From construction work to office work, pretty much every occupation comes with its share of hazards. And most of these hazards have something to do with the employee’s health and well-being. It is for this reason that workers’ compensation laws are in place to ensure that injured workers receive the financial restitution they deserve should they be hurt at work. But what happens if you are hurt on the way to work?
It is not uncommon for an employee to sustain an injury en route to the workplace. And whether or not such injuries are eligible for compensation largely depends on the circumstances that led to the injuries in question.
Understanding Florida “Coming and Going” rule
Basically, whether or not you are eligible for compensation for injuries sustained on your way to or from work depends on Florida’s Coming and Going rule. According to this statute, any injury you suffer on your way to work or from work like commuting does not amount to injury that arises from the course of your employment. Thus, such injuries may not be eligible for workers’ comp. This holds even if you were traveling in your employer’s car unless the injury happened while you were executing a mission that was related to your work.
There is an exception, however
Florida’s Coming and Going rule has one exception: if you are a law enforcement officer, then it is assumed that your movement to and from work in an official police vehicle amounts to work. As such, any injury you suffer may be eligible for compensation unless the injury happened while you were on personal business.
Fighting for your rights
Workers’ compensation provides financial restitution to employers who are hurt at work. Knowing your rights if you suffer a work-related injury, however, can be confusing, especially if your injuries happened away from your regular workplace.
