your injury happened during a work-related function that your employer expected or required you to attend, you may have a valid workers’ comp claim.
Mandatory Doesn’t Mean Voluntary, And That Matters
Under California law, workers’ compensation benefits apply to injuries that arise out of and occur during the course of employment. That includes more than just your regular job duties. If your employer required you to attend an event, even off-site or outside regular hours, that event may be considered part of your employment.
The key question is whether your participation was truly voluntary. If you were told or expected to be at the event—and especially if the employer benefited from your attendance—the event likely falls within the scope of employment. That means an injury you suffer there may entitle you to compensation.
What Types of Work Events May Be Covered?
Examples of mandatory or quasi-mandatory events where injuries may be covered include:
- Team-building exercises or training retreats
- Corporate-sponsored athletic events
- Holiday parties, company picnics, or awards banquets
- Charity functions where attendance is required or strongly encouraged
If your employer asked you to attend an event with a connection to work, such as promoting morale, improving team communication, or representing the company, then the law may consider the event work-related for the purposes of workers' comp benefits.
What to Do After a Workplace Event Injury
Whether your injury involved a twisted ankle during a trust fall or something more serious, report the incident right away. Delaying can make it harder to prove your case. Be specific about the nature of the event and why you were there. If emails, schedules, or conversations indicate the event was mandatory, those details matter.
Too often, employers try to claim these injuries fall outside the scope of employment to avoid responsibility. Insurance companies are quick to agree, especially when the event occurs outside of working hours or at an off-site location. That’s when having an experienced workers’ compensation attorney on your side makes all the difference.
How Robert A. McLaughlin, APC Can Help
Attorney Robert A. McLaughlin has helped injured workers across San Diego, Temecula, and Chula Vista recover the benefits they deserve, even when employers or insurers attempt to deny coverage. These aren’t easy cases. The burden often falls on the worker to prove that the injury happened within the scope of employment.
That’s why we take a proactive, aggressive approach from day one. We investigate how the event was organized, what communications were sent, and what expectations were placed on employees. We fight back against claim denials and work to get you the full medical treatment, wage replacement, and compensation you’re entitled to under California law.
Don’t Let an Offsite Injury Derail Your Life
Just because the injury happened away from your desk doesn’t mean it isn’t work-related. If you were hurt at a mandatory work event, you may have a strong case—and we’re here to help you build it.
Are you unsure if you have a valid workers' compensation claim in California? Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with a San Diego workers’ compensation attorney who stands up for injured workers. Robert A. McLaughlin, APC, is ready to help you move forward.
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