Whether you knew it when you signed up or your job gradually evolved, you may be one of those employees that spend more time away than at your desk. You know that workers' compensation covers you for most accidents and illnesses that happen on the work site, but what about when you are out of town or out and about for business purposes? To find out more, read on.

What Does Workers' Compensation Insurance Cover?

You can expect a number of worthy benefits from your employer's insurance plan, such as:

1. Full payment of all associated medical care

2. A partial amount of short-term disability pay during your recuperation period

3. A lump sum or structured settlement for any permanent injuries

4. Other benefits related to a permanent injury such as rehabilitative services, job training, and more.

When You are Away

Whether you have a job that requires you to fly out or travel by car or a job that has you on the local roads all the time, you will still be covered by workers' comp. The rules can have slight variations depending on the state, but in most cases, you are covered for:

1. Errands that were directly ordered by your supervisor, such as picking up lunch for the boss, going to the post office, or having some work-related printing done at the local printer.

2. Time spent attending events, conferences, and training away from your main work campus.

3. Attending work-mandated recreational and social events. In some workplaces, the annual employee awards (and bonus checks) might be given out at the company picnic and an injury or illness there would be covered if you were expected or were compelled to attend.

4. If you had to fly or drive out of town to attend to anything specifically work-related you are covered from the time you leave your home until your return. So, if you get hurt assembling a display at an industry convention, you are covered.

Limits on Coverage

It may be convenient to tack a few days of leisure time onto your trip to Las Vegas for business purposes, but any injuries encountered during this time won't be covered. It doesn't matter if you were actually taking paid time off, just that you were participating in activities that had nothing to do with work. The line can be muddy, such as with social occasions. You would need to prove that your career depended on taking part in any after-work activities to have coverage.

If your injury situation falls into the "gray area" speak to a workers' comp attorney right away.

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